neighbors and dogs!

Little bear gal · 02-24-2009, 07:47 PM

Thought I would open up this can of worms- how do you all feel about neighbors and dogs? What expectations should you have as a neighbor re: barking, behavior and picking up after your dog? In my area we have very opposite theories and I'd like to know what other people think.

jetskier · 02-24-2009, 07:58 PM

We don't allow our cats to pick on the neighbor's dog.

Jetskier

RLW · 02-24-2009, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Little bear gal

Thought I would open up this can of worms- how do you all feel about neighbors and dogs? What expectations should you have as a neighbor re: barking, behavior and picking up after your dog? In my area we have very opposite theories and I'd like to know what other people think.

I just have a bigger and noisier, meaner dog than my neighbors and have him trained to bark on command.

jkjoshuatree · 02-24-2009, 08:22 PM

...and the owner should absolutely pick up after their dogs. But it's hard to control when and how often they bark.

And different breeds bark more than others.

Just my two cents.

Pineedles · 02-24-2009, 08:57 PM

I'll alway take dogs (and cats), over neighbors any day.

Ooh I forgot, I never pickup after my neighbor.

Seeker · 02-24-2009, 09:51 PM

There's pretty specific laws in NH regarding barking, loose dogs, etc. It's perfectly legal to shoot a dog that worries (harrasses) people, livestock or other animals. I don't have the RSA in front of me but it should read the owners could be shot instead of the dogs since it is usually the owner who is out of control for not being in control of his/her pet.

hazelnut · 02-24-2009, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seeker

There's pretty specific laws in NH regarding barking, loose dogs, etc. It's perfectly legal to shoot a dog that worries (harrasses) people, livestock or other animals. I don't have the RSA in front of me but it should read the owners could be shot instead of the dogs since it is usually the owner who is out of control for not being in control of his/her pet.

Ummmmmmmm what?

Seeker · 02-24-2009, 10:02 PM

Hazelnut, Look up the RSA's re:dogs. They are quite specific. 'Course if anyone shot mine I'd be on my way to jail.

hazelnut · 02-24-2009, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seeker

Hazelnut, Look up the RSA's re:dogs. They are quite specific. 'Course if anyone shot mine I'd be on my way to jail.

Oh no don't mistake me.... I believe you but still

Imagine that...... It's pretty horrifying and I wouldn't recommend it.

jrc · 02-24-2009, 11:06 PM

It looks like Seeker is right:

466:28 Killing Dogs Legalized. – Any person may kill a dog that suddenly assaults the person while such person is peaceably walking or riding without the enclosure of its owner or keeper; and any person may kill a dog that is found out of the enclosure or immediate care of its owner or keeper worrying, wounding, or killing sheep, lambs, fowl, or other domestic animals.

Add this is why you can't let your dog roam free, even if your town doesn't have a lease law:

466:30-a Dog Control Law. –
I. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any dog to run at large, except when accompanied by the owner or custodian, and when used for hunting, for guarding, working, or herding livestock...

jeffk · 02-24-2009, 11:48 PM

I train my dogs to stay on my property and 99% of the time they do. When neighbors want the dogs to come over I tell them that once I allow them to go on their property I can't back off that permission. They have always said "OK" and the dogs extend their territory to the neighbors yard. Dogs use the outside as their bathroom and if they go on the neighbors property, so be it. That's part of the package that comes with having the dogs come over. I've never had a problem with this.

If I am walking the dogs and they poop on someone's yard I pick up after them. If they poop in a rough wooded area I don't.

If my dog barks excessively I bring it inside. This can be a breed specific thing. Some dogs are quiet, others are not. I think a dog that barks constantly is a nuisance and the owner should be told it's a problem. If they don't do something about it you can discuss it with the police although I'm not sure what they can do. I think most dogs bark because they are left outside. I have never understood why you get a dog and then leave it outside all the time.

If a dog is threatening people or other animal I believe the dog could be declared a nuisance and removed. I once had my dog attacked by two neighbors dogs well onto my property. I told them that if they didn't control their dogs, I would. I never had another problem. To be honest those dogs were Goldens which are VERY trainable. The owner had ruined the dogs. I have had a couple Goldens and people can't believe the stuff I have trained them to do. The breed is extremely eager to please it's owners.

I currently have an Akita, a rescue dog that my daughter got. The breed characteristics are to be guarded with strangers so she tends to bark a lot at the neighbors. She's a big dog at 90 pounds and she can be very scary just because of her size and configuration. She looks like a cross between a German Shepard and a bear with a massive head. When she first got in the house she growled at me for several months but now she is a big love. I have taken her to meet the neighbors and she is much better with them now although she still is cautious around them. The people on one side of us got a little dog, no more than 10 pounds. The Akita and their dog are inseparable buddies. A real Mutt and Jeff combination. The Akita is amazingly gentle with the little dog and he is a playfully aggressive companion chewing on her neck all the time. The Akita doesn't even notice he is doing it.

Anyway, I don't think you should let your dog become a nuisance but some people can be awfully picky as well.

Bear Islander · 02-25-2009, 08:37 AM

Dogs are the number one cause of neighbor conflict on our island.

Many people allow their dogs to run free or "at large" as it says in the RSAs. If the dog is calm and friendly then this rarely causes a problem. However some dogs are aggressive when they meet up with a stranger.

People love their dogs and hate to fence or tie them up. They turn a blind eye to the aggressive side of the lovable pooch that plays with their kids. Then they turn another blind eye to the law.

TiltonBB · 02-25-2009, 09:01 AM

In general I am not an animal fan. I think that if your dog barks for more than 5 minutes and your neighbors can hear it, it should be brought inside. If that doesn't work you should buy a bark collar.
We have one particular neighbor that seem to think an hour or two of loud barking is fine. When I have spoken to them they take offense and say that the dog is "just playing" One night after 11:00PM they came in in their boat and the dog barked for 20 minutes straight while they dropped the passengers at their dock and put the boat on it's mooring. I finally stepped out on the front deck and said "would you please do something about the dog" They responded "he's just happy to see us, go back in your house and watch TV"
So what is the next step? Call the police? Take matters in to my own hands? The neighbors don't seem to realize that the barking is unacceptable. They are well aware that we have a problem with it. This has been going on for two years. I refuse to let my peace and tranquility be taken away by rude neighbors. It looks like it is time for an ugly confrontation!

ApS · 02-25-2009, 09:23 AM

Don't dogs "just bark" for a reason?

My male dog was inconsolable for six months when left alone after his mate died. Although indoors, he would wail for hours. Even last evening, an elderly dog down the street here wailed—just like a grieving human—when left alone. It was both spooky and sad.

Most dogs are alone when making a nuisance of themselves. It's the absentee human who's the problem!

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

"...In general I am not an animal fan..."

Not the best of starts...

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

"...This has been going on for two years. I refuse to let my peace and tranquility be taken away by rude neighbors..."

I've got a McMansion still under construction after two years on either side of me. The cursing, the litter, the bulldozers, the air tools are bad enough, but it all started with dynamite blasts!

It's also not Forever.

Webbsatwinni · 02-25-2009, 10:36 AM

To me, people in general are in two groups, dog lovers and everyone else who tolerates dogs.

Dog lovers think that everyone should be in their group and get upset when people think that the dogs are an invasion while barking or roaming free.

Everyone else is wishing that beyond a casual petting of the dog here and there, that the dog should either be quite and stay home.

I am in the second group, we choose not to have dogs and think that sitting on our deck dog free should be possible. Last year I was at the Wolfboro town dock and when I returned to the boat, there was a family fishing and their dog was in my boat. When I asked who's dog it was and could they get it off my boat now(!), they said to calm down as it was only a dog. After some back and forth, we got in the boat and left as they were really starting to get really angry that we thought is was wrong. And it was my boat that their dog was on, so why get angry?

It is just my two cents that dogs should either be on a leash or fenced in. I am not trying to tick anyone off by this, it was just a great thread to discuss.

BJAM · 02-25-2009, 10:51 AM

I would take a dog over a neighbor any day! At the very least you wouldn't have to worry about the dog borrowing your favorite tool, and not returning it!! That's why I buy fluorescent pink extension cords, so I can see them hanging in my neighbors garage. By the way you can buy any color extension cord at Heath's Hardware in Ctr. Harbor.

jrc · 02-25-2009, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Webbsatwinni

To me, people in general are in two groups, dog lovers and everyone else who tolerates dogs.

Dog lovers think that everyone should be in their group and get upset when people think that the dogs are an invasion while barking or roaming free.

....

I wish it was that simple. I'm a dog lover, there's been a dog in my household since I was born. (we are in dog hiatus due to mourning)

Barking dogs still annoy me, unleashed dogs that jump on me when I'm hiking, annoy me, dog shi# in my drivway annoys me and the list goes on.

But in all these cases I don't blame the dog, I blame the owners. As a former owner I know how easy it is to think that my dog is wonderful, but dogs will be dogs and do dog things unless the owners control them.

If I found a dog in my boat and the owners were there watching, I would have trouble controlling my anger.

With today's technology, you would think that bark collars and invisble fences would make this problem go away.

TiltonBB, maybe a little sugar first. Buy them a barking collar and deliver it as a peace making gift.

Orion · 02-25-2009, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Webbsatwinni

To me, people in general are in two groups, dog lovers and everyone else who tolerates dogs.

Dog lovers think that everyone should be in their group and get upset when people think that the dogs are an invasion while barking or roaming free.

Everyone else is wishing that beyond a casual petting of the dog here and there, that the dog should either be quite and stay home.

.....

It is just my two cents that dogs should either be on a leash or fenced in. I am not trying to tick anyone off by this, it was just a great thread to discuss.

There actually may be a third category. I love dogs, but can't stand incessant barking or bad dog behavior. It often seems that owners can't even hear it the barking. It is particularly annoying when you're just minding your own business and a loose dog comes in your yard and just stands there barking at you for no reason. Annoying dogs are the result of irresponsible owners, not necessarily a breed problem.

Webbsatwinni · 02-25-2009, 12:51 PM

I do agree that is not the dog but the owners training and control abilities. Or the awareness on how their dog impacts others and the wherewithal to remove the dog from the situation without the second most annoying dog owner trait, the call of "Fido, come over here" over and over again.

That said, I do find it funny that no matter how many dog owners discuss this topic, only the ones with good dogs talk about it

. Is it that they are unaware of the irritation they cause or are all of the bad dog owners shy?

That sounds like a great poll:

Is your dog annoying to anyone around you?

Never, my dog is perfect.
Sometimes, but not to me.
All of the time, but not to me.

TiltonBB · 02-25-2009, 01:09 PM

There are a lot of comments from dog owners who are, or at least claim to be, responsible. But other than the 4AM phone call comment, no real viable solution. Talking to the neighbors apparently doesn't work. They are well aware of the barking and well aware that we have a problem with it. They just don't seem to care.

Too many dog owners think that everyone who must interact with their dog must enjoy their dog as they do. I have another friend whose dog insists on rubbing up against people and licking their hands. Every time I go to visit him it is impossible to get out of the car without this smelly mutt licking me. My friend stands their and laughs. I don't find it that funny.

To me, and I realize that it is just my opinion, most dog owners are oblivious to the discomfort that their dogs cause others.

Webbsatwinni · 02-25-2009, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

To me, and I realize that it is just my opinion, most dog owners are oblivious to the discomfort that their dogs cause others.

I wish there was an answer, but IMHO your statement above is the reason that there will never be.

GTO · 02-25-2009, 01:28 PM

Too many dog owners think that everyone who must interact with their dog must enjoy their dog as they do. I have another friend whose dog insists on rubbing up against people and licking their hands. Every time I go to visit him it is impossible to get out of the car without this smelly mutt licking me. My friend stands their and laughs. I don't find it that funny.

Oh my God....a dog rubbing up against you and kissing your hands....how sick is that. Imagine, a pet showing their affection. Dogs are meant to be put outside in a muddy pen with a small house to keep them sheltered and away from people. Yes, I am being sarcastic. Ok, I can understand the whole barking thing, I hate that too. But showing affection...c'mon. Maybe its not the dog that should live the sheltered life......mmmm

Orion · 02-25-2009, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

To me, and I realize that it is just my opinion, most dog owners are oblivious to the discomfort that their dogs cause others.

Unfortunately you can take that phrase and plug in any number of topics (some banned here now) and get the same end result.

"Most ______ are oblivious to the discomfort that ______cause others."

And that my friends is the whole problem with many people and their behavior.

So let's all be nice and look forward to ice out and peaceful summer boating!

Bear Islander · 02-25-2009, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

In
. . . So what is the next step? Call the police? Take matters in to my own hands? The neighbors don't seem to realize that the barking is unacceptable. They are well aware that we have a problem with it. This has been going on for two years. I refuse to let my peace and tranquility be taken away by rude neighbors. It looks like it is time for an ugly confrontation!

Every time the dog annoys you call them on the phone at 4 AM the next morning and bark for a few minutes. If you have the guts, tell them who you are.

Nadia · 06-05-2009, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

Every time the dog annoys you call them on the phone at 4 AM the next morning and bark for a few minutes. If you have the guts, tell them who you are.

LOL! You could always record the actual barking and play it for them over the phone, or if they don't answer at 4 am, leave it on their machine! That's a great idea BI.

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvmypups

A "BARK" collar??? .......right. I think your a grouch that needs to go live somewhere with no neighbors. What are people supposed to do while their dog is in their boat and barking?? Their hands are tied , you cant make a dog stop barking. Your the grouchy neighbor that no one likes and doesnt let anyone on their lawn .

Whew! You said it! I second your opinion. Interesting to see neighbors bump into eachother on the winni forum. There's always two sides to every story for sure.

aopel · 05-13-2009, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

In general I am not an animal fan. I think that if your dog barks for more than 5 minutes and your neighbors can hear it, it should be brought inside. If that doesn't work you should buy a bark collar.
We have one particular neighbor that seem to think an hour or two of loud barking is fine. When I have spoken to them they take offense and say that the dog is "just playing" One night after 11:00PM they came in in their boat and the dog barked for 20 minutes straight while they dropped the passengers at their dock and put the boat on it's mooring. I finally stepped out on the front deck and said "would you please do something about the dog" They responded "he's just happy to see us, go back in your house and watch TV"
So what is the next step? Call the police? Take matters in to my own hands? The neighbors don't seem to realize that the barking is unacceptable. They are well aware that we have a problem with it. This has been going on for two years. I refuse to let my peace and tranquility be taken away by rude neighbors. It looks like it is time for an ugly confrontation!

Dennis - you might try walking over to your neighbor's house, introducing yourself as you are new to the shore, and talking through possible solutions. Shouting from your deck - at a family returning from a nice dinner - is not an adult way to respond to a problem. Shouting from your deck IS an ugly confrontation. BTW - the dog was NOT barking for 20 minutes - it was the time it takes to motor into the dock b/c you were shouting as I was tying the boat up. The dog greets us when we come home. Get over it.

For others reading this, Dennis has shouted at me while I was swimming with my 2 year old daughter, then he threatened to kill my dog, and a year later he shouted from his deck late at might. Not once has he introduced himself, though I went and tried to welcome him to the shore as he bought the Fuller place a few years back and we have known all our neighbors for years and never once had a bad word with them. We have two kids, lots of friends and we love to enjoy the lake with swimming, laughing and yes, dogs that bark when we play. We do our best to limit the dogs barking but summertime fun is exciting and that's what happens when kids, dogs and families play at the lake.

Dennis has chosen to shout at us instead of getting to know his neighbors. We have been on Dockham Shore for 5 generations and never experienced anyone so rude. He continues to offer threats - put in writing above - instead of dialogue. My 81 year old mother invited Dennis to her 80th birthday party last summer and he didn't even have the decency to rsvp.

So Dennis, enough complaining on the forums about our dogs. Try coming to meet Jane and the rest of us and maybe we can work something out. Otherwise, save your pennies and buy enough land where you never have to hear anyone else enjoying the lake.

Dockham Shore is a special place with a lot of houses close by. We treat each other with respect and that means talking to each other, not shouting demands into the night. We hope you too can learn to love this special spot and value the community that has been here long before you moved into the Fuller homestead.

LIforrelaxin · 05-13-2009, 04:59 PM

So that is an interesting tid bit with feuding neighbors that I will stay right the heck out of.

But what I do want to comment on here is dogs barking in general... People tend to forget this is how dogs communicate..... Sure there are instances where it can get over whelming and annoying and I woudl say that 20 mins is a bit excessive.... but dogs bark this is what they do... Sometimes they are happy and excited, sometimes really ticked off... other times they are just trying to let there owners know... that something isn't quite right. The problem is people.... people and only people.... people have gotten to use to having things just they way they want them.... well the truth of the matter is the world isn't perfect... so get used to it.... take a barking dog for just what it is, one of gods creatures trying to communicate..... you know I bet if you could talk to a dog, the first comment about people would probably be that it can't understand why we can't just be happy relaxing on the dock for an afternoon......

tis · 05-13-2009, 05:49 PM

LOL LIfor! I agree. We will stay out of that one.
But as a great dog lover, I would never allow my dogs to bark and disturb my neighbors and I would expect the same of them. A hello bark or I hear something bark for a minute is ok, but steady is just not right. It is very inconsiderate and annoying. I also believe it is against the law as well. At night when you are trying to sleep it is especially annoying.

Mat · 05-15-2009, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tis

LOL LIfor! I agree. We will stay out of that one.
But as a great dog lover, I would never allow my dogs to bark and disturb my neighbors and I would expect the same of them. A hello bark or I hear something bark for a minute is ok, but steady is just not right. It is very inconsiderate and annoying. I also believe it is against the law as well. At night when you are trying to sleep it is especially annoying.

I wish all dog owners felt the way you do. I for one do and my dogs would not be allowed to "power bark". I have a neighbor who's dog barks all day at anything. This is the neighbors fault not the dogs. He is to lazy to take the time to calm the dog after the dog sees or hears or smells something. To often the dog is ignored which is also sad for the doggy.

luvmypups · 06-04-2009, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

In general I am not an animal fan. I think that if your dog barks for more than 5 minutes and your neighbors can hear it, it should be brought inside. If that doesn't work you should buy a bark collar.
We have one particular neighbor that seem to think an hour or two of loud barking is fine. When I have spoken to them they take offense and say that the dog is "just playing" One night after 11:00PM they came in in their boat and the dog barked for 20 minutes straight while they dropped the passengers at their dock and put the boat on it's mooring. I finally stepped out on the front deck and said "would you please do something about the dog" They responded "he's just happy to see us, go back in your house and watch TV"
So what is the next step? Call the police? Take matters in to my own hands? The neighbors don't seem to realize that the barking is unacceptable. They are well aware that we have a problem with it. This has been going on for two years. I refuse to let my peace and tranquility be taken away by rude neighbors. It looks like it is time for an ugly confrontation!

A "BARK" collar??? .......right. I think your a grouch that needs to go live somewhere with no neighbors. What are people supposed to do while their dog is in their boat and barking?? Their hands are tied , you cant make a dog stop barking. Your the grouchy neighbor that no one likes and doesnt let anyone on their lawn .

hazelnut · 02-24-2009, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Little bear gal

Thought I would open up this can of worms- how do you all feel about neighbors and dogs? What expectations should you have as a neighbor re: barking, behavior and picking up after your dog? In my area we have very opposite theories and I'd like to know what other people think.

WOW, Little bear gal, way to jump into the forum. Both feet first.

Just kidding with you. Welcome to the forum and glad you decided to post. You definitely opened up the can on this one. We had a golden at one time on Cow Island. For the most part he was well received wherever he went. I was the one that had an issue with him! He whined when he was tied up, he howled when he was left on the porch, he swam incessantly when he was outside roaming free. The major issue came when we had kids. He would wander off if we weren't paying enough attention to him. He would usually find the house that had the people that would throw the ball in the water for him. Unfortunately that would backfire sometimes as he would wander beyond those properties where he was "accepted." I have a neighbor that kept their feelings out in the open regarding the dog. It was helpful for me to know the boundaries. I would try to remain vigilant with regard to the dog on their property. It wasn't always easy, as the dog had a mind of his own. But at least there was never any veiled hostility. We always knew where each other stood. Best bet is to be honest with your neighbor with regard to your expectations regarding the dog. Sometimes though people get very sensitive about their dogs as they consider them a member of the family. Good Luck either way. I have been on both sides of the fence on this issue as I no longer have a dog and I have to deal with other dogs on the island. For the most part I am laid back about it but at the same time I am honest with the owners.

donnamatrix · 02-25-2009, 10:12 AM

Years ago, we rented a house on Bear Island in Church Cove. There was a German Shepherd dog, very large, that would come visit. Wasn't threatening, just a constant visitor and was quite a stinky/aromatic critter. She liked having rocks thrown for her to retrieve-like a ball. One late afternoon in a thunderstorm, she came right thru the screen door she was so scared of the storm! We have had nuisance barking-dogs next door, but INSIDE the house, who barked at everything that went on outside. We had confrontations with our neighbors ... but there is no solution. Dog owners often just don't care if their pet is annoying to others. Good luck TiltonBB-I don't envy you what's on the horizon. Of course, we have Siamese cats... talk about noisemakers!

dpg · 02-25-2009, 11:51 AM

I own a dog and love them, he's kept under control. He's trained to be taken down the street to do his thing in the woods and I don't pick it up there. Not owned by anyone town land that's been woods forever (duh) and always will be. I have an unusual situation in that mine is blind - he sees very little in daylight I think. He does known his yard and stays in it, we had an electric fence when he could see anyways. I went at it with one person on the other end of the neighborhood last summer. His dog literally pulled away from him and "ATTACKED" my neighbors dog in her yard - I witnessed the whole thing, this dog always attempts to get at others on "its" walk. I very calmy told the owner that my dog was blind and if his ever came into my yard and attacked him like I just witnessed he would not leave my yard alive. Maybe not the smartest comment to make to someone but what I witnessed was scary.

jmen24 · 02-25-2009, 12:06 PM

I lived with dogs my entire life, at one point having FIVE at once. We have only one dog now and I refuse to allow my dog to be a pain to the neighborhood. My dog does his business in his own yard and stays in his yard or he goes inside. Barking at people while outside is not allowed at all and it gets stopped immediately, only barking to protect his family is allowed (it is a different mindset for the dog and is easy for them to tell the difference). It is 100% the owners responsibility to teach the dog to respect others and know its boundaries. I would like to know if someone had an issue with my dog so that I could correct it. It is hard enough find good neighbors let alone keep them.

twoplustwo · 02-26-2009, 06:26 AM

... But now that the largest of my idiots has decided snowmobiles are evil, I feel bad for my neighbors as I'm constantly having to drag her back into the house to stop the barking.

Where's the alarm when a family of bears is around in the spring? Nowhere. But darned if she doesn't want to protect me from snowmobiles.

chipj29 · 02-26-2009, 07:33 AM

When we bought our house 12 years ago, our next door neighbor had the "welcome wagon" dog. Nikki would lay out on their lawn and greet all the cars as they drove by, then would wander to each house to say hello. Very cute dog, but was all over the neighborhood. One time I left my garage door open, and I came home to find Nikki sleeping on the cold cement floor on a hot summer day. No problem.
However...one morning I woke up to find Nikki sleeping on my dining room floor. I guess I had left the garage door open again, and she pushed open a door. I thought it was funny, but a bit too much. Not long after that, Nikki passed away.

We actually missed her.

dpg · 02-26-2009, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chipj29

When we bought our house 12 years ago, our next door neighbor had the "welcome wagon" dog. Nikki would lay out on their lawn and greet all the cars as they drove by, then would wander to each house to say hello. Very cute dog, but was all over the neighborhood. One time I left my garage door open, and I came home to find Nikki sleeping on the cold cement floor on a hot summer day. No problem.
However...one morning I woke up to find Nikki sleeping on my dining room floor. I guess I had left the garage door open again, and she pushed open a door. I thought it was funny, but a bit too much. Not long after that, Nikki passed away.

We actually missed her.

To me it's sad that dogs live such a short life and age so quickly.

RI Swamp Yankee · 02-26-2009, 12:35 PM

I love dogs but don't have one. It does bother me when I have to clean off my shoes after cutting the grass or when the whatever hits the rotating blade.

Grant · 02-26-2009, 03:34 PM

Barking? Poop? These are inconveniences. Allow me to share a scary story from this past summer:

I have two dogs -- golden retrievers. They don't bark, but they do poop. And, yes, I pick it up.

Well, I was taking them on their daily jaunt up the road -- as I've done with these and other dogs for years. Let's just say I walk this road every day that I'm at the Lake -- sometimes 2-3-4x a day. I've done so since the 1960s.

Well, this time, there's a rather large, obviously nasty shepherd-retriever mix BOLTING toward us -- teeth bare, heckles WAY up, head low, tail down. My dogs' first reaction is, "Yeah! Play time with new friend!"

WRONG.

With two retractable leashes in hand, I could not readily pick up a branch or rock to hit the attacker. He circled us, trying to get in closer, as I tried to insert myself between "it" and my dogs -- all the while, yelling at it to go home.

"Home" for the aggressor was a rented year-round property along the road (obviously a multiple-family unit these days, judging from the number of electric meters). The woman there, who had knowlingly left this NASTY dog outside without a leash or run, was making a futile attempt to call the dog back.

After about five minutes of the stand-off, I managed to wrangle both leashes into one hand, grope the ground for a suitably imposing limb, and take a few swings at the attacker. This, along with my own growls and the idiot woman's attempts to recall the dog, convinced it that this was not a fight worth pursuing.

I took my dogs immediately home, and went to town to find a good tube of pepper spray. Fortunately, my string of profanity apparently impacted her future leash decisions, because i didn't see the dog out again on subsequent passes up the road (all of which were done in the truck). I went armed on future walks and runs.

Beware: Even in the country, leaving your dog off leash is FOOLISH and irresponsible. Cars, pedestrians, porcupines (!), coyotes...you name it...the hazards are numerous. And, had I come across this dog again, I wouldn't think twice about denting his skull with a nice chunk of Winnipesaukee granite or emptying a can of spray into his eyes. And I'm a bona fide dog lover. Others may not be as tolerant -- and may not be as tolerant of far lesser offenses.

Dog ownership, like parenthood, is a responsibility.

Pontoon Goon · 02-26-2009, 03:58 PM

Remember the old trick where you would light a bag of dog poop on the offending neighbors stoop, ring the bell then hide and watch them stamp it out?

Well if it happened to you back in 1964 it wasn't me unless your name is Mr. Lewton then it proberly was me. And it still makes me smile!

(No, I didn't intend to leave all that blank space the first time. Edited for formatting)

Pineedles · 02-26-2009, 07:07 PM

Did you intend to leave all that blank space in your reply pontoongoon?

Argie's Wife · 02-26-2009, 07:14 PM

My dad worked as the animal control officer for Sanford, ME in the 70's/80's and often said:

"I'm not a dog catcher; I'm a people catcher. The dogs are just being dogs."

I love well-trained dogs and appreciate responsible owners. Unfortunately there's people who think that they have an entitlement when they adopt/buy a dog and have little consideration of others. Like BBTilton's neighbours, "You can't fix stupid."

Lakesrider · 02-26-2009, 08:54 PM

Funny I read all the posts and the one from Grant made me think of someones kid, not a dog like that. Dogs do things naturally. Bark, poop, play, howl, wail. Sometimes I think it is the kids, and yes I was one once, that need the leashes.

Keeping a dog outside on a run or chain creates great frustration in a dog and this is the how and why of barking in the yard. The dog most likely wants to be with it's owner. Yet the owner puts it outside thinking this is good for the dog and that it gets exercise this way. Not true. You need to walk your dog, head up, for at least 45 minutes twice a day. Running is preferred. Using different routes is preferred as well as to not "Bore" your dog. You will find your dog is more submissive and less "barkative" when it has been exercised. I used to train K9 dogs for police departments. There was a comment made as to a German Shepard mix as well. Home owners insurance companies can cancel your policy if they find out that you have a certain breed in your house. So be careful what you decide to bring home. Rotties, GS, Akita, Dalmations, Malamute, Dobermans, Chow Chow, Presa Canario's, Husky, Pit Bull American Staffordshire, to name most. There a re few comments here that do not bode well with me, in as far as what is proper or improper from the dogs behavioral stand point. Always remember it is never the dogs fault. So to strike a dog, no matter what it is doing is improper behavior on the humans standpoint. Unless a dog is corrected immediately for doing something wrong it is pointless. And the dog would have had to already learned that it was not the thing to do. If the dog was never taught to not approach people in an aggressive manner striking the dog will only enforce it's dislike of someone or something new. Sorry to rant a bit. But we have to remember who is actually at fault with bad dog behavior. I firmly believe a dog should NEVER be off leash, and do not NOT believe in retractable leashes. It teaches the dog no control, because the dog does believe or understand when the leash will be let out and at what time it should not be. Not sure if I worded that correctly, but the retractable leashes are another pointless tool in dog training. With proper training a dog should NEVER need a leash. But should always have one on. It teaches them limits.

Grant · 02-27-2009, 10:09 AM

Lakesrider's point about the retractable leashes is correct. The old adage "give 'em an inch..." comes to mind. I have two rambunctious golden retrievers, and have walked them on both short leads and retractables. The younger dog, now pushing 2 yrs old, has obviously not had enough "fixed" leash training, as she loves to charge ahead. My mistake in not training her better on the short leash.

And I must second the "never off leash" comment as well. The only times mine are off leash at all is in my back yard, when they are doing their business. And someone is always there with them. Off-leash is just ASKING for trouble these days.

tricia1218 · 02-27-2009, 11:12 AM

We have a neighbor who to insist my dog (a dachshund) is responsible for going on his lawn. Funny thing is these droppings were clearly made by a much larger dog, and I have to laugh because while he is half joking/half serious accusing our dog of this monstrosity on his lawn, right next door is a great dane head staring at us.

nj2nh · 02-27-2009, 11:48 AM

We have a Golden. She isn't perfect, but she sure tries. She loves people, but when we tell her to go upstairs or downstairs, she does.

What I don't understand is the mentality of those people who think that their opinion about dogs (or kids for that matter) is the only one that counts. Dogs should not be permitted to jump on someone under any circumstances. What if that person is older and not so sure on his or her feet? Disaster! What if is a child or even an adult who is afraid of dogs? It simply isn't fair to force a dog upon a person no matter what.

My neighbor here in Jersey has an older lab. THey let it out on their deck and then forget about her. She barks and barks. One Halloween evening, they left her out. She barked endlessly. I phoned them, but there was no answer. I figured they were spending the night with grandparents so I called the police. Just as I was getting through the phone menu (I didn't call 911), I heard their house alarm go off. They were letting in the dog. They didn't hear her barking. They let her out and went to bed. This dog scares my wimpy Golden even though they can't get at each other. My neighbors don't get it.

Too many people don't get it. If you wouldn't go up and hug a stranger, neighbor, friend, why would you let your dog jump on someone? Why do you think it is acceptable to let them roam into a neightbor's yard or on their boat if you wouldn't do it? I know the answer. The rules don't apply to some people. They love their dogs and everyone else must love their dogs, too.

Ticks me off completely!

nj2nh

TomC · 02-27-2009, 12:19 PM

i don't have a dog, although as a kid I did, and I like dogs. I don't like dog deposits in my yard - but of course it happens from time to time from loose dogs. One day i was digging up the hatch to my septic tank in the front yard. Down the sidewalk comes a guy walking a large dog, i think it was a Mastiff. He picks my front lawn not 25 feet away from me to do his business. The dog owner makes eye contact with me. The dog finishes deposit and the dog and owner resume their progress down the sidewalk. No attempt to clean up or even apologize for this was made by the owner (had he apologized I would have just buried the turd in the hole I was digging or put it in the septic tank). So I took my spade which was already in my hand, scooped up the dog crap and began to follow the guy. We didn't get too far before he spun around and asked me what "I thought I was doing?" I told him I didn't think I was doing anything - what I knew I was doing was following him home so I could return his dog feces to his yard/lawn. He wasn't amused and said "C'mon man, just chuck it in the woods... I live a 1/2 mile from here - are you really going to carry that all the way?" There is a wooded/swampy area a couple of lots down from me and we were adjacent to it.

I of course didn't really want to walk all that way with a shovelful of dog excrement, so I did throw it into the woods. I told the guy to clean up after his pet (the ordinance in town requires it) and if he can't do that, to find someplace other than my lawn to let his dog relieve himself. I hoped I made my point.

I have seen this guy from time to time on the sidewalk. He dosen't stop near my house any more...

of course none of this was the dogs fault.

chipj29 · 02-27-2009, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grant

...Dog ownership, like parenthood, is a responsibility.

When my next door neighbor on the other side of me moved in, they had a beautiful golden retreiver. But the dog was never leashed or kept in their yard. One night not long after they moved in, I was lighting off fireworks with other neighbors, and we had a great time. Everyone had gone home, and I was outside talking to another neighbor, and we heard a strange sound coming from his yard. We walked closer and realized it was splashing coming from his pool. We ran over to find the golden retreiver splashing like crazy trying to get out of the pool (inground pool, with only a ladder, no stairs). There were splashes all around the pool deck, indicating to me that the dog was desperately trying to get out. We got the exhausted dog out of the pool, and he ran home. When we pulled him out, he was almost dead weight, I think he was about 5 minutes away from giving up, if that. I am positive we saved Dillon's life that night.
Dillon lived a long life, and passed away about a year ago, at age 15. I just wish my neighbor (who I am very good friends with now) had done more to keep him in his own yard, instead of roaming the 'hood.

gravy boat · 02-28-2009, 04:13 PM

As a dog owner (since May 07), I always pick up after our girl (unless off trail in the woods or in designated areas at rest stops). We are fortunate that she was well trained by her previous master(s) regarding barking. When told to hush, she typically will and if she continues we remove her from the situation/area.

At night she may bark a few times before finding her place and doing her business -- and I believe this may be her way of ensuring there are no predatory animals in the area that will attack while she is prone. The neighboors have sled dogs and they are quite loud....and persistent...many evenings. She will converse with them when outside, but if it's more than one or two minutes I will bring her inside. Our other neighboors have a German shepherd they keep in a pen and scold her when she barks....it breaks my heart as I never see them walking her or bringing her anywhere with them. Why have a dog if only to keep in chained or penned up? No wonder she's barking -- she has tons of pent up energy that needs to be released and has little socialization during the day.

If I know someone is not fond of dogs, I do my best to ensure that my dog stays away from the person. A leash solves it (for the dog, silly).

Like some folks said -- it is the owner's responsibilty to train their dogs, mind their dogs, protect their dogs and clean up after their dogs at all times. Dogs will be dogs. They bark, yhey poop when they feel the urge and aren't picky about where they leave their calling card. ;-)

GB

SteveA · 03-01-2009, 06:41 PM

I've heard "Dog Bites Man" and "Man Bites Dog" but this is the first I've seen of this behavior.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2O15DXv3Vwg

Now back to your regular programing....

tis · 03-02-2009, 07:54 AM

That was pretty funny. It was a nice way to start the morning with a good laugh! What a silly dog!

weim2 · 05-04-2009, 06:28 PM

I am lucky enough to have no neighbors. We live in the middle of 35 acres and my dog does not want to loose sight of me and wander away. So I guess one answer is to buy enough land to shelter yourself.

02-24-2009, 07:47 PM	#1
Little bear gal Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	neighbors and dogs! Thought I would open up this can of worms- how do you all feel about neighbors and dogs? What expectations should you have as a neighbor re: barking, behavior and picking up after your dog? In my area we have very opposite theories and I'd like to know what other people think.

02-24-2009, 07:58 PM	#2
jetskier Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Reading, MA and South Down Shores Posts: 850 Thanks: 57 Thanked 183 Times in 114 Posts	Just have to lay down the law We don't allow our cats to pick on the neighbor's dog. Jetskier

02-24-2009, 08:22 PM	#4
jkjoshuatree Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Bear Island Posts: 642 Thanks: 349 Thanked 145 Times in 77 Posts	I Have 2 Golden Retreiver Puppies... ...and the owner should absolutely pick up after their dogs. But it's hard to control when and how often they bark. And different breeds bark more than others. Just my two cents. __________________ Dream out loud.

02-24-2009, 08:57 PM	#5
Pineedles Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Moultonborough & CT Posts: 2,535 Thanks: 1,059 Thanked 652 Times in 363 Posts	Feelings on Dogs and Neighbors? I'll alway take dogs (and cats), over neighbors any day. Ooh I forgot, I never pickup after my neighbor.

02-25-2009, 09:01 AM	#13
TiltonBB Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Gilford, NH and Florida Posts: 2,897 Thanks: 644 Thanked 2,153 Times in 900 Posts	The Neighbors Dog In general I am not an animal fan. I think that if your dog barks for more than 5 minutes and your neighbors can hear it, it should be brought inside. If that doesn't work you should buy a bark collar. We have one particular neighbor that seem to think an hour or two of loud barking is fine. When I have spoken to them they take offense and say that the dog is "just playing" One night after 11:00PM they came in in their boat and the dog barked for 20 minutes straight while they dropped the passengers at their dock and put the boat on it's mooring. I finally stepped out on the front deck and said "would you please do something about the dog" They responded "he's just happy to see us, go back in your house and watch TV" So what is the next step? Call the police? Take matters in to my own hands? The neighbors don't seem to realize that the barking is unacceptable. They are well aware that we have a problem with it. This has been going on for two years. I refuse to let my peace and tranquility be taken away by rude neighbors. It looks like it is time for an ugly confrontation!

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02-24-2009, 09:51 PM	#6
Seeker Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Effingham Posts: 408 Thanks: 37 Thanked 19 Times in 15 Posts	There's pretty specific laws in NH regarding barking, loose dogs, etc. It's perfectly legal to shoot a dog that worries (harrasses) people, livestock or other animals. I don't have the RSA in front of me but it should read the owners could be shot instead of the dogs since it is usually the owner who is out of control for not being in control of his/her pet.

02-24-2009, 10:02 PM	#8
Seeker Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Effingham Posts: 408 Thanks: 37 Thanked 19 Times in 15 Posts	Hazelnut, Look up the RSA's re:dogs. They are quite specific. 'Course if anyone shot mine I'd be on my way to jail.

02-24-2009, 11:06 PM	#10
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	It looks like Seeker is right: 466:28 Killing Dogs Legalized. – Any person may kill a dog that suddenly assaults the person while such person is peaceably walking or riding without the enclosure of its owner or keeper; and any person may kill a dog that is found out of the enclosure or immediate care of its owner or keeper worrying, wounding, or killing sheep, lambs, fowl, or other domestic animals. Add this is why you can't let your dog roam free, even if your town doesn't have a lease law: 466:30-a Dog Control Law. – I. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any dog to run at large, except when accompanied by the owner or custodian, and when used for hunting, for guarding, working, or herding livestock...

02-24-2009, 11:48 PM	#11
jeffk Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 1,130 Thanks: 201 Thanked 421 Times in 239 Posts	I train my dogs to stay on my property and 99% of the time they do. When neighbors want the dogs to come over I tell them that once I allow them to go on their property I can't back off that permission. They have always said "OK" and the dogs extend their territory to the neighbors yard. Dogs use the outside as their bathroom and if they go on the neighbors property, so be it. That's part of the package that comes with having the dogs come over. I've never had a problem with this. If I am walking the dogs and they poop on someone's yard I pick up after them. If they poop in a rough wooded area I don't. If my dog barks excessively I bring it inside. This can be a breed specific thing. Some dogs are quiet, others are not. I think a dog that barks constantly is a nuisance and the owner should be told it's a problem. If they don't do something about it you can discuss it with the police although I'm not sure what they can do. I think most dogs bark because they are left outside. I have never understood why you get a dog and then leave it outside all the time. If a dog is threatening people or other animal I believe the dog could be declared a nuisance and removed. I once had my dog attacked by two neighbors dogs well onto my property. I told them that if they didn't control their dogs, I would. I never had another problem. To be honest those dogs were Goldens which are VERY trainable. The owner had ruined the dogs. I have had a couple Goldens and people can't believe the stuff I have trained them to do. The breed is extremely eager to please it's owners. I currently have an Akita, a rescue dog that my daughter got. The breed characteristics are to be guarded with strangers so she tends to bark a lot at the neighbors. She's a big dog at 90 pounds and she can be very scary just because of her size and configuration. She looks like a cross between a German Shepard and a bear with a massive head. When she first got in the house she growled at me for several months but now she is a big love. I have taken her to meet the neighbors and she is much better with them now although she still is cautious around them. The people on one side of us got a little dog, no more than 10 pounds. The Akita and their dog are inseparable buddies. A real Mutt and Jeff combination. The Akita is amazingly gentle with the little dog and he is a playfully aggressive companion chewing on her neck all the time. The Akita doesn't even notice he is doing it. Anyway, I don't think you should let your dog become a nuisance but some people can be awfully picky as well.

02-25-2009, 08:37 AM	#12
Bear Islander Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bear Island Posts: 1,757 Thanks: 31 Thanked 429 Times in 203 Posts	Dogs are the number one cause of neighbor conflict on our island. Many people allow their dogs to run free or "at large" as it says in the RSAs. If the dog is calm and friendly then this rarely causes a problem. However some dogs are aggressive when they meet up with a stranger. People love their dogs and hate to fence or tie them up. They turn a blind eye to the aggressive side of the lovable pooch that plays with their kids. Then they turn another blind eye to the law.

02-25-2009, 10:36 AM	#15
Webbsatwinni Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Lebanon Ct and Rattlesnake Island Since 2007 Posts: 610 Thanks: 180 Thanked 137 Times in 72 Posts	To me, people in general are in two groups, dog lovers and everyone else who tolerates dogs. Dog lovers think that everyone should be in their group and get upset when people think that the dogs are an invasion while barking or roaming free. Everyone else is wishing that beyond a casual petting of the dog here and there, that the dog should either be quite and stay home. I am in the second group, we choose not to have dogs and think that sitting on our deck dog free should be possible. Last year I was at the Wolfboro town dock and when I returned to the boat, there was a family fishing and their dog was in my boat. When I asked who's dog it was and could they get it off my boat now(!), they said to calm down as it was only a dog. After some back and forth, we got in the boat and left as they were really starting to get really angry that we thought is was wrong. And it was my boat that their dog was on, so why get angry? It is just my two cents that dogs should either be on a leash or fenced in. I am not trying to tick anyone off by this, it was just a great thread to discuss.

02-25-2009, 10:51 AM	#16
BJAM Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Melvin Village Posts: 17 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	I would take a dog over a neighbor any day! At the very least you wouldn't have to worry about the dog borrowing your favorite tool, and not returning it!! That's why I buy fluorescent pink extension cords, so I can see them hanging in my neighbors garage. By the way you can buy any color extension cord at Heath's Hardware in Ctr. Harbor.

02-25-2009, 12:51 PM	#19
Webbsatwinni Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Lebanon Ct and Rattlesnake Island Since 2007 Posts: 610 Thanks: 180 Thanked 137 Times in 72 Posts	I do agree that is not the dog but the owners training and control abilities. Or the awareness on how their dog impacts others and the wherewithal to remove the dog from the situation without the second most annoying dog owner trait, the call of "Fido, come over here" over and over again. That said, I do find it funny that no matter how many dog owners discuss this topic, only the ones with good dogs talk about it . Is it that they are unaware of the irritation they cause or are all of the bad dog owners shy? That sounds like a great poll: Is your dog annoying to anyone around you? Never, my dog is perfect. Sometimes, but not to me. All of the time, but not to me.

02-25-2009, 01:09 PM	#20
TiltonBB Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Gilford, NH and Florida Posts: 2,897 Thanks: 644 Thanked 2,153 Times in 900 Posts	But what is the solution? There are a lot of comments from dog owners who are, or at least claim to be, responsible. But other than the 4AM phone call comment, no real viable solution. Talking to the neighbors apparently doesn't work. They are well aware of the barking and well aware that we have a problem with it. They just don't seem to care. Too many dog owners think that everyone who must interact with their dog must enjoy their dog as they do. I have another friend whose dog insists on rubbing up against people and licking their hands. Every time I go to visit him it is impossible to get out of the car without this smelly mutt licking me. My friend stands their and laughs. I don't find it that funny. To me, and I realize that it is just my opinion, most dog owners are oblivious to the discomfort that their dogs cause others.

02-25-2009, 01:28 PM	#22
GTO Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 1,072 Thanks: 336 Thanked 342 Times in 158 Posts	what? Too many dog owners think that everyone who must interact with their dog must enjoy their dog as they do. I have another friend whose dog insists on rubbing up against people and licking their hands. Every time I go to visit him it is impossible to get out of the car without this smelly mutt licking me. My friend stands their and laughs. I don't find it that funny. Oh my God....a dog rubbing up against you and kissing your hands....how sick is that. Imagine, a pet showing their affection. Dogs are meant to be put outside in a muddy pen with a small house to keep them sheltered and away from people. Yes, I am being sarcastic. Ok, I can understand the whole barking thing, I hate that too. But showing affection...c'mon. Maybe its not the dog that should live the sheltered life......mmmm __________________ GTO

05-13-2009, 04:59 PM	#27
LIforrelaxin Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Long Island, not that one, the one on Winnipesaukee Posts: 2,827 Thanks: 1,017 Thanked 881 Times in 515 Posts	Dogs and Barking So that is an interesting tid bit with feuding neighbors that I will stay right the heck out of. But what I do want to comment on here is dogs barking in general... People tend to forget this is how dogs communicate..... Sure there are instances where it can get over whelming and annoying and I woudl say that 20 mins is a bit excessive.... but dogs bark this is what they do... Sometimes they are happy and excited, sometimes really ticked off... other times they are just trying to let there owners know... that something isn't quite right. The problem is people.... people and only people.... people have gotten to use to having things just they way they want them.... well the truth of the matter is the world isn't perfect... so get used to it.... take a barking dog for just what it is, one of gods creatures trying to communicate..... you know I bet if you could talk to a dog, the first comment about people would probably be that it can't understand why we can't just be happy relaxing on the dock for an afternoon...... __________________ Life is about how much time you can spend relaxing... I do it on an island that isn't really an island.....

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05-13-2009, 05:49 PM	#28
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,411 Thanks: 720 Thanked 1,381 Times in 957 Posts	LOL LIfor! I agree. We will stay out of that one. But as a great dog lover, I would never allow my dogs to bark and disturb my neighbors and I would expect the same of them. A hello bark or I hear something bark for a minute is ok, but steady is just not right. It is very inconsiderate and annoying. I also believe it is against the law as well. At night when you are trying to sleep it is especially annoying.

02-25-2009, 10:12 AM	#32
donnamatrix Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonboro Posts: 833 Thanks: 24 Thanked 258 Times in 120 Posts	Nuisance dogs Years ago, we rented a house on Bear Island in Church Cove. There was a German Shepherd dog, very large, that would come visit. Wasn't threatening, just a constant visitor and was quite a stinky/aromatic critter. She liked having rocks thrown for her to retrieve-like a ball. One late afternoon in a thunderstorm, she came right thru the screen door she was so scared of the storm! We have had nuisance barking-dogs next door, but INSIDE the house, who barked at everything that went on outside. We had confrontations with our neighbors ... but there is no solution. Dog owners often just don't care if their pet is annoying to others. Good luck TiltonBB-I don't envy you what's on the horizon. Of course, we have Siamese cats... talk about noisemakers!

02-25-2009, 11:51 AM	#33
dpg Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,560 Thanks: 149 Thanked 229 Times in 166 Posts	I own a dog and love them, he's kept under control. He's trained to be taken down the street to do his thing in the woods and I don't pick it up there. Not owned by anyone town land that's been woods forever (duh) and always will be. I have an unusual situation in that mine is blind - he sees very little in daylight I think. He does known his yard and stays in it, we had an electric fence when he could see anyways. I went at it with one person on the other end of the neighborhood last summer. His dog literally pulled away from him and "ATTACKED" my neighbors dog in her yard - I witnessed the whole thing, this dog always attempts to get at others on "its" walk. I very calmy told the owner that my dog was blind and if his ever came into my yard and attacked him like I just witnessed he would not leave my yard alive. Maybe not the smartest comment to make to someone but what I witnessed was scary.

02-25-2009, 12:06 PM	#34
jmen24 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 1,139 Thanks: 223 Thanked 319 Times in 181 Posts	Talk to the neighbors I lived with dogs my entire life, at one point having FIVE at once. We have only one dog now and I refuse to allow my dog to be a pain to the neighborhood. My dog does his business in his own yard and stays in his yard or he goes inside. Barking at people while outside is not allowed at all and it gets stopped immediately, only barking to protect his family is allowed (it is a different mindset for the dog and is easy for them to tell the difference). It is 100% the owners responsibility to teach the dog to respect others and know its boundaries. I would like to know if someone had an issue with my dog so that I could correct it. It is hard enough find good neighbors let alone keep them.

02-26-2009, 06:26 AM	#35
twoplustwo Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 456 Thanks: 51 Thanked 39 Times in 21 Posts	I like my dogs better than my neighbors, too... ... But now that the largest of my idiots has decided snowmobiles are evil, I feel bad for my neighbors as I'm constantly having to drag her back into the house to stop the barking. Where's the alarm when a family of bears is around in the spring? Nowhere. But darned if she doesn't want to protect me from snowmobiles.

02-26-2009, 07:33 AM	#36
chipj29 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bow Posts: 1,874 Thanks: 521 Thanked 308 Times in 162 Posts	When we bought our house 12 years ago, our next door neighbor had the "welcome wagon" dog. Nikki would lay out on their lawn and greet all the cars as they drove by, then would wander to each house to say hello. Very cute dog, but was all over the neighborhood. One time I left my garage door open, and I came home to find Nikki sleeping on the cold cement floor on a hot summer day. No problem. However...one morning I woke up to find Nikki sleeping on my dining room floor. I guess I had left the garage door open again, and she pushed open a door. I thought it was funny, but a bit too much. Not long after that, Nikki passed away. We actually missed her. __________________ Getting ready for winter!

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02-26-2009, 12:35 PM	#38
RI Swamp Yankee Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: North Kingstown RI Posts: 688 Thanks: 143 Thanked 83 Times in 55 Posts	I love dogs but don't have one. It does bother me when I have to clean off my shoes after cutting the grass or when the whatever hits the rotating blade. __________________ Gene ~ aka "another RI Swamp Yankee"

02-26-2009, 03:34 PM	#39
Grant Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Pennsyltuckey, Tuftonboro, Moultonborough Posts: 1,485 Thanks: 337 Thanked 212 Times in 116 Posts	Barking? Poop? These are inconveniences. Allow me to share a scary story from this past summer: I have two dogs -- golden retrievers. They don't bark, but they do poop. And, yes, I pick it up. Well, I was taking them on their daily jaunt up the road -- as I've done with these and other dogs for years. Let's just say I walk this road every day that I'm at the Lake -- sometimes 2-3-4x a day. I've done so since the 1960s. Well, this time, there's a rather large, obviously nasty shepherd-retriever mix BOLTING toward us -- teeth bare, heckles WAY up, head low, tail down. My dogs' first reaction is, "Yeah! Play time with new friend!" WRONG. With two retractable leashes in hand, I could not readily pick up a branch or rock to hit the attacker. He circled us, trying to get in closer, as I tried to insert myself between "it" and my dogs -- all the while, yelling at it to go home. "Home" for the aggressor was a rented year-round property along the road (obviously a multiple-family unit these days, judging from the number of electric meters). The woman there, who had knowlingly left this NASTY dog outside without a leash or run, was making a futile attempt to call the dog back. After about five minutes of the stand-off, I managed to wrangle both leashes into one hand, grope the ground for a suitably imposing limb, and take a few swings at the attacker. This, along with my own growls and the idiot woman's attempts to recall the dog, convinced it that this was not a fight worth pursuing. I took my dogs immediately home, and went to town to find a good tube of pepper spray. Fortunately, my string of profanity apparently impacted her future leash decisions, because i didn't see the dog out again on subsequent passes up the road (all of which were done in the truck). I went armed on future walks and runs. Beware: Even in the country, leaving your dog off leash is FOOLISH and irresponsible. Cars, pedestrians, porcupines (!), coyotes...you name it...the hazards are numerous. And, had I come across this dog again, I wouldn't think twice about denting his skull with a nice chunk of Winnipesaukee granite or emptying a can of spray into his eyes. And I'm a bona fide dog lover. Others may not be as tolerant -- and may not be as tolerant of far lesser offenses. Dog ownership, like parenthood, is a responsibility. __________________ "When I die, please don't let my wife sell my dive gear for what I told her I paid for it."

02-26-2009, 03:58 PM	#40
Pontoon Goon Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Stoneham Ma./ Meredith Posts: 141 Thanks: 339 Thanked 67 Times in 27 Posts	Solve the poop problem Remember the old trick where you would light a bag of dog poop on the offending neighbors stoop, ring the bell then hide and watch them stamp it out? Well if it happened to you back in 1964 it wasn't me unless your name is Mr. Lewton then it proberly was me. And it still makes me smile! (No, I didn't intend to leave all that blank space the first time. Edited for formatting) Last edited by Pontoon Goon; 02-27-2009 at 12:08 PM. Reason: Edited for formatting

02-26-2009, 07:07 PM	#41
Pineedles Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Moultonborough & CT Posts: 2,535 Thanks: 1,059 Thanked 652 Times in 363 Posts	"well" what? Did you intend to leave all that blank space in your reply pontoongoon?

02-26-2009, 07:14 PM	#42
Argie's Wife Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Alton Posts: 1,908 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 533 Thanked 579 Times in 260 Posts	My dad worked as the animal control officer for Sanford, ME in the 70's/80's and often said: *"I'm not a dog catcher; I'm a people catcher. The dogs are just being dogs."* I love well-trained dogs and appreciate responsible owners. Unfortunately there's people who think that they have an entitlement when they adopt/buy a dog and have little consideration of others. Like BBTilton's neighbours, *"You can't fix stupid."*

02-26-2009, 08:54 PM	#43
Lakesrider Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 2,129 Thanks: 380 Thanked 1,016 Times in 345 Posts	Funny I read all the posts and the one from Grant made me think of someones kid, not a dog like that. Dogs do things naturally. Bark, poop, play, howl, wail. Sometimes I think it is the kids, and yes I was one once, that need the leashes. Keeping a dog outside on a run or chain creates great frustration in a dog and this is the how and why of barking in the yard. The dog most likely wants to be with it's owner. Yet the owner puts it outside thinking this is good for the dog and that it gets exercise this way. Not true. You need to walk your dog, head up, for at least 45 minutes twice a day. Running is preferred. Using different routes is preferred as well as to not "Bore" your dog. You will find your dog is more submissive and less "barkative" when it has been exercised. I used to train K9 dogs for police departments. There was a comment made as to a German Shepard mix as well. Home owners insurance companies can cancel your policy if they find out that you have a certain breed in your house. So be careful what you decide to bring home. Rotties, GS, Akita, Dalmations, Malamute, Dobermans, Chow Chow, Presa Canario's, Husky, Pit Bull American Staffordshire, to name most. There a re few comments here that do not bode well with me, in as far as what is proper or improper from the dogs behavioral stand point. Always remember it is never the dogs fault. So to strike a dog, no matter what it is doing is improper behavior on the humans standpoint. Unless a dog is corrected immediately for doing something wrong it is pointless. And the dog would have had to already learned that it was not the thing to do. If the dog was never taught to not approach people in an aggressive manner striking the dog will only enforce it's dislike of someone or something new. Sorry to rant a bit. But we have to remember who is actually at fault with bad dog behavior. I firmly believe a dog should NEVER be off leash, and do not NOT believe in retractable leashes. It teaches the dog no control, because the dog does believe or understand when the leash will be let out and at what time it should not be. Not sure if I worded that correctly, but the retractable leashes are another pointless tool in dog training. With proper training a dog should NEVER need a leash. But should always have one on. It teaches them limits.

02-27-2009, 10:09 AM	#44
Grant Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Pennsyltuckey, Tuftonboro, Moultonborough Posts: 1,485 Thanks: 337 Thanked 212 Times in 116 Posts	Lakesrider's point about the retractable leashes is correct. The old adage "give 'em an inch..." comes to mind. I have two rambunctious golden retrievers, and have walked them on both short leads and retractables. The younger dog, now pushing 2 yrs old, has obviously not had enough "fixed" leash training, as she loves to charge ahead. My mistake in not training her better on the short leash. And I must second the "never off leash" comment as well. The only times mine are off leash at all is in my back yard, when they are doing their business. And someone is always there with them. Off-leash is just ASKING for trouble these days. __________________ "When I die, please don't let my wife sell my dive gear for what I told her I paid for it."

02-27-2009, 11:12 AM	#45
tricia1218 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: MA/Paugus Bay Posts: 155 Thanks: 31 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	We have a neighbor who to insist my dog (a dachshund) is responsible for going on his lawn. Funny thing is these droppings were clearly made by a much larger dog, and I have to laugh because while he is half joking/half serious accusing our dog of this monstrosity on his lawn, right next door is a great dane head staring at us.

02-27-2009, 11:48 AM	#46
nj2nh Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 518 Thanks: 62 Thanked 42 Times in 23 Posts	Dog Tales We have a Golden. She isn't perfect, but she sure tries. She loves people, but when we tell her to go upstairs or downstairs, she does. What I don't understand is the mentality of those people who think that their opinion about dogs (or kids for that matter) is the only one that counts. Dogs should not be permitted to jump on someone under any circumstances. What if that person is older and not so sure on his or her feet? Disaster! What if is a child or even an adult who is afraid of dogs? It simply isn't fair to force a dog upon a person no matter what. My neighbor here in Jersey has an older lab. THey let it out on their deck and then forget about her. She barks and barks. One Halloween evening, they left her out. She barked endlessly. I phoned them, but there was no answer. I figured they were spending the night with grandparents so I called the police. Just as I was getting through the phone menu (I didn't call 911), I heard their house alarm go off. They were letting in the dog. They didn't hear her barking. They let her out and went to bed. This dog scares my wimpy Golden even though they can't get at each other. My neighbors don't get it. Too many people don't get it. If you wouldn't go up and hug a stranger, neighbor, friend, why would you let your dog jump on someone? Why do you think it is acceptable to let them roam into a neightbor's yard or on their boat if you wouldn't do it? I know the answer. The rules don't apply to some people. They love their dogs and everyone else must love their dogs, too. Ticks me off completely! nj2nh __________________

02-27-2009, 12:19 PM	#47
TomC Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Lakes Region Posts: 547 Thanks: 9 Thanked 29 Times in 20 Posts	my dog doo story.. i don't have a dog, although as a kid I did, and I like dogs. I don't like dog deposits in my yard - but of course it happens from time to time from loose dogs. One day i was digging up the hatch to my septic tank in the front yard. Down the sidewalk comes a guy walking a large dog, i think it was a Mastiff. He picks my front lawn not 25 feet away from me to do his business. The dog owner makes eye contact with me. The dog finishes deposit and the dog and owner resume their progress down the sidewalk. No attempt to clean up or even apologize for this was made by the owner (had he apologized I would have just buried the turd in the hole I was digging or put it in the septic tank). So I took my spade which was already in my hand, scooped up the dog crap and began to follow the guy. We didn't get too far before he spun around and asked me what "I thought I was doing?" I told him I didn't think I was doing anything - what I knew I was doing was following him home so I could return his dog feces to his yard/lawn. He wasn't amused and said "C'mon man, just chuck it in the woods... I live a 1/2 mile from here - are you really going to carry that all the way?" There is a wooded/swampy area a couple of lots down from me and we were adjacent to it. I of course didn't really want to walk all that way with a shovelful of dog excrement, so I did throw it into the woods. I told the guy to clean up after his pet (the ordinance in town requires it) and if he can't do that, to find someplace other than my lawn to let his dog relieve himself. I hoped I made my point. I have seen this guy from time to time on the sidewalk. He dosen't stop near my house any more... of course none of this was the dogs fault.