How to Talk to My Neighbors

No leash law huh?? Well Ohio state law clearly states :

" In Ohio, dogs must be physically confined or restrained or properly leashed and controlled by a person, except in cases where the dog is hunting with its owner or keeper."

In the country or not this means either a fence or you walking the dog on a leash.

I would buy one of those large fenced (cage like kennels). They come in different sizes but start at I think 4 foot by 8 foot. That way the dog is safe and has room to move around and play. I worked as a supervisor at an animal clinic for over 10 years. Dogs that are kept chained up all the time tend to become aggressive.

Either take care of your dog or give it to someone else. You have already found this out the hard way. It's your dog and your responsibility. You need to build a dog run or a small section of your yard that has some shade. You can buy a pre-built dog run at a local feed supply store for less than a dog trainer.

No offense, but it isn't their responsibility to let you know that your dog has wandered. You need to figure out how to keep your dog in your yard if you don't want your neighbors to influence it. End of story.

We had a neighbor down the street whose dog was constantly getting out. Another neighbor called animal control.

Are the leash laws different in Ohio? I know that in Texas you have to have your animal leashed or fenced at all times.
No offense to you, but, how can you complain when you are letting YOUR animal loose? If you were adhereing to the law, there would be no problem.
No offense again, but I have never had a dog. I HATE when people let their dogs run free with the attitude of "they wont bite" ....uugggg!!!
I am soo sorry you lost a beloved pet, I am sorry that you have a problem now.......I SOOOO dont mean to be mean but, come on!?! Restrain your dog!!! Thats YOUR responsibility!!! :)
Watch Peoples Court...its filled with people who think their dogs can do no wrong....
Again, not to be rude, just my opinion.

so you let a dog get hit by a car and killed, by being irresponsible and allowing it to run into the road (repeatedly sounds like), and now you have gotten another one to replace it, and you complain that this dog does the same thing, and you blame the neighbors....i'm sorry, i'm not buying it. this is YOUR dog...so no offense, but it's YOUR responsibility to keep this dog safe at home. you can't control what other people do, only you. my advice would be, like others have said, fence a small portion of your yard. or keep him tied up. congrats on living in the country where leash laws don't apply. but it doesn't negate your responsibility as a dog owner. sorry if that sounds harsh. just reality as i see it.

Since fencing your whole property isn't an option, build a dog run in part of your yard. Depending upon how big your dog is and what kind of exercise he needs, make the dog run big enough that he can run around, and make at least part of it in the shade. At least it's safe for him and he will not be tied up all day. When you're outside, he can come out of his dog run and have more room to roam.

If you have already approached your neighbors and told them what you wrote above, and they are still calling your dog over, then they don't care about you or your dog, bottom line. They may seem like sweet people, but what they're doing is very selfish, and you have to protect your dog from being run over. If they ask why you built a dog run, you can tell them why.

Hi Shaun! You ALREADY have taken responsibility for your dog! Good grief. Read the whole post, people!

This is not a question of your dog's bad manners.......it's your neighbor's bad manners. If they adore dogs so much, they should get one and pay for dog food, vet bills, training, etc. instead of "renting" your dog for free.

You may just have to get firm with them. DanaW had a GREAT point about you being liable if your dog harmed them on their property. Tell them that for insurance and liability reasons that they CANNOT call your dog over.
You can also appeal to their compassionate side and say that if they don't stop, you will have to start using the shock collar whenever they call him to their yard.

Good luck!

My parents have several acres of property in a more country setting too, and they just have a small part of the yard fenced in the back of the house. Is there any reason you can't do that? Invisible fences would be another option, just as much of the yard as you want. My parents can't let their dogs in the front yard at all because they would run off and chase cars and such. So they are strictly indoor and backyard dogs.

If you can't do that, I really don't know any nice way to say anything to the neighbors, it sounds like you already tried that. You will just have to get very firm and remind them of what happened to the last dog. I'm not sure that would work though, I agree with Dawn, they sound like they will want to keep visiting with your dog regardless of your feelings on the subject.

What about invisible fencing? You need to do something- this is not your neighbors fault!

They are overstepping their bounds by calling your dog over to their house. HOWEVER - it is YOUR dog. YOU are responsible to keep YOUR dog safe. Use a fence, kennel or tie him up to keep YOUR dog on YOUR property. You don't have to fence in the entire 2 acres if you don't want to - just a smaller portion near the house. Or use an invisible fence - that is what most people I know use on their farms. Some people are suggesting an electric fence but those only work for larger farm animals like cows and horses - dogs can slip under the wire pretty easily.

Once your animal is contained on your property, go talk with the neighbors. Tell them you are going to now be responsible and keep your dog home safe because you don't want it getting killed like your other one. Invite them over to play with the dog when they want - on your property - and then you can watch and say something when they get too rough. Tell them you are training your dog to play nicely because of your young children. If they can't respect that then don't allow them to come over and play with your dog anymore.

Our dog started having bad separation anxiety issues when we had our children. She's caused well over $1000 damage to our house by chewing on window moldings/blinds.

She has to be outside with us, or she'll cause more damage. We do have a fenced back yard, but we spend 90%+ of our time out front in the cul-de-sac.

For $20, you can get a teather for your dog with a 50 foot lead that gives them a good amount of freedom without letting them leave your yard. Our dog is 75lbs, so we had to get a heavier duty stake (looks like a cork screw).

If anything happens to the neighbors, the law will side with them as it's your dog (you already know this), so I'd simply keep your dog on your property and, if you catch them trying to bring the dog to their house, have a frank conversation with them.

Honestly, maybe it's worth $50 to go to the local Humane Society and pick-up a sweet dog with a kind temperament for them to have at their house just so they leave you alone.

Not to be rude, but this really is your problem. You are responsible for keeping your dog safe and in your own yard. Your neighbors shouldn't have to be policing your dog or worrying about its safety. Either get invisible fencing for a portion of your yard or set up a enclosed run that your dog can be safe in while you're not out with him.

YOU NEED to be responsible for your pet. Living out in the country does take away your responsiblity. I am sure you are well aware that you do not have to fence you whole property in, saying so is just silly. You have way to many options, none of which should include your neighbors. I would however just tell them you are working on boundary training your dog. But if you continue to allow your dog to roam, then you need to make peace with the fact that nieghbors enjoy the dogs company.
Country living is a bit different, but if you want your dog at home, you need to keep you dog at home and stop blaming what sounds like very sweet neighbors. This is not their problem, this is your problem.

Can you get them their own dog? Just a smallish easy type breed from a shelter or something.
I mean this part jokingly but part seriously meaning it.
I mean, they do have an "empty" dog kennel.....
maybe they miss their previous pet.
Perhaps talk with them...

Its hard to stop an elderly couple from doing that... and you can't fence your yard.... or maybe keep your dog indoors.
I don't think you can totally control.... both the dog or them. And it will be a
real irksome battle.
I kinda feel sorry for that couple... they seem lonely.
But I am sorry as well, for the loss of your previous dog.

all the best,
Susan

You've already tried nicely, and they're not going to change. If the death of your last dog in the street doesn't change their behavior NOTHING will.

Strong 3rd for building a dog run. I'm a fan of the long rectangular kind, myself. A "while I'm saving up the cash for a dog run" option (or even a perm option) is actually a "laundry line" run. You take two poles, or 2 trees or combo... and string a cable between them. Then 1 D ring and a lead (particularly the kind of lead that's more like a horse lead). One D ring goes on the cable and hooks through the handle of the lead... then the clip attaches to the collar/harness (harness is more secure). You can make the "laundry line" as long as you like, even have it start on a pole on your porch. For extra security, you can use a climber's Dring that has a screwing lock, to lock the D shut.

I would tell them once and only once if they ever call your dog from your own yard again, that you will involve the police. Its not right, and they can pay for the dog trainer too if they want to continue all the undoing of the training. Forget about alienation this is sheer rudeness, and illegal probably! Also, explain to your neighbors that you thought the dog was doing it on his own at first so now you've bought a device that punishes the dog for obeying them! that ought to get their attention. You shouldn't have to use it either. If they leave him alone you wouldn't need it from what you've written. I say what they are doing is borderline abusive to your dog as well..confusing him with mixed signals as to what the right kind of behavior is that is expected of him. Poor guy! If they would like to get to know you (I wonder if perhaps that is part of it? They want your attention and are shy about it..or whatever.....perhaps you could arrange if you have to be away they can take care of him or something. But..don't just sit and let them kidnap your dog once a day..or however often it happens. It makes one wonder if they are Trying to get him hit..it worked the last time..sorry to be sinister about it..but look at that too..teaching him to play mean..run out into the road are all things that will get him sent from you in some way eventually if it keeps up. See what's behind it ...definitely..but put a stop to it! As for all the people saying you are at fault..not so if you have trained the dog and someone is undoing the training.

Shaun,
I used to have this problem a few years ago. "Invisible fence" took care of the problem. DO only the front of your property. Expensive? Maybe, but it will save good relationships with neighbors....
Good luck!

A.

you need to fence in part of your property. what will you do when your children want to cross that road too? when my son was little i fenced the yard around the house and built a gate for the porch. we live on 4.8 acres. no need to fence all of it, just enough to keep my son safe. we now have a rescue dog who is a runner. we fenced in a nice little area for him so he's safe. it's your responsibility to keep your loved ones safe. you wont regret fencing your yard.

i agree with catherine. try to build her a pen or a dog run. especially if these ppl really mean no harm. because at the end of the day who wants to be at ends with neighbors who cool and have love for your animal. believe me i know, my mother and i got almost into a physical confrontation with our neighbor because they were very neglectful to their dogs(7 dogs in 10 yrs and they all died from heat exhaution, leaving them in extremely cold weather, disease etc. and we called the human society on them ) so just try catherine's idea to to keep the peace. they sound really sweet and a little lonely. good luck

Since you can't enclose your whole property, could you build a dog run instead?

Try explaining the situation to them as nicely as you can muster at this point. This poor puppy is so confused by this! I'm wondering if they are giving him dog treats as well... We had a neighbor do that with our dog, with both puppy treats AND people food like steak bones, so every time he went outside, he went right to their side of the fence. It wasn't nearly as dangerous a situation as yours, but they would give him so many or such a wrong food and it was cause him to get sick/vomit. Try explaining to them that your paying good $$ for a trainer and its going to be $$ wasted if the dog is getting mixed messages. I know you want to keep on decent terms with your neighbors, but the direct approach is likely the only one that will work here. Have you explained to them how much its putting the dog at risk everytime he crosses the road?? Maybe explain it to them so that they won't want to put him at risk for injury or worse. Also, maybe you could somehow come up with an idea (with the trainer's advice) on allowing him to have SCHEDULED visits with them at their home. They sound like very animal-loving people, so maybe this would help give them time with him at appropriate intervals. And it might be beneficial for you as well, in the event you ever need to be out of town for any length of time....the perfect pet sitters!! But check with the trainer to make sure it wouldn't give him any additional mixed messages.

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While it is certainly inappropriate for your neighbors to continue to encourage your dog to visit after you requested not to, it is ultimately your responsibility to keep your dog safe, in control, etc., which I think you already know since you are now tying him up for his safety.

Consider installing an invisible fence. You don't have to put it around your entire acreage, but around your house with the allotted space you want him to able to run in.

we currently live on 2 acres and we do have the underground fence. We love it. We have three larger dog and it works great. one of our dogs will run out occasionaly, however it is very seldom and it is usually when her battery is getting low or she is letting an animal know that i can still get you. however, if you put it on the strongest setting they usually won't run out. the other two never go out. The only down fall is that if you lose power you lose your fence. For the most part the dog remembers the fence and inless they are constantly testing the fence they won't figure out that it is off. I am sorry to hear about the confrentation with the neighbors, but the underground fence is a good option, it would allow your neighbors to come over to visit the dog, but keeping your dog from crossing the street which is what is sounds like all you are trying to do. Not cut off your neighbors from seeing the dog.

I hope this helps

Invisible fencing may be part of the answer but so is getting the neighbors to realize they cannot call the dog over to their yard nor lock the dog up on their property. That is unacceptable behavior. Talk to them and explain 1) you already lost one dog and are trying very hard not to keep him safe 2) rough playing puts your children in danger 3) let them know that you will be keeping him tied up if they continue this behavior (if they truly LOVE the dog they won’t want this) 4) locking him up is the same as dog-napping. If they love him so much invite them to YOUR yard to play with the dog. As to poster Carrie N…this is totally the neighbors fault…if the dog was leaving the yard on his own that is one thing but dogs have a very difficult time not responding to someone call their name. Good luck!

if you didn't want to do invisible fencing, you could put up a small fenced in area thta the dog stays in. We have about 2 3/4 acres in the country, and we have a small fenced in area off our garage. We use it for the kids play area now. We originally put up the fence, becuase we were sick of the neighbors dogs and cats digging in our sand box, and useing it as their bathroom. But the fence has 2 purposes. If we have a dog, the dog has a big enough area to play in, and the kids have a spot, I can lock them into when we are outside. i can let them play in there, while I am doing whatever. hanging laundry, or working in the garden, which are both right next to the fence. And since you have small children it could serve 2 purposes for you as well.

i think you should talk to the neighbors and explain to them that you are trying to train your dog to be less aggressive and know the boundaries, and let them know again if the dog is over there, you need them to contact you to come and get him.

I do not think you are in the wrong as the previous poster said. Yes it is your dog and you have to take responsibility but I think you are by asking for help on here. I would either put your dog on a chain / tie but make it really really long so there is still room to roam on the property itself. Invisible fence across the front would also work.
Don't let your neighbors control your dog or what you want.

I don't have a suggestion for you but I sincerely hope a solution can be found! We have neighbors that feed our dog table scraps on top of what we feed him, making him overweight. He could be fed something that could make him very ill. I wish people would ask a pet's owners if it's okay before taking it upon themselves to do as THEY wish with YOUR pet! Good luck!

Your probably not going to get them to stop, they are justifying their behavior.

I would use a dog cable leash for when he's outside. You can run a line between two trees and attach a leash so he can get still get around.

Just use caution, he should be left on the leash for an extended time.

Sounds like you have said what you can. If they are able to have a dog 'kennel' in their yard what's to keep you from doing the same? Also perhaps dog will have to just stay in with you until you are ready to take it for walks like us city folks do sometimes. This can happen anywhere, not just the country. Just the other day the neighbor's dog came over to our house in the middle of the night. He is adorable Anyway I picked it up and the owner came over and got it. They aren't allowed to put a fence around their house either, so he just keeps his eye on the dog. While you have 2 acres of land that you cannot fence you still could put up your own doggie kennel and that might free you up to do other things and keep doggie happy.

I hate it when that happens. My mom does this with the neighbor dogs, too. The neighbors expressed displeasure for awhile, but finally gave up. At least their dogs don't have to cross the road, but my mom feeds them table scraps that the dogs are not supposed to have for medical reasons.

I think if I were you, I'd tell the neighbors straight out that you know they would love visits from your dog, AND (more effective than BUT) that crossing the road got your last dog killed, and you won't allow that to happen again… that rough play and wrestlling is behavior you're working to eliminate, and you won't allow that either in a dog that must live with your children. Tell them that you don't want to keep your poor dog tied up, so you must insist that they don't make him their part-time pet, as a kindness to your dog.

Wish out loud that this wasn't necessary, but that you must insist that they stop calling your dog. If they don't, you will have no choice but to prevent the dog from going to their house, anyway, so it will be a lose-lose situation. Neighbors 0; dog 0. This isn't a popularity contest – the dog is in your care and you know what you need to do for his well-being.

You might ask the neighbors if they have considered getting a puppy of their own – they obviously would take great delight in the companionship! Good luck. This is a challenging situation.

On the dog run – this works for some dogs, and turns others into insufferable barkers.

Train your dog -- Not your neighbors.

1.) Get a big fence (at least for a limited area of your acreage)
2.) Get invisible fencing
3.) Get a leash
4.) Get a large but completely enclosed outdoor kennel.

I'm sorry about the loss of your first dog.

If any fencing at all is not an option.........

Has anyone suggested yet that you ask them to help train the dog? Maybe even get the trainer (or a friend "posing" as one, lol) to involve them? In my experience, most "country folk" are used to just letting dogs run to do whatever, so the idea of training may seem "weird" to them unless you involve them directly.

Since they obviously love the dog, maybe you could take the dog over sometimes when you're mowing your lawn or will be out of the house for awhile (so that they get to "visit", but you have control over when and how he gets there and back)?

Gift them with appropriate treats/toys/brushes so they don't feel "brushed off"? (no pun intended) Do they love your kids, too? Maybe you could emphasize your safety concerns?

Shrug. I miss living in the country, but I don't miss these "dog woes". Good luck!

I would get an electric fence. My parents had to get an electric fence yrs ago for our dog. She was escaping from our backyard by digging out. When she went to get fixed then they put the electric fence up. We didn't want her getting hit by a car.
This might sounds a bit drastic but your neighbors sound nice but not respectful.
Maybe they need their own dog? Maybe they could do volunteer work at a local school. Some schools have an adopt a grandparent program. Good luck.

Shaun,

Unfortunately, you're going to have to get a fence. There's no way you can make the neighbors see your view and follow your wishes. I doubt their sincerity, otherwise they would not call the dog over and lock him up! I would at least fence in the front where he is crossing. That should slow him down some. Then add a side as you can afford it. I don't have acreage, but I just spent $4200 for fence for my three dogs. BTW, if you're anywhere near central Ohio, I can highly recommend these guys that put in mine. It's about 295 lineal feet of 4ft high dog-eared red cedar with two gates (plus they tore out 100+ ft of old chain link). It's beautiful, Perfect. Sturdy. And they worked long hours, even in the rain, to get it done in less than 2 days. Let me know if you want their contact info. I went through lots of estimates to get a quality job at a good price.

I have no idea why someone suggested that you're mistreating your dog because he is tied up outside, I doubt its 24 hours a day or anything, or that you withhold affection from him. You could talk to your neighbors and explain how you're last dog died (in the street) but it sounds like they won't change, some people are just so stubborn... you might just have to keep tying him up on a leash or dog run when outside which is not cruel, its better than staying in the house all day. I'm sorry you're getting people screaming LEASH LAWS at you when you're just trying to get ideas for an honest problem, I mean its not like he bit your neighbor or anything.

MAN you got some HATEFUL answers on here! I'm sorry about that! I'm not sure why people feel the need to act like that! Anyway... you already paid to have a trainer come out and it's the neighbors fault if they keep calling him over there! I think if ya'll aren't able to get a fence then you'll just have to talk to the neighbors...ugh I know it sucks if your nonconfrontational like me! (and unlike some of the people who answered you) I'm not sure of your financial state now but we just fenced in out 2 acres for $3000... It's a lot but cheaper than I expected!
Good luck!

Sorry that I am a little bit late in your topic...but could not hold myself. Are they seniors? Do they have their own dog, since you mentioned they locked yours in their empty kennel? Would you suggest them to get one or adopt one, so they will have a companion and wouldn't call your dog over their property? Seniors are sort of difficult to handle since the are very sensitive when holding positions are in question. It is just a thought...

Are you still reading? I have an idea...you might be "fence" an area of the yard by putting several child "baby play area" gates together. It's movable, and can be taken down, so your landlord really shouldn't mind. Something like this:
http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId...

I hope it works. This might work better than an electric fence, but I am afraid of dogs, so I personally prefer boundaries I can see too !

the collar shoudl work - you can get ones with a base station, that shock the collar if he goes to far from it, or the ones where you bury the wire - unless he is huge he probably wont cross the line