What would you do?

chipj29 · 04-23-2014, 09:20 AM

I would have done exactly as you did, except that I would have said a number of choice words to the guy for allowing his dog to leave his yard. Neighbor or not, if his dog is aggressive it, he should already know that and take extra precautions (such as a fence) to make sure his dog can't run free.

Then I would take a paper bag, fill it with dog poop, put it on his front step, and light it on fire.

upthesaukee · 04-23-2014, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chipj29

I would have done exactly as you did, except that I would have said a number of choice words to the guy for allowing his dog to leave his yard. Neighbor or not, if his dog is aggressive it, he should already know that and take extra precautions (such as a fence) to make sure his dog can't run free.

Then I would take a paper bag, fill it with dog poop, put it on his front step, and light it on fire.

If I remember correctly, it is 10 lbs placed in a 5 lb bag.

Seriously, a lot of good ideas here, but one that should be followed is to report the aggressive behavior of the dog. I worked in insurance for a 15+ years, personal lines, and the overall theory was a dog is entitled to one bite, after investigation of circumstances (kid jumps on a dog that is sleeping, stepping on the dog, startling the dog, etc.) Two bites, and the Homeowner policy was history at renewal. The police will put the owner on notice regarding the aggressive behavior. Good for your protection as well as your neighbors.

jrc · 04-23-2014, 11:27 AM

I guess a lot depends on whether this guy is a really a neighbor or not. I would give a least one chance for reconciliation, I mean are you going to see this guy, his family and his dog all the time? Are you going to be uncomfortable every time based on one bad encounter?

I'd still consider a friendly visit, go over and express concern about his dog, you want to make sure the dog is fine. He will either apologize for the incident and you have a new friend in the neighborhood. Or he will be a jerk and you can proceed to other solutions.

Everyone acts like a jerk occasionally.

BTW this is a bulldog, I don't think they are aggressive dogs.

donnamatrix · 04-23-2014, 12:04 PM

Lots of valuable input here - the Forum is such a great tool. This is what I've learned: I completed a police report on Wed AM. No bulldog is registered in that neighborhood, so must have been visiting for long weekend. The owner was probably visiting as well (the bulldog did have a collar and tags). I do not want to change where we walk our dog. It is about a mile from our house (so these folks are not "neighbors" in a pure sense) and is a nice, quiet road with little traffic. We will be incorporating a walking stick and/or water device of some sort in the future. I know that bulldogs are not historically aggressive, but they are extremely protective and this dog was quite belligerent and growling. I agree that I probably shouldn't have screamed GET YOUR DOG several times, but I was scared and am sure our dog picked up on my fearful emotion. I truly appreciate everyone taking the time to comment. You've all been a big help. Thanks
DM

Greene's Basin Girl · 04-23-2014, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donnamatrix

Lots of valuable input here - the Forum is such a great tool. This is what I've learned: I completed a police report on Wed AM. No bulldog is registered in that neighborhood, so must have been visiting for long weekend. The owner was probably visiting as well (the bulldog did have a collar and tags). I do not want to change where we walk our dog. It is about a mile from our house (so these folks are not "neighbors" in a pure sense) and is a nice, quiet road with little traffic. We will be incorporating a walking stick and/or water device of some sort in the future. I know that bulldogs are not historically aggressive, but they are extremely protective and this dog was quite belligerent and growling. I agree that I probably shouldn't have screamed GET YOUR DOG several times, but I was scared and am sure our dog picked up on my fearful emotion. I truly appreciate everyone taking the time to comment. You've all been a big help. Thanks
DM

Donna- you can scream all you want. We don't want anything to happen to your precious dog when he is minding his own business!

LIforrelaxin · 04-23-2014, 12:14 PM

I have dealt with many situations with Dogs, and had to deal with oncoming dogs while walking my own. There is no right or wrong advice here, there are just many avenues to go down.

1. I don't recommend carrying a stick... as some other have said this just tends to make matters worse. If you need it to walk well then that is a different story all together.

2. Do report the incident to the police. There may be other complaints, and once enough complaints have been filed, the Police can step in on the side of public safety.

3. Don't feel bad about deciding to defend yourself and your dog in your situation, from the sounds of it you felt threatened and you do have the right to defend yourself.

4. However the issue sounds as through it was between the dogs, you kicking that the bulldog my have only antagonized the situation. Only get in the middle of the dogs if you know you can end it, as has already been said.
If you don't feel you can control the situation, it is better to back off and wait for the other dog owner to assist.

It would certainly suck to loose a family pet because of a dog fight don't get me wrong. However getting yourself in the middle and getting mangled in the middle is not worth it. (Self preservation 101)...

With all that said, I still don't think the other dog owner acted at all appropriately... he should have been right over, and helped you get control of the situation. And apologized.... But some people just don't get it...

I have a springer spaniel, that barks at passer bys all the time, and everyone in the neighborhood knows it, but also knows, once he gets close to them he will roll over and ask for his stomach to be scratched.... But even at that, every time he barks someone down, for a belly rub, I still apologize....

MeredithMan · 04-23-2014, 12:14 PM

Disclaimer: I am a man, and it is very easy for a man to think like a dog....eating, sleeping, chasing girls, and playing catch...pretty much sums up the priorities for a man and a dog...

Seriously, though, being charged by a dog can be very un-nerving, (it's happened to me, and probably to many on this forum), so I'm sure it spooked you. However, it is in the DNA of all dogs...even the most docile ones....to protect their property and their master / family. I have a 13 year old Golden and she is an old cream puff, but she will bark and be on guard if anyone comes by our yard.

By kicking the charging dog or yelling at it, it merely confirms to the dog that you are indeed a threat. This is especially true if the dog is one of the more protective breeds. It also pisses off the other dog owner who sees you kicking and yelling at his dog. A more effective strategy is to remain calm and still and extend your hand so the dog can sniff you and realize that you mean no harm. I have done this and it works. Is there a chance the dog will still attack you? Yes, but less of a chance than if you start kicking him and yelling at him.

Maybe the specific homeowner and dog in this case are in fact nasty. I don't know. I do know that people, (and dogs), make mistakes and should be given the benefit of the doubt and calling the cops and burning dog poop on their lawn is generally a bit extreme.

MM

04-23-2014, 09:20 AM	#1
chipj29 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bow Posts: 1,874 Thanks: 521 Thanked 308 Times in 162 Posts	I would have done exactly as you did, except that I would have said a number of choice words to the guy for allowing his dog to leave his yard. Neighbor or not, if his dog is aggressive it, he should already know that and take extra precautions (such as a fence) to make sure his dog can't run free. Then I would take a paper bag, fill it with dog poop, put it on his front step, and light it on fire. __________________ Getting ready for winter!

04-23-2014, 12:04 PM	#4
donnamatrix Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonboro Posts: 833 Thanks: 24 Thanked 258 Times in 120 Posts	Thanks everyone! Lots of valuable input here - the Forum is such a great tool. This is what I've learned: I completed a police report on Wed AM. No bulldog is registered in that neighborhood, so must have been visiting for long weekend. The owner was probably visiting as well (the bulldog did have a collar and tags). I do not want to change where we walk our dog. It is about a mile from our house (so these folks are not "neighbors" in a pure sense) and is a nice, quiet road with little traffic. We will be incorporating a walking stick and/or water device of some sort in the future. I know that bulldogs are not historically aggressive, but they are extremely protective and this dog was quite belligerent and growling. I agree that I probably shouldn't have screamed GET YOUR DOG several times, but I was scared and am sure our dog picked up on my fearful emotion. I truly appreciate everyone taking the time to comment. You've all been a big help. Thanks DM

04-23-2014, 12:14 PM	#6
LIforrelaxin Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Texas, Lake Ray Hubbard and NH, Long Island Winnipesaukee Posts: 2,876 Thanks: 1,037 Thanked 892 Times in 524 Posts	I have dealt with many situations with Dogs, and had to deal with oncoming dogs while walking my own. There is no right or wrong advice here, there are just many avenues to go down. 1. I don't recommend carrying a stick... as some other have said this just tends to make matters worse. If you need it to walk well then that is a different story all together. 2. Do report the incident to the police. There may be other complaints, and once enough complaints have been filed, the Police can step in on the side of public safety. 3. Don't feel bad about deciding to defend yourself and your dog in your situation, from the sounds of it you felt threatened and you do have the right to defend yourself. 4. However the issue sounds as through it was between the dogs, you kicking that the bulldog my have only antagonized the situation. Only get in the middle of the dogs if you know you can end it, as has already been said. If you don't feel you can control the situation, it is better to back off and wait for the other dog owner to assist. It would certainly suck to loose a family pet because of a dog fight don't get me wrong. However getting yourself in the middle and getting mangled in the middle is not worth it. (Self preservation 101)... With all that said, I still don't think the other dog owner acted at all appropriately... he should have been right over, and helped you get control of the situation. And apologized.... But some people just don't get it... I have a springer spaniel, that barks at passer bys all the time, and everyone in the neighborhood knows it, but also knows, once he gets close to them he will roll over and ask for his stomach to be scratched.... But even at that, every time he barks someone down, for a belly rub, I still apologize.... __________________ Life is about how much time you can spend relaxing... I do it on an island that isn't really an island.....

04-23-2014, 12:14 PM	#7
MeredithMan Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Bedford, NH; Meredith, NH Posts: 958 Thanks: 263 Thanked 818 Times in 335 Posts	Think like a Dog.... Disclaimer: I am a man, and it is very easy for a man to think like a dog....eating, sleeping, chasing girls, and playing catch...pretty much sums up the priorities for a man and a dog... Seriously, though, being charged by a dog can be very un-nerving, (it's happened to me, and probably to many on this forum), so I'm sure it spooked you. However, it is in the DNA of all dogs...even the most docile ones....to protect their property and their master / family. I have a 13 year old Golden and she is an old cream puff, but she will bark and be on guard if anyone comes by our yard. By kicking the charging dog or yelling at it, it merely confirms to the dog that you are indeed a threat. This is especially true if the dog is one of the more protective breeds. It also pisses off the other dog owner who sees you kicking and yelling at his dog. A more effective strategy is to remain calm and still and extend your hand so the dog can sniff you and realize that you mean no harm. I have done this and it works. Is there a chance the dog will still attack you? Yes, but less of a chance than if you start kicking him and yelling at him. Maybe the specific homeowner and dog in this case are in fact nasty. I don't know. I do know that people, (and dogs), make mistakes and should be given the benefit of the doubt and calling the cops and burning dog poop on their lawn is generally a bit extreme. MM

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to upthesaukee For This Useful Post:
chipj29 (04-23-2014), WakeboardMom (04-25-2014)

04-23-2014, 11:27 AM	#3
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	I guess a lot depends on whether this guy is a really a neighbor or not. I would give a least one chance for reconciliation, I mean are you going to see this guy, his family and his dog all the time? Are you going to be uncomfortable every time based on one bad encounter? I'd still consider a friendly visit, go over and express concern about his dog, you want to make sure the dog is fine. He will either apologize for the incident and you have a new friend in the neighborhood. Or he will be a jerk and you can proceed to other solutions. Everyone acts like a jerk occasionally. BTW this is a bulldog, I don't think they are aggressive dogs.