And one more thing because now my hot buttom has been pushed....I personally believe it's rude to ignore the law. THAT"S being disrespectful of other's.

To answer the original poster... this might not work at all, but this is what I would try:

Start off assuming that the owners are wonderful people who are simply uneducated about their dogs. It sounds like they might want to get a more experienced dog walker, for one. It sounds like maybe she was trying to be helpful, but obviously the most helpful thing would be to ensure these dogs are controlled.

I would go over and begin as nicely as possible. Compliment them on their beautiful dogs, but say you have concerns because they seemed aggressive and you yourself have small dogs. Tell them that the dog walker they hired didn't seem to have full control over them. Stress how devastating it would be for everybody if one of their dogs got into your yard and seriously injured your animals.

You can ask them what training these pit bulls have had so far. If the owners say they haven't been trained, or you can't train pit bulls, perhaps you can research a good trainer in your area and provide them the name. Or ask them if they have thought about reinforcing their fence.

Unless your neighbors are completely evil, they would feel awful if their dogs injured someone. Try to alert them to your concerns without putting them on the defensive.

This sounds like a great idea. I would try it too.

Well the fact that your "HOT" button has been pushed is really your issue to deal with ... not mine

I love my dogs, the neighbors love my dogs so that would be the end of my point.. I wasn't asking your opinion and if you would be scared of my dog to be honest.. I was offering my thoughts to the OP... THAT IS WHAT THE BOARD IS FOR.. For people to offer thoughts when asked for them.

I will be a Big Girl and Agree to Disagree .. Have a Happy Holiday!!! ;)

I would be even scared living next to a pit bull that is well trained because even those have been known to just attack and one tight snap of there jaw on your arm and your going to be in really bad shape. Other then talking to the neighboors I'm not sure there is much you can do besides always keeping an eye on your dogs when there outside and being with them when there outside.

Pit bulls DO NOT just attack and turn on people , untrained pit bulls on the other hand are a DEADLY WEAPON. Often, people say the dog was always nice and never harmed anyone but one day it "turned" when in reality the dog may have been sweet and kind but NEVER trained and taught anything... that is the reality of it..

I have 3 pit bulls and they are Perfect in fact one that we bred and gave to a friend actually has a certificate saying he is an AMBASSADOR of the pit bull breed and passed many extensive tests by a trained UKC judge for tempermant w/ dogs and children.

It makes me sad when people are so stereotypical about them without knowing the breed or raising the breed... I can respect your opinion though.

Any dog can just attack but a pit bull is the scarest because there jaws are the strongest! I have heard of a well trained pit bull going on the attack all of a sudden. These dogs where bred to be attack dogs its in there blood and that cannot be changed!

I am not trying to make a bad wrap for pit-bulls because the breed is not so much my problem. Please remember that there were 2 dogs involved- a black lab and a pit-pull. The black lab was the one that lounged forward and was barking at my dogs first. The pit-bull was actually following the labs behavior and altho he was lounging forward and barking, he did so remaining behind the lab. (The dog-walker had one leash/one dog per hand and trying to restrain them unsuccessfully.) I love all dogs, including pits but this is about having neighbors with big, powerful untrained dogs. I know the reason these dogs are aggressive is because of the owner's lack of discipline. I would like to know what other people with small or big dogs would do if they were in my place. I don't want to have any problems with the neighbors but they have already made suggestions to keeping my dogs on their leashes even when they are fenced in my backyard! I feel slightly threatened by what she is saying [it's as if she's trying to protect herself if her dogs get loose] and I would like to take every precaution possible without restricting my dogs of running around in their big backyard.

They weren't bred to be attack dogs on people, they were bred to be fighters. So if you are meaning to attack other dogs YES you are correct they were bred for that but NOT TO ATTACK PEOPLE. Pit Bulls are a terrier breed and one of the most loyal.. My Yorkie is MORE AGGRESSIVE than my pit bulls :rolleyes:

Please understand that these dogs are part of families and loved just like Yorkies and when we lose them it tears us apart just the same...

If you do not like the breed that is ok , but please do research on them before assuming that everything on the news is true.

** SORRY OP this is a touchy subject.. I own Pit Bulls and they are LOVING AND LOYAL it makes me so sad when people assume they are killer dogs.. they are like my children.. I wish people would give them a chance :( **

Thank you for clarifying that for people, I would personally call Animal Control and let them know that the neighbors dogs are agressive and untrained and let them know that the neighbors have warned you that your babies may be killed if they ever got out. Animal Control usually does not take things like that likely and they will go to their home. Just make an anonymous call instead of saying it's you if you fear having a bad relationship with them. The relationship is obviously nothing in comparisn to your babies lives... Just do what you have to do to protect them.

I'm sorry but to me that is ridiculous. You should not have to do that in your own backyard. I hope you can find a solution to this. I pray to God that your babies are never harmed by these dogs.

When your dogs are on your property: unfenced, you are taking a chance. You may have the law on your side, but if an loose dog gets your dog, you can not replace your dog. Sure, they may pay vet bills and if the wost happens, you may get a new dog, but is it worth it..just because you are right?

I completely agree with this strategy. It sounds like a great idea.

i have a doberman and german shepard,most people are scared of em but it is completely understandable becuz breeds like that do have bad reps...it is sad but thats the way it is and i understand when people look at em and are scared.

Wow, As a fellow Long Islander I am so sorry you are going through this. I would talk to the neighbor first. Feel them out. Don't give them names of reputable dog trainers this is offensive and what if they can't afford it. We pay alot of taxes here on Long Island and for you not to be able to enjoy your own backyard with your babies is unbelievable. Do you have children? I would be very concerned. Also I would not ask them to secure the fence. Do it yourself, I would. You, can't make demands of them because they pay the same taxes ya know what I mean? I had to put a stockade fence in front of my neighbors chain link fence because the dogs could see eachother. Now it is peaceful. Good luck your in a tough situation. Like I said I would try to be neighborly first. Anyway hope you have a great holiday.
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