The neighbors' dog!

[noodleroo]

Most people make the mistake of thinking that you are more fond of their pets (and sometimes children) than you actually are. I like to treat people how I would like to be treated, so I would talk to the neighbor after the first incident and let them know what the problem is with their animal running loose. If they don't care any more for their pets than to ignore your request, I would call the pound and/or report them for 'dog at large'. If it is just an every once in a while occurance (like the little bugger is a real escape artist), regular old household amonia is much better than pepper spray. Same uncomfortable effect without making the dog hurt for a longer period of time (or you if the wind blows it back on you).

Never tell someone that you are going to kill their dog.

 

[horsejody]

Quote:
Never say never. Telling them flat out that I will shoot their dogs has been the only way that certain neighbors of mine have been convinced to contain their dogs. No, I'm not afraid of retaliation. I'm way scarier than they are.

 

[noodleroo]

Horsejody, I'm sure your approach works, but in the longrun its a bad idea for most people. One well worded, non-threatening warning should be all thats needed for anyone that actually cares about their animal. After that, they should EXPECT you to do something to protect your property and livestock.

I prefer the 'dog at large' law approach. I don't know where you are, but you probably have a law similar; if you see the dog roaming loose, file a case with the proper justice of the peace. The owner has to come to court and pay a fine. Make a report if you see the dog again and each time they have to go to court, the fine goes up. You don't even have to physically catch the dog, just see it running loose. They may not care about their animal or your feelings, but they probably are pretty fond of their money. Anyway, I understand your method works for you; everybody's got to do what they've got to do....

 

[horsejody]

Quote:
Here there has to be witnesses beside yourself. Otherwise, it's your word agaiinst theirs. If there's no damage, the deputy has to see the dog running at large. I can tell be reading many of the posts in the predator section that the dog laws and animal control enforcement are a joke in most areas. Our Sheriff's Dept is great, but they can't be everywhere at once. If a dog is in the yard, it may need to be handled immediately, not when law enforcement can get there. I would rather have a neighbor know that their dog is at risk before it's a problem.

 

[Birdbrain99114]

I had a neighbor's little poodle chase and maim one of my young turkeys. The neighbor lived about a 1/3 mile away and denied that it was his dog. At the time we had no one else that lived closer and I knew it was his dog. I informed him that he needn't worry about his dog getting shot since his dog "wasn't there" but the next time I saw it on my place it would be dead. He agreed I had a right to protect my animals and I never saw it again.

We don't have a leash law, stray animal law or anything like that here. Bottom line, one strike is all I will allow the neighbor's animals/pets. Cruel, psycho? Label me as you will but I have the law and my critter's best interest on my side when I act as their protector and rid them from their predators. Would it bother me to shoot their pet? Yep, but not as much as it did to have to put my damaged pet down. My pets depend upon me and trust me to protect them and that is exactly what they get from me.

We live in a very rural area and all of the neighbors know they are responsible for their dogs actions.

 

[ginbart]

Quote:
I will try and chase dogs I know are the neighbors once but,

I am the Justice Of The Peace when it comes to my land. If you can't keep your dogs on your land, to bad so sad. I agree with Horsjody.

My neighbors all know any dogs on my land not my dogs are going to be, shot to kill. If they care about their dogs they need to train them to stay on their land.

There will be no more dogs on my land killing my birds. IMO I would think if I told my neighbor I would shoot his dog if it came over here again that he would watch it better. If not again, to bad to sad.

 

[noodleroo]

Hey guys, no judging on my part. It's been my experience with most people that don't care if their animals run loose, that if one gets killed, they just get another one. I just prefer a different method and shooting the dog would be my last choice. Like I said, everybody's got to do what they've got to do....

 

[katharinad]

Quote:
You know they were bread in Germany to hunt foxes. They would go into the tunnel and either kill or get it out. They are hunting dogs and have a very strong instinct. Many farmers in Germany keep them to kill rodents. They are excellent mouse and rat killers. They are not a good choice when it comes to birds. They are also not a good choice when you have small children. Some may be fine, but most will turn mean when they get old. I have an aunt in Germany who breeds them, she can tell you stories that would make you think twice about getting one. Needless to say she mainly sells them to hunters, not families.
Katharina

 

[fancbrd4me02]

Quote:
You know they were bread in Germany to hunt foxes. They would go into the tunnel and either kill or get it out. They are hunting dogs and have a very strong instinct. Many farmers in Germany keep them to kill rodents. They are excellent mouse and rat killers. They are not a good choice when it comes to birds. They are also not a good choice when you have small children. Some may be fine, but most will turn mean when they get old. I have an aunt in Germany who breeds them, she can tell you stories that would make you think twice about getting one. Needless to say she mainly sells them to hunters, not families.
Katharina

It is true that doxies are hunting dogs, don't let thier size fool you. They were not developed to be lap dogs, not even the tiny ones. I would like to add that doxies can become mean in thier old age because they tend to develop back problems and often live with chronic pain, that can make them seem mean, but it is really a physical problem, not temperment. I have a dachshund, and she is a fantastic hunter. If you want to eliminate rodents and burrowing animals from your place, a dachshund is for you. However, if you want said dachshund to get along with your chickens or other smqall animals, you would be fooling yourself. Doxies are hunters and are best used for that purpose. They are not a "cute" dog for kids or a playmate for little critters - Unless you want those little critters dead.