What would you do? (Neighbor issue)
Kinda long... sorry
We live within the City limits in a small town. (no red-lights in the entire county) Anyway... we have 4 dogs... 3 chocolate labs and 1 catahoula. Our rear Caddy-corner neighbor came to the door last night complaining about our dogs. She said they have been barking non-stop in their pen for over 2 weeks (pen was only constructed last saturday 5 days ago)Pen is about 25'x 20'. They are in the backyard alot too. She stated that my dogs have awakened her the last 2 mornings at 6-6:30 (they were inside the house sleeping until after 7 am both mornings) Now I agree that they do bark at people walking past our fence and even at her and her husband when they are in their back yard, BUT as I attempted to explain to her a dog will bark at anything perceived as a threat or not understood. I asked her if she would simply speak to the dogs when she goes outside as to let them know she is not a threat. She said it's not her problem to solve....
Ok so they dont bark at the neighbors on the other side... who do say hi to them...they dont bark at the garbage people, one of whom I had a conversation about them on new years eve. The garbage person stated that the dogs barked until she spoke to them and now dont bark at all anymore. That conversation was BEFORE the conversation with my neighbor. I even tried to explain that when a dog barks, like at the mailman, and then the mailman leaves that the dog feels as if it has done its job. She said she disagreed with me on that and that she didnt like my idea of her talking to the dogs... well I asked her if she had any suggestions or what she would like for me to do and again she said it was not her problem to solve.
Today... her husband was standing about 20'from the pen(still on his property) looking at the dogs, with a bunch of brush and small trees between them, but not saying a word to them.... it freaked the dogs out. He left after a few minutes and maybe 1/2 hour later I heard them barking and he was standing there again just looking... I stood where he could not see me and he never said a word to let the dogs know he was not a threat. He just stood there faceing them about 1/2 in view. I went outside and brought them in the house. ( yes I did make an outloud remark "I know babies you just dont know what that is over there do you? It will be ok" Of course I am not always home when they are outside and keeping them inside all the time is not really a realistic option. They are big dogs that need to run.
I called a local LEO and talked to him about what had happened.. but he had no ideas for me. I figure maybe I would print off somethings showing her what I said about talking to the dogs is true and send it to her. I would rather go face to face but she got so pissed last night when I told her it could not have been my dogs since they were inside that I dont think she would be willing to talk to me.
Now we have dogs all over the neighborhood. Ours and a guy who does rescue are the only ones that are in fenced areas. The rest run the neighborhood and/or are on chains. I know of 3 within a block, owned by different people that have bite history.
So please o wise Gunbroker people... give me your suggestions on what you would do in this situation.
We live within the City limits in a small town. (no red-lights in the entire county) Anyway... we have 4 dogs... 3 chocolate labs and 1 catahoula. Our rear Caddy-corner neighbor came to the door last night complaining about our dogs. She said they have been barking non-stop in their pen for over 2 weeks (pen was only constructed last saturday 5 days ago)Pen is about 25'x 20'. They are in the backyard alot too. She stated that my dogs have awakened her the last 2 mornings at 6-6:30 (they were inside the house sleeping until after 7 am both mornings) Now I agree that they do bark at people walking past our fence and even at her and her husband when they are in their back yard, BUT as I attempted to explain to her a dog will bark at anything perceived as a threat or not understood. I asked her if she would simply speak to the dogs when she goes outside as to let them know she is not a threat. She said it's not her problem to solve....
Ok so they dont bark at the neighbors on the other side... who do say hi to them...they dont bark at the garbage people, one of whom I had a conversation about them on new years eve. The garbage person stated that the dogs barked until she spoke to them and now dont bark at all anymore. That conversation was BEFORE the conversation with my neighbor. I even tried to explain that when a dog barks, like at the mailman, and then the mailman leaves that the dog feels as if it has done its job. She said she disagreed with me on that and that she didnt like my idea of her talking to the dogs... well I asked her if she had any suggestions or what she would like for me to do and again she said it was not her problem to solve.
Today... her husband was standing about 20'from the pen(still on his property) looking at the dogs, with a bunch of brush and small trees between them, but not saying a word to them.... it freaked the dogs out. He left after a few minutes and maybe 1/2 hour later I heard them barking and he was standing there again just looking... I stood where he could not see me and he never said a word to let the dogs know he was not a threat. He just stood there faceing them about 1/2 in view. I went outside and brought them in the house. ( yes I did make an outloud remark "I know babies you just dont know what that is over there do you? It will be ok" Of course I am not always home when they are outside and keeping them inside all the time is not really a realistic option. They are big dogs that need to run.
I called a local LEO and talked to him about what had happened.. but he had no ideas for me. I figure maybe I would print off somethings showing her what I said about talking to the dogs is true and send it to her. I would rather go face to face but she got so pissed last night when I told her it could not have been my dogs since they were inside that I dont think she would be willing to talk to me.
Now we have dogs all over the neighborhood. Ours and a guy who does rescue are the only ones that are in fenced areas. The rest run the neighborhood and/or are on chains. I know of 3 within a block, owned by different people that have bite history.
So please o wise Gunbroker people... give me your suggestions on what you would do in this situation.
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quote:Originally posted by BlueTic
So any neighbor can complain that a dog is barking after intimidating the dogs and throwing things at the dogs. Do you see any problem with this?? The dogs and owners are not the problem - hmm - where's the problem - can't quite put my finger on it - oh - oh yes - that neighbor is a JERK
So lets punish the dog - cause that is the neighborly thing to do.
Don - I'd shove that nice warm pie (oh never mind). She has no need to be humble or apologize.
Because it is the neighborly thing to do, and sometimes a little diplomacy can go a long ways.0 -
quote:Originally posted by buschmaster
ya, but does she really want to use her dogs for bait in a "trap" to git the neighbor?? he kills/hurts her dogs, they go to court and get a slap on the wrist. and there's no guarantees she would be successful in getting them busted in the first place. it's not worth it.
That's not the point. I won't allow a busybody neighbor to dictate to me what lawfully goes on ON MY PROPERTY.
If I suspect he might go to the extent of killing my dogs, I want it documented.0 -
quote:Originally posted by dongizmo
quote:Originally posted by BlueTic
So any neighbor can complain that a dog is barking after intimidating the dogs and throwing things at the dogs. Do you see any problem with this?? The dogs and owners are not the problem - hmm - where's the problem - can't quite put my finger on it - oh - oh yes - that neighbor is a JERK
So lets punish the dog - cause that is the neighborly thing to do.
Don - I'd shove that nice warm pie (oh never mind). She has no need to be humble or apologize.
Because it is the neighborly thing to do, and sometimes a little diplomacy can go a long ways.
Diplomacy has already failed. The neighbor refused to take part. You can't please everyone. And I for one won't bend over backwards to appease a Jerk.0 -
Sorry Don - not in my neighborhood. I'll show anybody respect that deserves it, but I do know when to build a fence[:D] 0 -
Take some video of him staring at your property and tell her next time she complains you will press charges against a peeping tom that your dogs scared away. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by BlueTic
Sorry Don - not in my neighborhood. I'll show anybody respect that deserves it, but I do know when to build a fence[:D]
I agree, but it is not a bad thing to avoid the fence, some people just don't know how to be nice these days, and a sit down with the neighbors, and explain that the dogs will not bark if they speak to them, (and get to know them) it is better for them, they would then know that if the dogs are barking, they might want to take a peek at what they are barking at, as it is most likely a stranger, and they get the benefit of a watchdog, without the mess.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Fatstrat
quote:Originally posted by Doug Wilson
Sweetheart - Are you Dutch ??
Your dogs are gonna get KILLED>
Doug
If that's the case, put up a camera to get it on tape and SUE THEM. Not to mention prosecute them.
I don't think barking dogs are illegal in the daytime. But I know killing your neighbors dog in it's own fenced yard is.
As far your neighbor goes, you offered to try to work out a solution. They wouldn't go for it. At that point I would've told the SOB that what happens on his property is his business. And what happens on mine is mine. And don't give a tinkers damn what he thinks about ANYTHING.
+1 video tape when ever the dogs are outside and try your best to get them to learn not to bark at the idiots.
DSM
PS. get one or two more Catahoulas.0 -
quote:Originally posted by gagirl
quote:Originally posted by MFI
I had the same problem . I ended up keeping the dogs in the house much more and got rid of the problem. You have a responsibility to control the dogs.
But were your neighbors instigateing the dogs?
DCON... You need to read correctly. 10 minutes after orginal post... close enough for me...0 -
You sound like a dog lover gagirl and I respect that, but in your situation the neighbors will always have the upper hand legally. I personally think if you want to keep 4 dogs confined in a pen, you should have app. 10 acres of land between you and the arsehole neighbors. 0 -
Sounds very familiar.. we had some "neighbors" move in a few years ago just like them, Dogs too loud, too many cars in the driveway, grass too long, kids too loud...on an on. They would call the police, code enforcement, animal control on me and the other families. We all tried talking to them to resolve the problems to no avail. They were just the type that is only happy when everyone is as miserable as they are. Our problem was solved by documenting all the items they would complain about, and pictures of them "snooping" on private property, and showing this to who ever they called that week. Oh and by a small blood clot and a black Cadillac stationwagon ( the wife had a stroke and passed away and the husband moved back to new jersey)
Bottom line... Yes the dogs are your responsibility to care for and control, but if your neighbor dose not want to be part of the solution, THEY are the problem. Stay within your legal bounds for your town or county, keep a record of your conversations with them, keep your dogs and love em like they're kids,and live your life as you always have. The more people I meet the more I like my dog.0 -
Or you can bake a pie, walk over and sit down with them and explain very calmly, that it will be very hard for them to walk out in there back yard and mess with your dogs with this pie plate stuffed up there arse. [:D][:D][:D] 0 -
quote:Originally posted by iluvguns
Is it just me, or am I the only one who finds it strange that in the original post there was no mention of the neighbors instigating the dogs, but now that's the main problem? I still say that a guy can stand in his own yard all he wants, and if it bothers your dogs, tough. They're your dogs. You have to do something about it. But of course, now he is throwing things into your yard at the dogs. LEGALLY...doesn't matter what the mayor, animal control officer, judge, you, or anyone else says, you have to control your animals. Period.
you need to re-read the original post... the second paragraph...0 -
Just got off the phone with David, he went duck hunting this morning, As he was walking out the door one of our local LEOS was driving up. She called and complained about OUR dogs barking at 4:30 this morning. David had one in the truck with him and the other three were asleep on the floor of my bedroom. David asked if he wanted to see the vid from the cameras we have and Will said no. She now has a ticket for makeing a false report.
Thanks to those who actually READ the post.... funny how so many dont bother to read then jump on me when I tell them over and over that the dogs DONT BARK at ANTHING outisde of this COUPLE. My other neightbors never hear them bark unless they are barking at this couple. The pen is staying where it is under the big oak tree. It has a top on it so he cant throw anything into it and he would have to come on our property to put anything thru the fence.
This was never a dog barking issue... it was a neighbor makeing false accusations issue.0 -
quote:Originally posted by iluvguns
Bluetic...maybe you need to slow down and read again. She DID say her animals were maybe responsible for 50% of what the neighbor was complaining about. Get rid of that 50% and the neighbor can then go pound sand.
thats NOT what I said... I said that I know 100% that they didnt do over 50% but the other 50% I could not say 100% for sure so I gave her the benny of the doubt. We are pulling all the vids for the last month and putting them on a disk today.0 -
Nowhere in your original, lengthy post does it say that your neighbors threw things at your dogs. Now, that seems to be the issue. Of course, people are going to call you on it. You're sounding like the stereotypical big dog owner whose animals can do no harm. 4 big dogs can be dangerous if they decide to go "wolf pack". You seem to just want to be stubborn after 3 pages of posts that have offered advice and solutions for what you can do. Maybe it's time for you to admit that the neighbors are cat people, liberal democrats, have gay children or something, anything that offends YOU.
Meanwhile, the topic is a good way for all of us to increase our post count and provide a little amusement and distraction from the real problems in our life. Thanks.0 -
quote:Originally posted by woodshermit
Nowhere in your original, lengthy post does it say that your neighbors threw things at your dogs. Now, that seems to be the issue. Of course, people are going to call you on it. You're sounding like the stereotypical big dog owner whose animals can do no harm. 4 big dogs can be dangerous if they decide to go "wolf pack". You seem to just want to be stubborn after 3 pages of posts that have offered advice and solutions for what you can do. Maybe it's time for you to admit that the neighbors are cat people, liberal democrats, have gay children or something, anything that offends YOU.
Meanwhile, the topic is a good way for all of us to increase our post count and provide a little amusement and distraction from the real problems in our life. Thanks.
Again... noooo them throwing things at my dogs is NOT the issue...We solved that quickly by putting a roof on the pen.....
I have no issue with these people outside of them blameing us/our dogs for things we did not do.0 -
Sounds like your going to have a lawyer bill in the near future. I think it would be cheaper to teach dogs not to bark at the neibors than to go through court. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by BlueTic
Take some video of him staring at your property and tell her next time she complains you will press charges against a peeping tom that your dogs scared away.
If it was illegal to stare a your neighbor wouldn't it also be illegal for her to video tape her neighbor??????0 -
Catahoulas? There's the problem.If I was a dog and my first name was Cat,I'd bark at anybody that looked at me.Reminds me of Johnny Cashs "It ain't easy bein a boy named Sue" 0 -
If you can document your dogs are not the problem, that is great.
Look for them to videotape your dogs when they ARE barking in return.
As far as the police, judge and garbageman-if they don't live next or near to you, I can see them not getting excited about the problem, especially if they are friends of yours. It is natural to side with those you know.
As far as the neighbor throwing things, if you can tape that, have them charged with littering. Don't throw them back-they may be taping you.
I like to see anyone try to make an issue with me for just standing (or sitting) on my own property looking in the neighbors direction (if, of course I wasn't barking at them.)[:D]0 -
quote:you need to re-read the original post... the second paragraph...
I re-read it. The second paragraph made no mention of what you are talking about. Maybe it was the third:
quote:Today... her husband was standing about 20'from the pen(still on his property) looking at the dogs, with a bunch of brush and small trees between them, but not saying a word to them.... it freaked the dogs out. He left after a few minutes and maybe 1/2 hour later I heard them barking and he was standing there again just looking... I stood where he could not see me and he never said a word to let the dogs know he was not a threat. He just stood there faceing them about 1/2 in view. I went outside and brought them in the house. ( yes I did make an outloud remark "I know babies you just dont know what that is over there do you? It will be ok" Of course I am not always home when they are outside and keeping them inside all the time is not really a realistic option. They are big dogs that need to run.
Again, no mention of the the guy throwing things at your dogs. Just standing in his yard looking at them. Maybe when he came out and they started barking he was afraid they were going to jump or climb the fence and come at him. Nothing illegal about him standing in his own yard and doing what he wants. And I bet the throwing stuff (which you mentioned MUCH later) was in anger and frustration from the dogs barking. I would throw something too, if I was in his shoes! The neighbor lady is not obligated in any way to "fix" the problem by talking to and petting your dogs. Maybe she doesn't like dogs. They are YOUR dogs. YOU have to stop it. So what if they got a ticket this morning. That is a little overboard IMO. Now they will REALLY be watching your dogs and your place. That just opened this up to a new level between two neighbors. Next time, and there WILL BE a next time, I bet they will know for sure who's dogs are barking. If it is yours, UH OH!0 -
ask saxon 0 -
quote:Originally posted by iluvguns
quote:you need to re-read the original post... the second paragraph...
I re-read it. The second paragraph made no mention of what you are talking about. Maybe it was the third:
quote:Today... her husband was standing about 20'from the pen(still on his property) looking at the dogs, with a bunch of brush and small trees between them, but not saying a word to them.... it freaked the dogs out. He left after a few minutes and maybe 1/2 hour later I heard them barking and he was standing there again just looking... I stood where he could not see me and he never said a word to let the dogs know he was not a threat. He just stood there faceing them about 1/2 in view. I went outside and brought them in the house. ( yes I did make an outloud remark "I know babies you just dont know what that is over there do you? It will be ok" Of course I am not always home when they are outside and keeping them inside all the time is not really a realistic option. They are big dogs that need to run.
Again, no mention of the the guy throwing things at your dogs. Just standing in his yard looking at them. Maybe when he came out and they started barking he was afraid they were going to jump or climb the fence and come at him. Nothing illegal about him standing in his own yard and doing what he wants. And I bet the throwing stuff (which you mentioned MUCH later) was in anger and frustration from the dogs barking. I would throw something too, if I was in his shoes! The neighbor lady is not obligated in any way to "fix" the problem by talking to and petting your dogs. Maybe she doesn't like dogs. They are YOUR dogs. YOU have to stop it. So what if they got a ticket this morning. That is a little overboard IMO. Now they will REALLY be watching your dogs and your place. That just opened this up to a new level between two neighbors. Next time, and there WILL BE a next time, I bet they will know for sure who's dogs are barking. If it is yours, UH OH!
Pulled vids.. he was throwing sticks towards the pen then into the pen and backyard and the dogs started barking at him. No barking while he was near the pen until he started throwing things. He then started yelling. Have made call to local LEO to give a copy of the vids and let them do what they feel is needed. I am NOT makeing a report on the neighbor... only showing the LEO the reason for the dogs barking at the people.0 -
Good job on the videos - hope they spank him!!!! and like I said in my first post - tell her to get stuffed. 0 -
Do you know if they rent or own their house? 0 -
I don't believe anything being said at this point, there is so much denial and manipulation.
However, some other people may wade through this thread in the future for their own guidance.
My Britiany started barking about a month after we got her, when she was about one year old. She was becoming both protective and barking when she would rather come back inside instead of being in the kennell.
I got the sound vibration 9-volt collar, and she got cured in about an hour. Since then, we have had to repeat the training about 2 more times in nearly 3 years.
Each time took about 5 minutes. Daisy still will act as a warning dog when she is in the house and somebody comes in the yard.
Before I would get tangled with police and lawsuits, I would take the advice to get a collar.0 -
quote:Originally posted by gagirl
ok some of you need to pay CLOSE attention... OVER 1/2 HER COMPLAINTS NEVER HAPPENED! THE DOGS WERE EITHER NOT OUTSIDE OR NOT HOME!
How do you deal with a neighbor blameing you for things that are not your fault?
I think that you need to recognize that you are the one resisting the suggestions that have been offerred. A complaining neighbor has to be acknowledged and efforts made by you to show / document your efforts to meet them half way. By doing this, you help to document their unwillingness to compromise with you.
We are nearing a potentially serious problem related to noise at our gun club because a complaining neighbor has continued to call in complaints to the sheriffs office to the point that they are not concerned with the points of law and the fact that this family is borderline harrassing our club and those that rent the clubhouse related to noise. The sheriff has said they just want this neighbor to quit calling them with complaints about us. We have even resorted to hiring off duty law enforcement officers to be on premise during these "noisy" periods to protect our interests.
The bottom line is you are receiving credit for noise not related to your dogs and the only recourse you have is to make the effort to minimize your dogs exposure to these neighbors. You may have been there first and the dog there also when they moved in, but when they bought the property and built a residence they have bought the right to do as they want on their property within the law.
I hope you can work this out with them, but good fences make good neighbors, perhaps your fence should be modified to provide you and your dogs with less exposure from these neighbors.0 -
This topic has become politically controversial, and should be moved to the "Politics" forum.
Doug0 -
I love a happy ending...[:)] 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Doug Wilson
This topic has become politically controversial, and should be moved to the "Politics" forum.
Doug
And it has grown tiresome...0
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