Neighbor and dogs ... what to do

[vtchickenlady]

First off I live in Vermont so life is a little different here, especially when it comes to livestock. I live on the side of a mountain and own land that abuts a neighbor downhill. For all the years that we have been living here we have been friendly with these neighbors, even to go so far as hanging around campfires etc. Anyway, two years ago when we first got our chickens and they were just 5 months old we had them roaming by our house when all of a sudden 2 labs owned by these neighbors showed up and chased the chicks into the woods trying to catch them. Luckly, it was summer and they were able to hide in a patch of ferns, so all was well. I called the neighbors to tell them their dogs were chasing the chicks. We came to an agreement (since their dogs run off a lot) that when they are loose that they call me to let me know so I can watch my chicks. Since then I have acquired a rooster and a border collie to protect the hens. Our border collie is now 1 1/2 and he has always played in the woods w/ the neighbors labs as well as another neighbor's dogs. The other day the lab owner called me to say that one lab was in heat and for me to keep my dog at home or else we would have some ugly puppies to which I would be responsible for getting rid of (these people breed their labs). I tried my best to be nice about it even though she was pretty *itchy on the phone. We agreed to a certain time that her dogs would be out and for me to keep mine in. As far as I know its been working. Then, yesterday I saw her in the market and she didn't mention the dogs but acted *itchy again.

I guess now is the time for me to mention that her husband carves wood bears for a living so we have to constantly listen to his chain saw. We have no zoning here so there is really nothing we can do except try to come to some kind of agreement on this issue, which has gone nowhere, btw. There is also a lot of atv noise from them, but we try to pick our battles. Anyway, seems like if you had a dog in heat wouldn't you keep your dog inside for those few days instead of expecting the whole mountainside of neighboring dogs to stay away? Especially since these dogs play with each other most of the time. I'm perplexed as to how to feel about this.

 

[Boyd]

Here's a coupla chiches....

Good fences make for good neighbors

Keep your animals on your own property

Tresspassers will be shot
Survivors will be shot again

You have to live by these guys no matter what. It'd be a good idea to make the peace, but to also live by your own creed. Your chickens and your dog stay on your property. Easy enough to do really.

 

[vtchickenlady]

I understand what you're saying but for the most part we all let our dogs run and play together. Fencing property is not an option for either of us either.

 

[Boyd]

If they are in fact breeders, then it would make good sense for them to keep their dogs home when they are in heat. Now you can string up a 5 wire electric fence area pretty easily and for much less than you think. After getting zapped a couple of times your dogs and their dogs will respect the wire.

 

[Boyd]

. sorry double post

 

[vtchickenlady]

Fencing is not an option since we have snowmobile trails all around that these neighbors use.

 

[twentynine]

Fencing not an option?

Are the snow mobile paths on your property? Fencing your own property is always an option!

 

[CTChickenMom]

Quote:
Well, they'll need to ride some where else. You need to protect what is yours. If her dog is in heat than it's her responsibility to keep her away from other dogs. She shouldn't be threatening you with rehoming pups from her dog that she knowingly let run loose while in heat. That is irresponsible on her part. Our neighbors dog comes to our house across a 3 acre field to come see my dog, who's fixed. She doesn't know that or care but I hate seeing her scrawny hide in my yard and she knows it. If I'm out in the yard, she leaves me a wide birth. I've chased her from the yard. My dog will help her out but even he gets annoyed with her and wants to come in the house to get away. This neighbor happens to be my husbands family so nothing is said.

She shouldn't have to call you telling you to keep your dogs in the house so she can let hers run. It sounds like you give a lot to her demands. Please, don't get me wrong, keeping the peace with your neighbors is important and you do have to choose your battles. My neighbors are all my DHs family, I do a lot of keeping my mouth shut. If the property is yours, fence it! Bottom line. I agree with Boyd, good fences make good neighbors. If they want to ride their sleds, they'll find another place to go. It's VT after all, there aren't too many places you can't go after a good snow up there! Fencing will eliminate the need to keep your dogs in the house for a week while hers are out. You would be the responsible neighbor. There's no reason to have to deal with any of her attitudes, put up a fence and you wouldn't have to deal with her at all.

 

[vtchickenlady]

The trails are on their property but borders ours. Frankly, I'm not up for fencing the 10 acres between us. I've also been watching a whole group of neighbor dogs (mine included) and their dog in heat for the last hour playing together down below on my property. Could be anybody's guess if she ends up pregnant. I'm just saying, I think the responsibility should lie with the owner keeping her dog inside while in heat.

 

[MareeZoCool]

You are wise - choosing your battles is very important! Dealing with the dogs is more important than chain saw noise. You are lucky the neighbors will work with you on the dog is loose alerts.

The female in heat SHOULD be kept home, safe and supervised by the owners, since they plan on breeding her, & selling her pups.