Neighborhood Dog Issue

Contact the police as she is breaking the law! You have done all that you can do. The police will take it from there and let her know that she can not allow her dog to walk off leash considering the fact that it is aggressive. If she continues to do so they will confiscate the dog and put it down or she will get a HUGH fine. All it will take is once.

I would call animal control. The next person to come by that dog might be a child. It would be a real tragedy if the dog attacked a small child. If he is bold enough to growl and come at you, a small child would have no chance. The leash laws are in effect for a reason and people shouldn't fear for their safety because of the poor decision of one person.

I agree that animal control and/or the police need to be contacted. A law is being brazenly and regularly broken. If you feel the need or desire to do something else, try giving her a listing of area dog parks where dogs may roam freely off leash. It sounds like they might enjoy that.

Call the local dog catcher and let them know the situation. Arrange to have him watch you for a few days until he catches the dog off the leash. If you speak to her again, let her know that if her dog does hurt you, that the next time you will speak will be in a court room. And it wouldn't be a bad idea for you to have your lawyer contact her through the mail...

Call the SPCA and report the dog and where it is and what time it is off the leash. They will come check it out and either sieze it if the owner is not around or possibly give a warning or fine to the owner, which will hopefully change her tune about using a leash.

I've encountered the same in my own neighborhood. Some people just don't care. In my case-the dog in question typically doesn't snarl/growl at others but he was ALWAYS loose-when hanging out with his people and when his people weren't out and about. The dog is big and made a nuisance of itself-bothering the other dogs in the neighborhood who were behind their fences-until everything was in an uproar! Crossing the street in front of moving vehicles-and running to check out any commotion.

I shrugged it off until the day when the dog was with one of his owners-a boy of about 12. The boy was wrestling with his dog in my front yard and my daughters were out in the front too talking to the neighborhood kids. (I was on the front porch keeping an eye on things since my youngest was 3.) My 6 year old thought the wrestling looked like fun and she reached out to pet the dog while he wrestled with his boy and I called out to stop too late. Their dog whipped around and planted a big bite on my daughter's arm leaving teeth puncture marks.

It scared my daughter badly. There was no warning growl or snarl either. The dog went right back to play with his boy immediately after. I understand the dog was basically "protecting" his boy but you can imagine how I felt!

I set all the kids and their dog home and took my children inside-and cleaned up the bite. Soon as I had the chance, I went and confronted the mom and asked if the dog is vaccinated and insisted on seeing proof. Simply because I wanted to be sure there was no need for a trip to the ER/Dr involving a dozen shots was not warranted. Thankfully, it was not and the bite was not a severe one. There is no scar now.

However, I was very angry by the whole situation. Had the dog been on a leash this still could have happened-on the other hand after the dog being a royal pain for so long I was ready to see it kept put up like EVERYONE else's. My husband was in Iraq at the time and he did not learn of this incident until he had later returned home. Such things were not good to share because it distracted him too much and there was nothing he could do. After he was back and heard he promised that the next time the dog was running around loose without it's owners it would "disappear." EEK!

He did not follow through on his threat-because I called our local Animal Services and annoymously complained about the dog-giving a brief description of it and the address the dog lives at. Since then-the dog stays in it's yard/house and is only with it's family on leash or together with them in their van.

Not surprisingly though- there's been a rash of puppies from this dog-SHEESH!

Look up your local Animal Services and report the dog when it's loose and unattended. They'll pick it up if the owners are not nearby or if they do not come to the door and they'll impound it-contacting the owners through the dog's tags. The owners will have a set period of time to come retrieve their dog and to pay a fine to get him out. This alone is usually enough to prevent them from letting him loose like before-but if they truly don't care then the dog may end up not being claimed and then can be adopted by others-assuming he doesn't prove too aggressive for adoption.

You can always call the police as well to report the dog-but I typically don't call the police unless it's a real emergency. Besides-they'll just contact animal services and you'll get the same result.

In the meantime-you might wish to carry pepper spray-it works on dogs too. That or a BIG STICK. I'm a HUGE animal lover and I have been known to feed and water dogs that show up lost in our neighborhood and then turn them over to the shelter but I draw the line at owners leaving their dog loose and AGRESSIVENESS can quickly turn into a very bad situation when children are potentially involved.

God bless you and yours.

Call animal control. We had to do this one day when I walked out to get the mail and saw a giant dog attacking another neighbor and her baby and toddler! Unfortunately, however, the police and animal control did NOTHING (Denton city.) Hopefully you will have better luck. Leash laws are there for a reason. My two dogs are never off leash outside of our back yard; I wish everyone lived by this rule. GOOD LUCK!

You should contact your local animal control and make them aware of your situation. Or you can contact your non emergency dispatcher and they will direct your call. Doesn't matter the size of the dog there IS a leash law and the fact that the dog is showing aggression might be a bigger issue that animal control needs to address.

You call the police and report the dog. What if it were a child. I would also carry pepper spray and spray it, and then call the police. You have her address. Report it. Since my son was bitten by a dog in the same scenario, I have little patience with people who don't control their animals. There are laws to protect people for a reason. Since there is already an attitude with her I doubt that she will do anything without the authorities backing you up. And the law is on your side. You should be able to walk/jog anywhere without being harassed from the dog. And on top of that you have already changed your route to accomodate her anyways. Play hard ball and call the police/animal control. I bet after a warning and a ticket she will leash him. What if you were walking your son in a stroller, or some older kids were riding bikes and that dog bit them. You would feel horrible that someone got hurt when you knew that dog was potentially dangerous and didn't call someone to report it. I also bet if you sprayed pepper spray in it's face it would also leave you alone and teach her to control her animal. Since you were again, well within your right to protect yourself.
Call the authorities and file a complaint before the situation escalates further and someone gets hurt.
Little patience for bad animal owners,
But good luck,
L.

I would carry mace with me and not hesitate to use it. I would also call animal control to ask their advice on what you can do (you can tell them the time and route she should be on the walk and that the dog is aggressive and not on a leash. I suspect you aren't the only neighbor who is concerned- you could even get a petition. If you have an HOA they can send a notification of the neighborhood rules as a reminder to her and say there have been complaints. Definitly carry mace though- you need to protect yourself. As a survivor of a dog attack I now carry mace. I had to have 3 reconstructive facial surgeries- and luckily only bare 3 small scars now.

Not sure where you live but you can call the animal countrol usually with the sheriff's department. I live in Ellis County and a neighbor had to call them several times on another neighbor's rottweiler that was getting out and showing aggression. The difference here however, there's no leash law here in the county but the animal control with the sheriff's department did come out and spoke a couple of different times to the owner of the dog and gave him a warning. If there's a leash law where you live, they should be able to do more. I would look into giving them a call if your area has a service like that. If you can video tape the lady walking the dog without the leash to help establish proof since it will be hard to prove that would be great. Getting the sherriff's dept out there at the same time they are walking may not happen and it could end up just being your word againist hers. You have every right to walk/run where you like as long as it's public property and she has no right to restrict you from those areas when it is she that is breaking the law. Some people think they own the world and can do whatever they like with no regard to others. Very frustrating. Stand your ground though. You might be helping in the prevention of something drastic happening, such as someone getting hurt. If that dog is showing aggression as you say, it's just a matter of time. Good Luck!!!

This is touchy. I am an avid animal (dog) lover with 3 of my own. About the only thing you can do is file a complaint with animal control in your city.

Sometimes...SOMETIMES...our dogs might get our with no leash but it is by accident. We have gone above and beyond to have extra "doggy" fencing around our iron fence so they cannot get out. This also helps with the wildlife we have behind our home.

Our dogs are good watchdogs as well, even though they are not huge dogs. We have wildlife that comes up in our yard and have been at my back door....a bobcat was at my back door, we regularly have bobcat and coyote sightings. We love animals and our dogs are good at letting us know when something is out back.

However, I have a neighbor across the street who despises dogs and for some reason, she thinks I am the only person in the freaking huge neighborhood with dogs. She has since backed off verbally attacking us and begun verbally attacking her next door neighbor. We think if you can't get along with neighbors you should move. These people get along with no one and are completely different.

We who have been verbally attacked by this woman, who thinks she is so superior to everyone else, have done the following. WE contacted animal control. Per animal control we were told that all we need to do is make sure the dogs are up to date with shots and city registration. We were also "warned" to carefully watch our animals because some people with the mentality of this woman could possibly try to hurt our animals.

I keep all paperwork at my door in case I need it quickly.

I understand your situation and I don't think I would have been as nice as you if someone "told" me to walk elsewhere on public property. That alone crosses a line and she needs to get a firm warning from an official. GEES.. what an attitude. If her dog bites or hurts anyone or animal she could be in a lot of trouble. Take your cell phone and get her picture. That alone might intimidate her. She needs to learn that it is not all about her. Be firm. As much as I adore dogs, there are some big ones that walk on our trails that are intimidating.

Does she live in your neighborhood? If so, does your neighborhood have a website? Our neighborhood does and you can post a notice on the website reminding of the leash law.

I don't think animal control can do much except give a warning UNLESS the dog is not up to date on shots or registered with the city.

I hope you can get this resolved peacefully.

You can buy pepper spray at your local sporting goods store!! Spray it, but not into the wind. This would have saved a friend that jogged from the emergency room.

Call the city and tell them about the exact time you usually walk, what streets and describe the dog. Let them hit her with a citation and then maybe she will put a leash on the dog.

I had a similar issue with a neighbor. Where my dog (who is TERRIFIED of other dogs and will bite them) is on a leash and the other is not. I warned the neighbor of this and was told that she (their dog) would not bother us............then a couple days later their dog ran across the street to get at our dog (she "escaped" out their door when they weren't looking this time)...........needless to say, I gave them a piece of my mind after my dh and I almost got bit because of the fight that ensued. I also let them know that I would be suing them if my dog ended up needed and vet visit from this..............and of course, their dog (as well as mine) can be forced to be put down if there's an attack................so, they no longer let her "run".

Call the police and also remind her (if the police haven't gotten to her yet) that you'd be "happy" to take legal action if her dog continues to threaten and "attack" you, even if you haven't been bitten. It's better if you have a camera/video of the dog off leash and growling at you. JMO

Report her!!! If she can't use a leash, she should leave the dog at home. She is the same type of person that says her dog wouldn't hurt anybody. Until it DOES! Those people also don't care whose yard their dog uses, as long as it is not theirs. Use a leash and keep your dog OUT of other peoples yards!

I've been in that situation twice. The first time was in Plano so I called animal control. They rounded up the pet and fined the owner. Never had a problem again. Now we live in Parker. There is technically not an animal control department here, though we do have leash laws. So I called the police. They contacted the owner (the owner had already told me their pet should be allowed to roam around in my back yard, even though it was vandalizing my property) and the problem was solved. Some people just don't have a clue, (or don't truly love their pets). An unleashed pet can get hit by a car, mistreated by unscrupulous people, attacked by other animals (out here it's coyotes), etc.

Sometimes only a fine (or threat of a fine) is all they'll listen to.

I like the idea of carrying a short stick and some pepper spray.

Contact Animal Control and ask them the best way to get this lady's attention. That's crazy for you to feel unsafe (I would too!) while this dog owner is clearly out to lunch about what's the right thing to do. If she would get a ticket (it gets heftier with each citation) maybe that would help her see that she doesn't really have the right to have her dog off-leash. Good luck--I've dealt with a similar situation (of obtuse pet owners)

I work for an attorney and lately we have been getting too many dog bite cases. The worst of it is they are very hard because in most cities around here they have to have bitten someone before and been found to be a dangerous dog in order for there to really be a case. I hope that you dont get bit, however I would at the very least contact both the city (non-emergency) and maybe animal control each and every time you see the dog loose and not on a leash. Dont lay off of it- contact every time. They will at the very least get tired of you calling and come to patrol and issue her a citation.

You can call the police on her. They will give her a warning and the next time she is out with the dog off the leash she will get fined. We used to have a very hyper lab and she never stayed in our yard, even though we blocked her off! She always ended up finding a way out! Needless to say, even though she was a very sweet dog, the neighbor was scared of her and called the police on us. We ended up just giving her away because we just couldn't keep her in our yard! I hope that helps!

If she's not willing to put the dog on a leash after confronting her, I would call the police or animal control and let them know the situation. I understand that some people like to have dogs off leashes, but if it is growling, snarling, and coming up to you it is a danger. She doesn't know when the dog might decide to bite. It maybe her neighborhood too, but she needs to remember she's sharing it with others.

I don't know what city you live in, but most municipalities don't tolerate dogs running free. The first thing I would do is report this to your local animal control and tell them exactly what you have stated here. Hopefully your city's animal control department will step up patrol in your neighborhood and even talk to the dog owner if you know where she lives. I would also ask your animal control officer what your legal rights are if you feel threatened by this dog....can you use mace, etc. Unfortunately, in order for your animal control department to pick up the dog, they will have to see it out on the loose. And you should make it a point to call animal control and report the dog loose every time you see it out. Don't worry about feeling like the bad guy for reporting the dog on the loose.

I had a similar situation last year with a man who illegally took up residence in a foreclosed home next door to me. He owned several pit bulls and he let them roam the street. Every time I saw the dogs on the loose or in my yard I reported it, and animal control got the message. On a couple of occassions the dogs were picked up and the owner paid hefty fines to get the dogs back. I finally went before city council and had our city ordinance changed so that I could carry a firearm on my property and defend myself if I felt threatened. However, even despite all I did to avoid the situation, last October I was attacked in my front yard by two of the pit bulls (he had more than that) and it is difficult to put into words what that is like. Even though I was armed and know how to use a firearm, I was unable to defend myself against those dogs. I took over 3 months for my leg to heal and I have a large scar.

I urge you to be proactive in handling this situation!! Good luck!

I would call the police and ask them what they can do. If she truly walks with that dog in the same area at the same time, they (police) could monitor the area during that time and warn her about the leash law and the safety for her, her pet and other citizens.

Have you tried maybe knocking on her door when you aren't jogging and asking to speak with her. Maybe if you explained that the dog growls at you and that it makes you scared and it's not in the midst of the issue she would be more receptive? It's also one of those times to say "I feel" and not point fingers like "you should". Remind her that there are children, especially now that summer is out, who are terrified of dogs. Remind her that even though he is great with her family, wouldn't she feel terrible if he did something uncharacteristic and hurt someone because she didn't want to put him on a leash. Explain that you have already changed your route and would hope she would think about this and make the right decision. Other than that, I have no idea what to do. I guess you could call the city for code enforcement, especially if she is out at a certain time of day without the dog on a leash? If you don't want to go in person, maybe write a letter, REALLY make sure it's not accusatory and have a few people read it to see what they get from the tone b/c your tone does not come through in a letter.

Oh my. People and there dogs. I guess she's not aware that if her dog harms you that she would have to put it to sleep and pay the medical bills. Her neglect for the rules might even cost her more in court.

Check out your local leash laws. Review your rights and what you can do to protect yourself and your pet. Can you file a complaint?

People. Her dog is telling you very clearly her feelings. She is unsociable. She wants you to stay away. What if one day you cross the line? People should listen to their dogs.

I had a dog that was great off leash and very friendly but I always carried the leash, not for my pet's sake but for others. I didn't want others to feel unsafe when we were around. After they passed, I would release her again and we would be on our way.
Just common courtesy.

If you can, to avoid trouble, try another route at a different time again first before complaining to the local govt.

Good luck! C.

Go to the police dept. or call for an officer to file a complaint. They will hear your side, they will go talk with her and hear her side and tell her what the law is. Keep a record of the complaint number, and if you can, get a copy of the report. Also, ask your neighbors if they have had problems with the dog. If it not just you, more than one complaint can be made and maybe she will be better able to understand that she is not being a responsible owner / neighbor. You can also carry pepperspray or a spray bottle of ammonia (2 cap fulls to 2 pts of water) and spray the dog if it comes near you. AND document, document, document...the more the police know dates & times etc...the more "ammunition" they have if your neighbor needs to be confronted more than once.

Bring your phone and call the police next time it happens.

Call the police. She will listen then.

You have talked to her twice, both times she blew you off. This is a safety issue, so you need to call the authorities and lodge a complaint - just so they'll go speak to her. I understand that you live - or at least walk - in the same neighborhood as this woman and her dog, so you may feel awckward reporting her, but it has to be done. There are too many unnecessary dog attacks and if the woman is breaking the law by not having her dog on a leash, then she needs to suffer the consequences.

Definitely call animal control and tell them the dog has shown aggressive behavior and is not leashed. If you can give them the address of the owner, they may go speak with her about it. We had a similar situation in our neighborhood, and animal control sent an officer out to explain the laws to the owner of the aggressive animal. After all, if the dog bites someone, it will be quarantined for 10 days no matter what. So it's in her best interest to abide by the laws, or she could lose her dog. In our city, if a dog has two instances of biting someone, they euthanize. I am a dog owner myself, and I love dogs, but I strongly believe that pet owners have a responsibility to keep others safe. Animals are unpredictable sometimes and with strangers, you never know what they might do because of fear or territoriality. Good luck!

where is this so I don't jog near that area!

take some pepper spray with you on your next jog and when that dog approaches you (threatening or not) spray it right in the face. if she gets mad, too bad. her dog should be leashed.

if you're not that confrontational, report her immediately to the police AND to animal control. both! (of course you have to find out her address)

i would still take something with me for protection when you jog; sounds like that dog is just waiting for a chance to bite someone, i wouldn't want it to be me.

You need to get a cattle prod - google it or call a local feed store to see if they carry. It is a long stick that will give the dog a shock if you point it at them. You need to protect yourself if she is not going to control her dog. I had a friend that was bitten by a dog that charged out of the backyard of a home. It is not something you want to mess with!

sounds like you have done everything right and asking nicely. I feel you have no other choice if that is the option she is giving you. If she's not trying to make an effort, well, then she needs to live with her consequences. I think you should call the authorities, tell them what you told us and see how they want to handle it. I'm sure she'd feel differently if a child got hurt and it was her fault.

Tina
I feel so sorry and scared with you. I have two children & two dogs, and even the dogs have a lovable caracter and are obidiend, they walk of course on a leash with them. First the childs, the humans, then the dog. We're living in a neighborhod where is works out, except one neighbor, his lab like to run in through the front yards. But she is a good dog, just want to play, but I told her owner, he should not let her do this.
Anyway. You tried the calm and nice way, it's not working. Before it ends up worse, and someone get bitten from this dog, call the neighborhod security or the police. There should be a way to remind the owner of this dog how to handle her dog in the public. It's unbelievable how this person acts.
Good luck, E.

Take a picture of the dog alone outside a couple days, and send it in to the city asking them to go talk to the lady. Carry some pepper spray to help yourself feel safer. Use it if you feel you need to, as it won't do anything permanent to Mr. Grumps.

Hi! What a bummer. If you have an HOA turn her in or call the police.It's for your safety & your neighbors safety. By turning her in you will be saving her the headache of what could happen if the dog harms a small child in the neighborhood. She'll probably know you made the call, but oh well. She'll have to get over it. You already tried the nice route. Good luck!
M.

She is disobeying the law. The law clearly states that outside of a designated dog park all animals should be on a leash. Next time you see the dog off the leash, have the number of your city animal control officer on speed-dial. They will take care of the situation and ticket her or even pick up the dog. You can remain anonymous as well.

Here's what you do. You take pictures of the dog off the leash and contact the local authorities, whether it's code enforcement or the animal control or whatever, and tell them everything that has happened. Give dates as close as you can remember and what you and this woman have discussed. Make no mistake, you have every right to walk whatever street you want to and you should not have to fear this dog. What an irresponsible owner!!!! Shame on her! The authorities will go out and let her know that she can not continue this way and that if her dog continues to act that way they will either put him on the dangerous dog list and/or take him. I'm sorry it has to come to that, but big dogs are nothing to mess around with. They can do a lot of damage and are unpredictable. Good luck!

First ask her who she is insured with & if she has a great Homeowners policy. People like her may or may not care...but when it comes to liability it might make her think...have a camera (cell phone pics may not come out as clear) & take a picture of the dog and if she is around you could ask her to smile. If she thinks you will report her, she might keep him on a leash more. If you seem to be seeing the dog mostly off the leash without the owner, stand firm, show no fear, take control of the situation..."Cesar Milan" ring a bell? Remember you must be the pack leader, the more you back down the more control that dog will have over you. I like the idea of having a stick too!

Call the police before it bites a child and does permanent damage to someone that ruins their life. Don't even hesitate do it today.

If you have a cell phone with you then call animal control on her. What if a child was walking and playing around in that area and the dog attacked the child? This needs to be addressed, call the police on her and have a report on file just in case.

I'm all for talking and working things out, but if you have tried and she isn't taking this serious, then your only option is to report it before someone is attack.

We have three dogs and never do they go outside our fenced in area, that shouldn't happen ever unless on a leash.

Good luck.
Rev. G. Hudson
www.reikigailhuson.com

You need to report her to Animal Control. She is the one who is wrong. There is a leash law and she should observe it. She can be ticketed and if she does not comply the dog can be taken away and put down. I have a neighbor who does not put her dogs on a leash and they continually charge us in our own yard. They have been ticketed. There is no reason you should fear for your safety. What if it was your child that was out? The dog is a menace and should be leashed and if she can't comply then she shouldn't be allowed to have it.

T.,

What a mean lady to ignore your comments about her dog being off the leash. Seems like she keeps her dog off the leash on purpose to "clear the streets/neighborhood!" Not fair and as you said, illegal. When dealing with someone who is impossible to reason with, you should call the police, since she is breaking the law. Make it an anonomous call, so call from a pay phone. Tell them what time she walks her dog, and on what streets they can be found. Don't go out walking that day. She may still suspect you called the police, but so what - she will have no proof. Someone needs to put her in her place, and it might as well be you (and the police). Best of luck! p.s. I'd love to hear the outcome of this! Please write what happened in the "tell us what happened" section. Thanks!

Call the police and report this. There is a leash law and so I'd say...take your phone with you and have the number for animal control programmed in there... also take your camera...take a photo of the dog... and it's human. She needs to be a responsible pet owner or she needs to not have pets.

I would DEFINATELY call animal control, NOW. This person seems to have no regard for the safety of others nor for the law. I believe that most places have a leash law and for good reason, to keep people safe. This dog sounds as if it could attack someone at any moment. Don't wait, let animal control explain to this person that it is against the law to let the dog run loose, they will probably ticket them this time, and maybe paying a fine will open their eyes. and if it doesn't, then call animal control again. They will eventually either get the hint, or have the dog taken away from them.

Hi T., we had a similar situation in our neighborhood and the unleashed dog ended up attacking a smaller dog. My sweet neighbor now wishes she would have called the cops or animal control. Another neighbor had contacted them since it was bothering many others. Your safety is more important. Hopefully that gal will received some 'common sense' from this situation. Call animal control or the police!

No question here, call the city. If there is a leash law she must abide to that law, but even if there wasn't a law, the fact that the dog is hostile to you would be enough for me to make the call. The woman is not being considerate of the safety of those around her, including the dog's safety. There is a leash law for a reason.

Call the city Animal Control and report her. Plain and simple. She clearly isn't your friend anyhow, and why would you want to be hers? So there is no love lost. And, depsite the dog being protective, as an animal lover, surely you would hate for any animal to be ran over, which is what will eventually happen to him. So you are doing both of you a favor.
When I first moved into our house, I (unknowingly at the time) called AC on my neighbors who would all just open their doors and let their dogs run free. Something I would never approve of. One call and we have never had the problem since. And because the calls are confidential, we did maintain a good relationship with our next-doors.
Good luck to you.

I would report it to the police.

All dogs should be on a leash unless they are in their fenced backyard or home. It is bothersome and sometimes dangerous to others if they aren't. I would contact the authorities immediately and continue to do so everytime I saw the dog off leash. This dog may hurt you or someone else even though his owner doesn't think so. The city where my mom lives has had 4 dog attacks in the last 2 weeks and 2 people have been killed, one a 10 year old boy. It angers me that dog owners would be so irresponsible with other people's safety, especially our children's. I hope you get this situation resolved and no one gets hurt in the preocess.

I am in agreement with those who say take pics, call animal control/police every time you see the dog off the leash, and pepper spray!!

I definately agree with most of the comments already given, except I don't know if I would confront her again- she seems completely uncooperative.

We have leash laws for a reason, unless you are at a dog park- all dogs must be leashed or fenced. Even the most calm, most gentle of dogs can be both a danger to themselves (get hit by cars) or to others (as you have already seen).

Don't know where you live, but in Arlington there is a "vicious dog" law- that a dog on leash that growls or threatens to bite can be picked up and held, and one off leash are picked up immediately. ( I always thought this was a stupid law, as I am a very responsible pet owner, but with people like your neighbor- I completely understand).

I am both an animal assisted therapist and an owner of a German Sheppard. With big, aggressive dogs like that- you have to be more responsible than most. She is liable civially if that dog bites you- report her to the police and animal control!

You've done everything you can to avoid them and she sounds very uncooperative. I would call the police and inform them what is happening and tell them that you not only fear for your safety, but that of neighborhood children. You also have every right to call animal control when you see him loose.

I'm a huge fan of responsible pet ownership. if a dog acts aggressive in any way the owner should keep him leashed. if not call animal control, that is their job.

With that being said my husband and I used to train K9 dogs to bite, so I do have some experience with biting dogs, my first guess is that if he hasn't bit you by now he probably isn't going to, but not knowing the situation very well that is just a guess, I have two very different suggestions

1. talk to the lady that owns the dog, let her know that you are afraid of the dog and ask if maybe she could take a few minute to introduce you and the dog (while he is on a leash) so that you will be familiar with the dog, let the dog approach you do not put your hand out to the dog to get him to come to you, maybe the two of you could go on a short walk with the dog so that the dog will no longer view you as a stranger, introduce the idea to you neighbor as if it were your problem... and you are asking for her help... if she wouldn't mind putting her dog on a leash for the introduction... you want the owner to not be immediately put on the defensive, the owner has already shown the she is not going to be of much help you don't want her to be defensive from the start, if that doesn't work...

2. I suggest that you run with a stick, it doesn't have to be very big, about 2-2 1/2 foot long will do, I think you can even find them specially made for runners. It isn't really made to hit the dog but to wave it in front of you if the dog comes toward you, very few dogs will bite a person that has a stick in their hand (some will but not many) it is a deterrent, but an affective one. The dog may very well growl at you when you have a stick in your hand because you are a potential threat but they wont usually come to you.

best of luck to you

Suppose this dog "found" a child who was alone and didn't know to get away from the dog. And suppose the dog harmed the child. What would you, in hindsight, wish you had done? Do that.

Depending on where you live there may be a leash law in your community. I would call your local police and ask and tell them about the situation and see what they suggest.

I've been attacked by a big dog and have scars on my thigh. Take this seriously. A friend's own dog killed their 5 yr old son. I bet there are children in your neighbor. Report this to the city enforcer for animal control and don't give up until this animal is on a leash and properly fenced.

T.,

You are correct, it is dangerous to have to dog off of a leash. Since you have approached her politely and been dismissed, I think it's time to move onto the authorities. Call animal control for your city and advise them of the situation, let them know that it is consistent and the neighbor has a routine. Perhaps they can handle the situation from there.

I had the same issue with a boisterous 75 lb lab that liked to jump on people. I would call animal control and ask them to visit the house and talk to the owner. After they did that with our neigbors, we didn't have anymore problems. And if you feel guilty about being a "tattle-tale", just remember you've given her 2 chances to resolve the issue on her own. I would hate to see you on the news as a victim of a dog mauling incident.

I agree with the other ladies about calling animal control, etc. She shouldn't have a dog. A loose dog will expand his/her territory so you can't just keep changing routes.

I just wanted to point out that Pepper Spray or Mace would be a one-time solution. It can cause the dog to become more aggressive after you use it because it is painful. I hope you never have to use it, but remember it is a one-time thing.

"Be the Pack Leader" by Cesar Milan has some information on how to deal with aggressive dogs. I'm really hoping no one lets their kids walk the family dog in your neighborhood... they could easily become the target of the dogs. Kids like to run away and make the dog think it's time to chase prey. From what you are describing this dog is a fear-aggressor...more unpredictable because they just need to feel threatened to attack.

Hi T.!
Most cities have leash laws within city limits and for good reason. When my dogs are out, they are ALWAYS on a leash. They are both very sweet, but my girl is very dominant with other dogs (and people who don't know her are afraid of her), so if other dogs come up to her that are not on a leash, it can become problematic. Other owners don't seem to understand the reasons for leash laws. As far as running - I carry pepper spray. I've never had a problem with dogs, and, having always had dogs, I am not afraid of them; but if I see/hear/suspect any potential problems, I'm ready with the spray in "on" position just in case. Other owners may not like it, but if they are not going to actively prevent even potential problems, then you need to do whatever is necessary to protect yourself. Call your town and see what can be done - it would be a shame for your neighbor to have to put her dog down if something were to happen; and she and her dog need to know that your entire neighborhood is not that dog's territory.
Good luck!
-Christina

To be honest, I'd report the issue. Even the nicest dog can turn on someone if it feels that they are in their area or near their owner. Leash laws were made to protect both people and animals from attack. You can call the police at 311 and they should be able to tell you how make a report or if they leave it to code enforcement then who to contact. My dog gets out every once in a while and although she is very sweet she nips at people and I'd feel awful if someone got bit or threatened someone. Part of ownership is obeying the law, just because you own a car and know how it handles doesn't mean that you can run stop signs or speed through school zones. Sometimes I wish people like her had to see the damage dogs do to people or had to see an animal euthanized because it bit someone. The dog is protecting their territory it isn't the dogs fault its the owners.

Call Animal Control and have them pic the dog up.

We had a big/scary dog that ran after/barked at children (in our neighborhood). One day, I was in my house and a couple with a baby in a stroller came walking by. The big dog came out of no where and started barking. The mom started running away with the stroller and the dad tried to get between the dog and them. That dog wasn't having anything to do with the dad. He completely ignored him and tried to get at the woman and the baby. It was super scary. I called the Sheriff's office and they said that it really has nothing to do with them - that we need to call animal control. Further, the Sheriff said that it would be perfectly in my rights to shoot the dog and no one in law enforcement would complain (if I did it at a time that the dog was being agressive). So, this woman is in the WRONG and you can get the dog picked up. If she keeps it up, just keep calling Animal Control.

-L.