Angry doesn't even begin to describe it

[W.Oliver]

Originally Posted by selzer

And this is why I will not leave dogs unattended in a yard.

Just so we're clear, and after talking with Ruthie on the phone today, in either incident, neither Bison nor Dayna were unattended in the yard. I was outside with my dog, no more than 50 feet away. I do not keep my dog on a leash while we're knocking around the yard. Actually, I was doing some chores, and she was sleeping in the crate.

[Lorelei]

Originally Posted by Vandal

I figured out a LONG time ago owning a GSD means you have to protect the DOG more than he protects you. Society is loaded with fools and idiots who simply don't have anything else to do but complain.

What a great comment. I've had a large dog before, but never a dog that other people considered an aggressive breed, so this thread is a big eye-opener. I just don't know how I would react with an officer saying he would shoot my dog, or a neighbor trying to get my dog to bite, for a chance at suing. I would feel so frustrated and enraged, but more than anything, I'd feel terrified and helpless, especially where the officer was concerned. Where we live, we are on a little under 30 acres, so we don't have neighbors within close distance, but I know that doesn't mean we will be immune to having to deal with any of this. This thread made me realize, just because we can't see our neighbors doesn't mean I can ignore these kinds of possibilities, and that I should take a proactive stance on this if I want to protect my dog.

However, aside from cameras, and 'GSD on premise' signs, and making sure my dog is well-trained and never ever unattended, I don't know what else to do.

[selzer]

Originally Posted by W.Oliver

Just so we're clear, and after talking with Ruthie on the phone today, in either incident, neither Bison nor Dayna were unattended in the yard. I was outside with my dog, no more than 50 feet away. I do not keep my dog on a leash while we're knocking around the yard. Actually, I was doing some chores, and she was sleeping in the crate.

I am sorry you took that that way. I was referring to the long debate about leaving dogs out in a fenced yard or in an e-fenced yard. I did not mean either of these incidents, just the fact that if the cops believe your dog to be a threat and they are trying to do their job, they are going to protect themselves, and you and your dog will suffer for it.

In one of these posts, the poster said that the lady came walking up her driveway calling to her dog. See, that would not be happening in my yard because the dog would never be in a yard where people and dogs could wander freely in and get themselves in trouble. I just figure that our dogs are not going to get the benefit of the doubt in a civil case. I cannot afford to let them get anywhere near a courtroom.

ETA: my back yard is fenced, my front yard is not. My dogs can be out in my front yard with me also, just never alone. But I did not think that either Ruthie or your dog was alone.

[ken k]

Originally Posted by Lorelei

However, aside from cameras, and 'GSD on premise' signs, and making sure my dog is well-trained and never ever unattended, I don't know what else to do.

putting up a sign is a bad idea, in a court of law it would be taken as, you know there might be a problem with the dog, you said it the best "well-trained and never ever unattended"

[fgshepherd]

Oh, I'm so sorry that ANY of us have to deal with bad neighbors! It isn't like being near a loudmouth in a theatre, where you can just leave. Ugghhh.... This makes me MORE driven to get Rocky trained up well and some day get the CGC certification. It also makes look forward to retiring to the middle of NO WHERE!!

[StryderPup]

This is so sad, I am blessed with great neighbors. Stryder is in our fenced in back yard to do his business and give a shout out to the neighbors dogs and then he comes back in. In addition, he is tethered in the front yard if we are out there or on his leash for a walk and or to get into the van to leave. My neighbors across the street are always yelling across " I am glad he is watching our house too!"

[trish07]

Originally Posted by KZoppa

i would say keep a VERY close eye out. It does sound like she's trying to get bit intentionally so she has something to complain about to that would make you have to get rid of your dog. sadly that would mean no unsupervised yard time.

Yeah I know, I don't let her approach my dog anymore.

[doggiedad]

sounds like your neighbor doesn't like
you for some reason. don't worry
about it. you and your dog are doing nothing wrong.
i'm not sure about the caution from the AC. any dog
can look intimidating if you're afraid of them.
a stranger reached over your fence and got a lick from
your dog. sounds like a nice, friendly, trained dog to me.

Originally Posted by Ruthie

He just cautioned DH about perception because Bison looks intimidating.

[Gwenhwyfair]

Originally Posted by Lorelei

What a great comment. I've had a large dog before, but never a dog that other people considered an aggressive breed, so this thread is a big eye-opener. I just don't know how I would react with an officer saying he would shoot my dog, or a neighbor trying to get my dog to bite, for a chance at suing. <snipped>

Agree, very eye opening. I've never had to deal with neighbors like some of the others here.

My dog is never outside unattended, back yard is fenced, front is not. If I'm not home he is inside my home....but apparently even that is not good enough. I will, however, be even more cautious then ever because I do have some neighbors who are afraid of my GSD.

This thread reminds me of one legal aspect I learned of years ago regarding 'attractive nuisances'. Basically even having a fence is no guarantee. Someone could crawl over a fence, to pet the pretty dog, get bit and the owner may still be on the hook. This thread is a good reminder one must always be very careful and watchful.