Really scary dog
Can anyone offer some advice? Opposite my backyard and separated by a right of way (for utilities) my neighbor has a rotweiler/mixed breed dog. Besides barking incessantly it approaches my backyard fence and scares my 3 year old to the point of him not wanting to play by viciously growling through my fence. The neighbor…
Can anyone offer some advice? Opposite my backyard and separated by a right of way (for utilities) my neighbor has a rotweiler/mixed breed dog. Besides barking incessantly it approaches my backyard fence and scares my 3 year old to the point of him not wanting to play by viciously growling through my fence. The neighbor does not have any kind of fencing thus his/her backyard which should be about six feet apart from mine abuts my property. What can I do?
Is there a law regarding mandating the construction of a fence to keep the dog away and respect the right of way for what it is, no one’s property? Thanks.
I second (or third) the people who suggested an opaque fence, as well as the electronic devices that keep the dog from barking. We had to deal with a similiar situation, the electronic dog device helped solve the situation. And I think the dog owners ended up being grateful too, as they weren’t aware such devices existed, and they were tired of being bothered by the dog’s constant barking also. Good luck.
The total sicko who suggested throwing boiling water in the face of a poor animal made me sick.
The only reason thugs abuse dogs is because the thugs are so deeply insecure it’s the only way they can feel manly.
It’s not “tough” in the slightest. Try pathetic, weak and cowardly.
Talking to the neighbor is nice, in theory, but let’s face it that people who leave their dog outside barking all day often don’t care what people think. Call 311, file a complaint. Look at NYC.gov for any laws/ordinances/advice about unattended animals that disturb the peace. If you can’t get the owner to change things, can you “tame” the dog? The treat tactic may work. Throw him many small snacks, like pieces of cat food to keep him busy for a while and shut him up. Or if you have a water hose, spray the dog with it when it comes near your fence. (Just be aware that your nabe might kick your arse if he sees this). The dog is probably bored and protective and this probably won’t stop him from being mad and barking, but it might, and it won’t hurt him! Also, lots of people don’t use their yards. If nobody was in the yard before for a long time, the dog may not be used to having people back there. He may gradually get used to it.
Giving the dog treats makes the dog stay near you. It does not guarantee good behavior from the dog. This seems like a bad idea.
A solid fence that neither the dog nor the kid can see through is a great idea.
When you live in a city, it’s important to figure out what you can change and what you can’t change, and to be responsible for yourself. You can change your fence. You are the one who wants the situation to change, not your neighbor, who feels like he has a bigger backyard right now. Besides, the neighbor has a nasty dog, and dogs are sentient creatures, and this may be my own prejudice, but I think that anyone who lets a dog rot in a backyard has a tiny stone for a heart.
You build a fence, the dog has nothing to go look at, you’re not afraid, life moves on.
Guest648: Yes I can read. Thanks for your geniune concern about my literacy.
Im making the assumption that OP doesn’t feel there is any real danger posed to their child b/c I can’t imagine any parent would continue to let their child play in a yard where an angry dog could get at him/her.
I understood that he had a fence. Im suggesting he reinforce and make it opaque as Rehab suggests. If OP doesn’t feel that is suffcient to prevent the child being frightened, he can talk to the neighbor but Im guessing a nasty rottweiller owner who hasn’t fenced his dog in isn’t going to be worlds most courteous conversationalist. It sucks, yes. But thats life.
Provided you feel there is no way for the dog to get in and actually harm your child, the growling/barking will stop after the dog gets used to you. Speak softly to him and he’ll get adjusted to you. Giving him some (not poisoned) snacks isn’t a bad idea either.
yeah, 12:02, I’d really get a warm friendly feeling about my neighbor if they sent me a certified letter that I had to stand on line for an hour in the post office to retrieve.
Better to speak face to face, then if the guy is an asshole, _then_ send a certified letter.
You also might consider sharing the expense of putting up the neighbors fence. It’s in your own interest and he otherwise would not be doing it. This would give you the 6 foot buffer zone you want and keep relations up.
I would call 311, and possibly contact an expert on building codes/rules to learn if there is an actual obligation to have the passage way fenced on both sides. If so, you may want to offer your neighbour to cover the cost of building up his fence.
If that fails, i would definitely look into an ‘electronic’ fence. Apparently those things work very well – but I don’t know if it will prevent the dog from barking to your child, or just from getting close to your fence.
About contacting your neighbour: in my experience, unless you are already really friendly with him/her, i would rather send them a letter to explain your situation. Make it a friendly but firm one – especially if the law is on your side. Don’t make them mad, just make sure they understand your needs and position. Send it so that you get delivery confirmation, and that they know it too.
That will give them time to think, prevent over-reacting or taking it too personally. Hopefully they will respond in a civil way that will be aceptable both sides.
Good luck!
You don’t say if you have ever attempted to speak to your neighbor but I’d give that a try first. I would think that since that buffer zone is meant to be fenced off on both sides, and your child is by your fence on your side of the buffer, your neighbor is 100% liable if the dog does anything along the fence. And if I am not mistaken, isn’t there now a barking law?
But who knows? Maybe the neighbor will be willing to fix the fence problem and take better care of their animal. If they’re not, I’d call 311 and also file a police report. I’d get one of those electronic repellers too, to be on the safe side. But poison? that’s a horrible idea- It’s not only terribly painful to the animal (whose fault this is not), but opens you too serious legal liability- and rightfully so. It’s the owner whose at fault, not the dog.