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!

[Barmaid]

Tigger - the dog was on their property (with a warning sign) and she opened the gate and walked up the drive. In those circumstances, I do not think anything can be done.

[choux]

I don't see why you should have to prepare for the dog coming into your garden again. You have worked hard to get your home and you obviously enjoy your garden, to date.

There is an attack waiting to happen, imho. I might get an air horn to summon help - presumably Mr Bm is not always out in the garden with you - but that will not protect you from the dog. You cannot rely upon the owners always putting a muzzle on the dog before letting it out of the house. Having a stick or even a garden fork ready will not necessarily help you. Secondary fencing, at your expense, might be a way of re-enforcing the breached boundary. I wonder if the dog used the same entrance to your garden on the 2 occasions?

I have had a doberman - soft as putty, and GSD's - good guard dogs but always under control. I would say to hell with relations and report the dog to the police and I am a great dog lover!

[burlyshirley1]

I am a great dog lover too, but I am scared of very large dogs until I know them and know that they are alright and I do know two lovely big bullies who are all smiles and wagging tails. I agree with others too who say go to the police and get it on record. I would be very, very nervous for my dog and myself if I had a neighbour like this. Be careful.

[Barmaid]

I haven't see the dog today so think it has been kept in. Meanwhile the neighbour has worked all morning to dog proof the perimeter fence. So as far as I am concerned he's a sensible, reasonable chap who has immediately acted.

[anneasquith]

If he is taking action to ensure you and your property are safe, that’s an ideal solution .

[Barmaid]

I agree, Anne. I've no quarrel at all with him now having taken appropriate steps. Mr BM has said he'll thank him when he sees him because I am a lot less scared now.

[Ryzen]

Keep a pot of chilli powder in your pocket..a face full tends to distract most dogs from biting :-)

[THECORBYLOON]

BARMAID, having a sign up warning about a dog does not negate the need to keep that dog under control.

If it bit a person who happens to be walking up a path, in what way was that dog under control?

[barry1010]

Putting a sign-up warning about the dog is simply admitting the dog is not safe. It makes the owner more liable to prosecution.
When I had my dogs I had polite signs on my gate 'please close the gate to stop dogs escaping'.

[tiggerblue10]

I guess having a dog warning sign means they don't get unwanted visitors ;o) Do they have a post box outside the gate?

[Barmaid]

Yes they have a post box and now remote controlled gated entry. I don't know the full facts of the lady who was bitten, save to say she did not require medical treatment.

Whatever the law might say, I do tend to the view that if you open closed gates with a warning sign and saunter up the drive and get bitten it's your own stupid fault. I wouldn't do it. Anyway, I was not a witness to that so it's up to her what she does.

They came from a ranch in Canada and have only been here a couple of weeks. I imagine dog is very unsettled.

Imho, he has acted responsibly and appropriately. Mr BM saw him earlier and thanked him and he said that he considered it unacceptable behaviour by his dog and he will be seeking advice. He is clearly trying to do his best by everyone.

[bednobs]

i have refrained from answering so far because as you may remember i was in the opposite situation a few years ago - my puppy got through the neighbour's holey fence and (supposedly) bit her. They called the police who arrived on the anniversary of my daughter's death and threatened to arrest me if i didnt agree to improve THEIR fence and pay her compensation. This was despite their dog getting through their rubbish fence several times when we moved here and biting my husband (and of course they just shrugged smiled and said sorry then).
Needless to say i'm glad you have got it sorted without resorting to calling the police to them

[dustypuss]

A 1lt pressure sprayer full of vinegar pumped up and ready to go . It worked on my next-door dog a treat

[choux]

I do wonder if the people have just come from Canada, when they arrived in the UK, did the dog also come from Canada - if so, how long since it came through quarantine? If it was purchased/rescued in the UK how long have they owned it? Still, if you are happy with the situation I hope the matter doesn't come up again.

Unfortunately there are many reports in the press of serious dog attacks and a mastiff certainly has the jaws and power to inflict injuries on people.