Aggressive Dog!

[Barmaid]

Some new people have moved into the house whose boundary abuts one end of our garden. Admittedly it is quite a way from the house, but it is not far from our veg plot. It is a large mastiff type. Twice before it has been in our garden, but tonight was particularly worrying. I was talking over the fence to the lady and before I knew it, this bloody big thing had come through the fence and was next to me snarling and barking. I was actually very scared indeed since it would not return on their command. I pointed and said in a very loud voice to "Back off" and did not move. Mr BM then came dashing over and distracted it and the owner then hopped the fence and caught it by its collar. I am convinced it was seconds away from an attack. I have since learned that it bit someone the other day - although she did walk up their drive.

I'm feeling a bit shaken. Mr BM has politely asked that they sort the fence out so that it cannot get through - which they agreed to do straight away (I really do think they are decent folk). Mr BM also said that it is unacceptable and if it comes over again and attacks that will be the last thing it does. (Not sure they were desperately chuffed about that, but I think he has a point and he was also quite fired up in running to protect me).

Until they get the fence fixed, and apart from keeping a bloody big stick handy, any suggestions about what to do when confronted by a big snarling thing that obviously does not like me being in my own garden? Dashing in the house is not an option since it is too far away!

[Buenchico]

Might it not be better to avoid the possibility of meeting up with the dog under the wrong circumstances in the first place? Chicken wire (or similar) is reasonably cheap and could easily be used to cover the gap until such time as your neighbours have put a more permanent solution into place:
https://www.wickes.co.uk/Products/Gardens/Gates+Metal-Railings/Wire-fencing,Netting+Mesh-Panels/c/1000740

Otherwise though, YouTube is full of (hopefully!) useful advice, such as that given here:

[davebro]

I would (try to) temporarily block the fence on your side where it gets through & keep pressing the neighbour for a more permanent fix.

[237SJ]

I would tend to go with whacking it with a big stick (works with cattle as you probably know!)

[douglas9401]

Walk quietly and carry a shotgun

[davebro]

do cattle have canine incisors though!

[Buenchico]

Another option might be to get yourself invited around to your new neighbours' home (preferably armed with a bottle of nice wine!), ensuring that you take some doggie treats with you. The dog will then come to see you as 'one of the pack', meaning that it will cease to be aggressive towards you in the future.

[davebro]

//Walk quietly and carry a shotgun//

That's actually quite poignant douglas. A lad I went to school with was out shooting rabbits. He leant his shotgun against a fence to climb over a stile & his dog stepped on the trigger & shot him dead!

[Dagman]

They must keep their dog under control, they should ensure it cannot get into your garden while you are waiting for the repairs to the fence and should supervise it on a lead. You could log this with the local police too mentioning this previous attack, they may wish to speak with them. You have a right not to be intimidated let alone attacked by any dog. What's worse, being mauled or risk a fallout with them? I know what I'd choose.

[Peter Pedant]

Chris ( as ever) has some really good ideas - veeno for the adults and cheap meat ( out of date sausage from the supermarket - or here the pooper-market) for the pooch

[ neighbour still has a dog (malinois) who nearly ripped the lady of the houses face off. It ran towards me off its leash later and I said " hello sweet one kissie kissie!" and both bystanders and botch were pretty non-plussed]

[Peter Pedant]

chrissakes dagman she is a lawyer

[Dagman]

?

[douglas9401]

Not sure if Barmaid has a stile, davebro, but a timely warning.

[10ClarionSt]

If you get the chance, punch it on the nose. Big time. It won't come near you again. Easier said than done, though!

[Hazlinny]

Sorting the fence is one thing but, if the dog's owner "hopped" the fence, then so could the dog?

[FatticusInch]

I’d inform the Police and ask them to physically visit the owner and speak with them.
The mere mention of it being officially recorded means that it will be a matter of reference should anything untoward happen.
New neighbours or not, set the bar before liberties are taken and the next incident becomes far more serious.

[wolf63]

If you did nothing to provoke the dog I would say that it is a disaster waiting to happen.

Do you 'speak' dog and understand its body language? Was it all bark or are you satisfied that it was going to attack? If so you really have to report the incident.

I love dogs, especially huge ones. But if this one does go for someone there could be carnage. What if it comes across George?

[douglas9401]

Not touching that one

[tiggerblue10]

How are they allowed to have this dog as its already bitten someone else? Could also be a risk to other dogs, cats and small children. I'm actually quite scared of certain breeds of big dogs like mastiffs, dobermans etc.

[Barmaid]

I am hoping that they will sort the fence pdq. It's a very long fence for us to chicken wire and I am not sure that Mr BM is up to it right now (he's waiting for an op). I do know that they had the fence fixed, but the people who did it, did not do a very good job and they have requested they come back and sort it.

I've got a contact in the local rural crime team, I think I might suggest that he pops in for a cuppa.

If they crack on with sorting the fence tomorrow, disaster may be averted. But I actually do not feel safe going to that end of the garden at present.

Wolf, I am not worried about the cat - he's a canny little thing and he didn't get to his grand old age without some savviness.

Hazlinny, I do not think the dog would get over the fence (hopped was the wrong term to use). I think if it is wired it would be OK.

Mr BM rightly said that the dog knew I was scared (despite standing my ground and speaking to it loudly and calmly) - unfortunately, I nearly had a bad accident on my horse years ago due to an out of control dog and I am now wary.

I've installed bloody big sticks at various points though.

[-SharonA-]

^^^^^Me too!!!