*RedFlag & On the Alert*

[Siana11]

Originally Posted by heatherm0890

very true...a huge hunting dog jumped my 6 ft fence just a few nites ago...

I say my dogs are safe behind the 2 fences because 1)I was out there with them & 2) there are 2 fences in order to access where my pups were at. The fence itself is 5' high but the property I live on is on a hill. The incident happened at the meeting point of the two properties which is their driveway (that has been evened out) & my side yard which inclines on their side. In reality the fence separating our properties starts off at about 5' high then increases to over 12' high until it reaches the back side fence of the property. Then I have another fence about 5' high with a gate to the entry to my yard where my dogs play. I realize my dogs are never truly safe when they are outdoors - an owl or hawk could scoop a Yorkie up in an instant! I was explaining that my dogs were safe from the dog-walker and the dogs next door at that present moment because of how many 'obstacles' stood between me and the dogs. Not only would either dog have had to jump the vertical (and awkward) 12' high concrete & fence but there are sharp decorative edges at the top of the fence that would hurt anyone going over. In the instant that perhaps one of the dogs did get lose, I had enough time to pick up my dogs and head inside.

[QuickSilver]

Just to be clear, did the DOG-WALKER suggest your dogs might be unsafe, or did your NEIGHBOR?

If it's the dog-walker, she may simply have been trying to give a word to the wise, though it sounds like it came off wrong. If your neighbor said it, that's obviously much more serious, because then they aren't taking responsibility for their own animals. In that case, maybe just go with jmdt's suggestion, and make sure your own fence is really secure.

Sadly, almost any large, aggressive dog could kill a yorkie, so right or wrong, it is up to us to keep our darlings safe.

[Siana11]

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

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.

Thank you for your advice! I would like to talk to the neighbors but I'm unsure about how to confront them. As you can see here via the posts there is much controversy and misconception among people. You mention the word "pit-bull" and some immediately become defensive. [Again, for those who are responsible pit-bull & big dog owners, I don't mean you.] This is a case where I have neighbors who think I should be leashing my dogs while on my fenced-in property & that my dogs should play on the other side of my property as a safety measure. I'm deeply concerned about their attitudes toward the whole situation and would like to approach them without feeling as if I am threatening them but instead sharing dog education.

[Siana11]

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

Just to be clear, did the DOG-WALKER suggest your dogs might be unsafe, or did your NEIGHBOR?

If it's the dog-walker, she may simply have been trying to give a word to the wise, though it sounds like it came off wrong. If your neighbor said it, that's obviously much more serious, because then they aren't taking responsibility for their own animals. In that case, maybe just go with jmdt's suggestion, and make sure your own fence is really secure.

Sadly, almost any large, aggressive dog could kill a yorkie, so right or wrong, it is up to us to keep our darlings safe.

Sadly, they both said it. The dog-walker said it to me when the incident occurred but then she had a conversation with the owner. We know this because that very night the owner called us and told us that she heard about the incident and started making ridiculous suggestions about how we could control our dogs! We told her there shouldn't be a problem because my dogs were not on her property and they will remain unleashed in our backyard. It's our backyard! Her response to this was that my dogs were not safe off-leash, even in my backyard. This is why I feel threatened by their dogs. It is as if she is trying to protect herself incase her dog's ever get lose again. [I wouldn't feel this way if her dog's were not aggressive.]

[jmdt]

Did they actually tell you to leash your dogs in your fenced yard?? If they did then this is a different situation. No more Mr. Nice guy. GO TO THE TOWN!! That's what I say. I like to live in peace too but how dare they tell you what to do on your property. Are they renters or owners I wonder? Now I get mad grrr

COCO PEBBLES TRIXIE

By the way, hello, she still would be responsible if God forbid her dogs get on your property. Save yourself, there is no talking to them anymore. You shouldn't have to live like a prisoner.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by annamalyssa

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

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 **

I have done my research! Dont asume I am a dummy just because I have a strong opinion towards a certain bred of dog. I love all animals a lot but I get scared very scared to be around a pit bull. There have been so many people around here killed by pit bulls that I feel not being scared of them would be dumb on my part.

[Siana11]

Originally Posted by annamalyssa

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!!!

Thank you for your input. Unfortunately people see the word 'pitbull' and controversy starts. This is about 2 different breeds- A lab and pit- that were showing aggression. Labs can be high energy but they make for great family dogs yet he was the one who lounged at my little ones first! All I want is peaceful resolution between us and the neighbors which unfortunately is not going to happen until they realize they really need to train their dogs. Maybe I should write Caesar Milan!? He can help rehabilitate those dogs and train my neighbors!

[heatherm0890]

Originally Posted by Siana11

Thank you for your input. Unfortunately people see the word 'pitbull' and controversy starts. This is about 2 different breeds- A lab and pit- that were showing aggression. Labs can be high energy but they make for great family dogs yet he was the one who lounged at my little ones first! All I want is peaceful resolution between us and the neighbors which unfortunately is not going to happen until they realize they really need to train their dogs. Maybe I should write Caesar Milan!? He can help rehabilitate those dogs and train my neighbors!

good idea!haha caesar can fix it!

[QuickSilver]

I think you're in a totally different situation if your neighbors are actually okay with the idea that your own dogs are not safe in your yard. That's ridiculous, and scary. What if you had small children? Should they be on leashes too? I think you go to the city at this point. You've talked to your neighbors, could you guys unite and agree on a course of action?

From what you've said, you have a good fence, so it sounds like your yorkies are safe... but yuck, what a sad situation. I feel bad for your neighbors' dogs being stuck with such bad humans.

[QuickSilver]

To the OP, what was your neighbor's justification for your dogs not being safe in your yard? Do they just think that dogs like to hunt small things, so there is nothing to be done? Are the dogs rescues, so the neighbors believe they can't be trained? Do they keep their own dogs on leash, so they think everyone should do that?

Maybe there's some insight into the problem that way. The thing is, if they've indicated that they think their dogs are dangerous, and they don't care, even if they do agree to training, can they be trusted to follow through?

[Siana11]

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

To the OP, what was your neighbor's justification for your dogs not being safe in your yard? Do they just think that dogs like to hunt small things, so there is nothing to be done? Are the dogs rescues, so the neighbors believe they can't be trained? Do they keep their own dogs on leash, so they think everyone should do that?

Maybe there's some insight into the problem that way. The thing is, if they've indicated that they think their dogs are dangerous, and they don't care, even if they do agree to training, can they be trusted to follow through?

There was no verbal justification made from the neighbor in regards to why my dogs wouldn't be safe in my own backyard. It was insinuated by the dog's actions with the dog-walker followed by the phone conversation with the owner. To be honest with you, the manner in how the two dogs acted is enough justification for me! This is a touchy subject because I recently moved in. I moved into my cousin's house that she and her husband own and these are their neighbors. (There have been prior incidents regarding my little cousins and the pit-bulls so this is where my concern really started to stem up. This isn't just a recent incident with my dogs.) I really don't know much about the neighbor's dog's history besides the stories I have heard from my cousin & my great yorkie neighbor on the other side. I only know that they started off with the black lab then brought home the first pit-bull a few years later and many neighbors were immediately concerned (especially after it got out numerous times & was growling at people). Some time later they brought home a second pit-bull and here we are. Their dogs are on a leash when the dog-walker walks them but there is a privacy fence that begins where the original incident occurred straight back between our backyards so I do not know if they are unleashed in their own yards. I have to assume they are unleashed since they have gotten out a few times.
According to my cousin and the concerns of fellow neighbors, they apparently have had or still have a dog trainer. I do not know if personally this is true, but I do know those dogs lack training and fear has been instilled into our surrounding neighbors. I want to get rid of the fear and be able to protect my dogs and my family. It's not fair to the people in the community.

[TeresaM]

You have been warned by 2 different people that these dogs are dangerous. Please do not shrug it off. Contact your City Animal Control office and the Police. Get something on record now. Then buy and carry with you or at the very least keep close to the backyard a couple of cans of Bear Mace. Dog Mace won't do any good if these two come at you or your Yorkies. Trust me when I say, from personal experience, a 5 foot fence is no better then a string if these dogs get into a blind rage. I'm not one to ever encourage harming an animal, but I will do whatever is needed to protect my own. It is ashame that these dogs have to suffer for their owners ignorance, but it would be tragic if they harm your dogs.

[annamalyssa]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

I have done my research! Dont asume I am a dummy just because I have a strong opinion towards a certain bred of dog. I love all animals a lot but I get scared very scared to be around a pit bull. There have been so many people around here killed by pit bulls that I feel not being scared of them would be dumb on my part.

Bless your heart and have a Happy Holiday season... I will pray that you do

[annamalyssa]

Originally Posted by TeresaM

You have been warned by 2 different people that these dogs are dangerous. Please do not shrug it off. Contact your City Animal Control office and the Police. Get something on record now. Then buy and carry with you or at the very least keep close to the backyard a couple of cans of Bear Mace. Dog Mace won't do any good if these two come at you or your Yorkies. Trust me when I say, from personal experience, a 5 foot fence is no better then a string if these dogs get into a blind rage. I'm not one to ever encourage harming an animal, but I will do whatever is needed to protect my own. It is ashame that these dogs have to suffer for their owners ignorance, but it would be tragic if they harm your dogs.

Good Advice!

[Siana11]

Originally Posted by TeresaM

You have been warned by 2 different people that these dogs are dangerous. Please do not shrug it off. Contact your City Animal Control office and the Police. Get something on record now. Then buy and carry with you or at the very least keep close to the backyard a couple of cans of Bear Mace. Dog Mace won't do any good if these two come at you or your Yorkies. Trust me when I say, from personal experience, a 5 foot fence is no better then a string if these dogs get into a blind rage. I'm not one to ever encourage harming an animal, but I will do whatever is needed to protect my own. It is ashame that these dogs have to suffer for their owners ignorance, but it would be tragic if they harm your dogs.

It's sad that there is a need to even resort to this but it's a really good idea. I will look into it. Thanks.