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Siana11 · 12-23-2008, 12:41 AM

I have 2 small Yorkies and have a huge love for dogs. I have personally trained my dogs to remain off leash safely and 'stop' barking when asked. They know numerous tricks and I pride myself on keeping dog etiquette my priority. I would like some feedback on a recent dog incident involving three untrained dogs (a black lab and two pit bulls) and my Yorkies. I recently moved and my new neighbors have a dog-walker come everyday to walk their 3 dogs. The other day I encountered the dog-walker with a black lab and a pit bull on the other side of the fence separating our properties. My dogs were off-leash in my backyard with me when the black lab & pit bull lounged at my dogs, pulling the dog-walker towards my fence. She stated the dogs were territorial while the dogs barked viciously and continuously lounged in the direction of my male Yorkie. (There were 2 fences over 5' high separating the dogs so I knew mine were safe.) The dog-walker was obviously having a very hard time controlling the dogs and was yelling their names and 'NO' at the top of her lungs. I left my dogs in my double-gated backyard for a few minutes while I went to grab my mail when the dog-walker informed me that there were 2 pit bulls living next door and that it would be in my best interest 'to ensure my little dogs never get out because you know....' I was shocked with her comment and the tone she took with me so I replied by simply stating that my dogs were on my property [where they were supposed to be] and they are trained unlike the dogs she could barely control. Ideally, there shouldn't be a problem but realistically (and unfortunately) there is. I felt as if she was threatening me with the pit bulls! I've spoken with other neighbors about these dogs and have been told that in the past the pit bulls have growled at kids, as well as adults while with the owner. To make matters worse I found out that the dogs have escaped from their backyard on numerous occasions! I will not live in fear for myself or my dogs but now I see a RED-FLAG and am on the ALERT! I would like to hear what other responsible dog owners think about this situation and what the best approach would be? I don't want to characterize these dogs as a threat but from the stories I've heard from neighbors and the incidences that have occurred between the dogs, dog-walker & dog-owners, I see this is as a classic case of uneducated dog owners. I don't think my new neighbors care that their dogs are a threat to children, people & other dogs in our community. Neighbors have complained to them on numerous occasions about their dog's behavior & escapes. I want to approach my neighbors to discuss the recent events but without causing problems. Suggestions are greatly appreciated!

12-23-2008, 12:41 AM	#1
Siana11 Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Long Island, NY, USA Posts: 16	*RedFlag & On the Alert* I have 2 small Yorkies and have a huge love for dogs. I have personally trained my dogs to remain off leash safely and 'stop' barking when asked. They know numerous tricks and I pride myself on keeping dog etiquette my priority. I would like some feedback on a recent dog incident involving three untrained dogs (a black lab and two pit bulls) and my Yorkies. I recently moved and my new neighbors have a dog-walker come everyday to walk their 3 dogs. The other day I encountered the dog-walker with a black lab and a pit bull on the other side of the fence separating our properties. My dogs were off-leash in my backyard with me when the black lab & pit bull lounged at my dogs, pulling the dog-walker towards my fence. She stated the dogs were territorial while the dogs barked viciously and continuously lounged in the direction of my male Yorkie. (There were 2 fences over 5' high separating the dogs so I knew mine were safe.) The dog-walker was obviously having a very hard time controlling the dogs and was yelling their names and 'NO' at the top of her lungs. I left my dogs in my double-gated backyard for a few minutes while I went to grab my mail when the dog-walker informed me that there were 2 pit bulls living next door and that it would be in my best interest 'to ensure my little dogs never get out because you know....' I was shocked with her comment and the tone she took with me so I replied by simply stating that my dogs were on my property [where they were supposed to be] and they are trained unlike the dogs she could barely control. Ideally, there shouldn't be a problem but realistically (and unfortunately) there is. I felt as if she was threatening me with the pit bulls! I've spoken with other neighbors about these dogs and have been told that in the past the pit bulls have growled at kids, as well as adults while with the owner. To make matters worse I found out that the dogs have escaped from their backyard on numerous occasions! I will not live in fear for myself or my dogs but now I see a RED-FLAG and am on the ALERT! I would like to hear what other responsible dog owners think about this situation and what the best approach would be? I don't want to characterize these dogs as a threat but from the stories I've heard from neighbors and the incidences that have occurred between the dogs, dog-walker & dog-owners, I see this is as a classic case of uneducated dog owners. I don't think my new neighbors care that their dogs are a threat to children, people & other dogs in our community. Neighbors have complained to them on numerous occasions about their dog's behavior & escapes. I want to approach my neighbors to discuss the recent events but without causing problems. Suggestions are greatly appreciated!