*RedFlag & On the Alert*

[Siana11]

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!

[annamalyssa]

I have pit bulls myself.. 3 in fact but they are NOT aggressive nor do they growl at people, kids, or other animals.. In fact My 100lb male is let in the front yard OFF A LEASH and NEVER even bothers with people walking Chi's and Wiener dogs and all other sorts of pups .. he just minds his own in the yard.. So with that being said.. the owners OBVIOUSLY LACK TRAINING SKILLS and need to do something about their dogs. Maybe need them kenneled so they do not get out!

I have a Yorkie myself and I WOULD DIE of Worry if someone told me that he may get mauled if he ever got out of my yard! I would NOT live like that, and would in fact speak with the owners of the pittys first and then resort to ANIMAL CONTROL if need be.

I am sorry that these people are making a worse rap for pit bulls as they are great animals when properly trained!

[annamalyssa]

I meant to post this but couldn't find it.. Just to show they can be love bugs too ..

[LilMissy]

I meant to post this but couldn't find it.. Just to show they can be love bugs too ..

I use to know a super sucky, loveable, and playful pitbull. He was my roomates dog. This pitbull was sooo gentle, he loved children and babies. I had a lab-cross, a hedgehog, and a conure when I moved in there (10 yrs ago). The pitbulls owner had a cat and an ignuana too, besides their pitbull. They also had 2 kids! He loved them all. He'd even let my bird "hang out" on his back.

When there are behavioural issues with animals, you really have to blame the owners, not the breed.

[Tcarnagie]

Being an owner of both a pit bull and 2 small breeds (Yorkie & Maltese), my dog would not hurt my dogs or other people. She does not like other dogs that charge toward her...and I know that. She is NEVER allowed out side without supervision nor is she allowed to be left unattended with my babies without supervision.

I feel the owners need to be able to know their dogs capabilities along with their likes and dislikes and provide the safest environment for their pets and everyone involved.

Having had a dog killed in my own backyard by a neighbors German Shepard who jumped the fence....I say....NEVER LET YOUR GUARD DOWN!!!!

Your dogs may be well trained but that does not mean that other dogs are and you always need to be cautious everywhere that you go. Mine NEVER go out of my yard without leashes on...even when going out front. Too many people assume that since their dogs are trained that nothing will happen cause they can control their dogs. Its not your dog you have to worry about....its the untrained dog that comes near yours.

[cheryl19]

Have you tried talking to the owners? They need to know how their dogs act and you may need to talk to someone about the law where you live. Maybe you could find out if they have to put up a better fence?? I know I don't have to tell you that you have to keep your eye out at all times. Best of luck ,hope all works out for you.

[luvfla]

Sorry, but I WOULD live in fear until I left the area. Their dogs don't seem to be trained & unfortunately they could very well harm your babies. Scary thought.

[dalnna]

You may feel your pittys are fine loose in your front yard (off leash) but your neighbors may not feel the same way. There is an aggressive lab, yes...lab down the street from me who is allowed to lay in the front yard unleashed. EVERY time I go by there, he comes after my two yorkies. I've spoken with the owner and she just states that he's afraid of little dogs and maybe I should carry them when passing her house! I've seen this same dog go after another small dog while they were both on leashes. The dog is unpredictable. But regarding yours, I've stopped taking my girls out to the neighborhood mailboxes because I have to walk by her house. It's not fair to those of us who obey leash laws when someone in the neighborhood doesn't.
Just thought you might like to hear from the other side of the coin.

Originally Posted by annamalyssa

I have pit bulls myself.. 3 in fact but they are NOT aggressive nor do they growl at people, kids, or other animals.. In fact My 100lb male is let in the front yard OFF A LEASH and NEVER even bothers with people walking Chi's and Wiener dogs and all other sorts of pups .. he just minds his own in the yard.. So with that being said.. the owners OBVIOUSLY LACK TRAINING SKILLS and need to do something about their dogs. Maybe need them kenneled so they do not get out!

I have a Yorkie myself and I WOULD DIE of Worry if someone told me that he may get mauled if he ever got out of my yard! I would NOT live like that, and would in fact speak with the owners of the pittys first and then resort to ANIMAL CONTROL if need be.

I am sorry that these people are making a worse rap for pit bulls as they are great animals when properly trained!

[Bhikku]

Originally Posted by dalnna

You may feel your pittys are fine loose in your front yard (off leash) but your neighbors may not feel the same way. There is an aggressive lab, yes...lab down the street from me who is allowed to lay in the front yard unleashed. EVERY time I go by there, he comes after my two yorkies. I've spoken with the owner and she just states that he's afraid of little dogs and maybe I should carry them when passing her house! I've seen this same dog go after another small dog while they were both on leashes. The dog is unpredictable. But regarding yours, I've stopped taking my girls out to the neighborhood mailboxes because I have to walk by her house. It's not fair to those of us who obey leash laws when someone in the neighborhood doesn't.
Just thought you might like to hear from the other side of the coin.

I totally agree with this. I never used to be able to walk my old chow mix in our neighborhood. She was dog aggressive, but trained well enough to stay on leash and at my side.

Unfortunately, my neighborhood was full of Maltese, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzus and other small dogs who were allowed to go off leash in their front yards. The small dogs would either a) bark aggressively at my dog from a safe distance, driving my dog into a frenzy, or b) come right up to her, tempting her to gnaw their cocky little heads off.

It got to where I just didn't walk my dog at all, because if these people only had their dogs on a leash, I could safely move mine to the other side. But because the dogs were always charging up to me full speed, every encounter turned into a game of keeping me between the little dog and my chow mix.

That got old pretty quickly.

In my opinion, dogs should always be on leash when they leave the confines of their yard or home. It protects them, other dogs, and other people.

[JoeyP]

You are responsible for your dog....... Period

Whether that's a Pit Bull or a Yorkie
or whatever
Someone warning you not to have your dogs out on YOUR property is ridiculous
and if someone ever told me that I'd say thank you very much
... I'll make sue my Lawyer Knows exactly what you said
and have a nice day

[heatherm0890]

you are in a bad situtation...you should be able to let your dogs run free in your own yard!i have a german shepard and doberman but they are about as unaggressive as it gets lol,just huge teddy bears,but many people are scared of them which is understandable,i would confront the owners and then see where to go from there

[amandawash]

It really bothers me that you think your dogs are safe because they are behind a five foot fence. Our lab used to jump/climb out of our yard with a six foot fence. We had to kennel her and after she made it out of the 7 foot kennel we had to put a lid on it. Sorry, but I would never leave my dogs out there alone, ever. I think others have given good advice about dealing with the dogs. Good luck.

[heatherm0890]

Originally Posted by amandawash

It really bothers me that you think your dogs are safe because they are behind a five foot fence. Our lab used to jump/climb out of our yard with a six foot fence. We had to kennel her and after she made it out of the 7 foot kennel we had to put a lid on it. Sorry, but I would never leave my dogs out there alone, ever. I think others have given good advice about dealing with the dogs. Good luck.

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

[annamalyssa]

Originally Posted by dalnna

You may feel your pittys are fine loose in your front yard (off leash) but your neighbors may not feel the same way. There is an aggressive lab, yes...lab down the street from me who is allowed to lay in the front yard unleashed. EVERY time I go by there, he comes after my two yorkies. I've spoken with the owner and she just states that he's afraid of little dogs and maybe I should carry them when passing her house! I've seen this same dog go after another small dog while they were both on leashes. The dog is unpredictable. But regarding yours, I've stopped taking my girls out to the neighborhood mailboxes because I have to walk by her house. It's not fair to those of us who obey leash laws when someone in the neighborhood doesn't.
Just thought you might like to hear from the other side of the coin.

ACTUALLY, My neighbors ALL Love my dog, in fact they come and pet him and give him treats occasionally, there are some people about 8 houses down that apologize to me when their "DASCHUND" tries to go nuts on him and scares him so I am not sure why you think they are bothered by him... If they were HE WOULDN'T BE OUTSIDE, to assume someone is not RESPECTFUL of other people's feelings is PLAIN RUDE to be quite honest... To each their own I suppose... In every thread someone has an urge to argue .... very discouraging.. Good thing I don't take things to heart

[dalnna]

I'm sorry you took it that I was trying to argue. I wasn't. I'm just saying that leash laws are there to protect people and their pets from dogs running loose, whether it's the friendliest pit bull or an aggressive doxie doesn't matter. When you ignore the leash laws, you are saying your pet's freedom is more important than the law and my pet's safety and I don't think that's fair. Furthermore, even though I know there are many, many friendly pit bulls, I don't want to happen upon one who isn't confined or is off leash. It would scare me to death! Maybe if I hadn't had an issue with the lab down the street, I wouldn't have responded to this post at all. I just thought you might be interested in how others in the neighborhood might feel. Obviously, you're not.