German Shepherds Forum banner

big dog versus little dog

3365 Views 33 Replies 20 Participants Last post by  scannergirl
I've tried to write about this several times today...each time I give up. Without getting into all the details, Shiloh (my 5yr old LCGSD)...how do I even word this??? My neighbors two pugs came into my yard-Shiloh got one. Shiloh won, the pug lost big time. The neighbor (who I've fought with for years now) has been going around the neighborhood with pictures of her pug with tubes hanging out it saying 'this could be your CHILD' and asking people to sign a statement that Shiloh is vicious and should be put to sleep.
Shiloh is in no danger whatsoever when it comes to this, although I now live in constant fear for my dogs and what the neighbors might try to do. Don't worry I am taking lots of steps to protect my babies.
The issue I think I'm having is dealing with the poor little dog that got hurt syndrome. Does anyone have any ideas on how to best address this???
Now everyone knows where I've been over the past week+... this has completely consumed my life.
1 - 20 of 34 Posts
Wow, sorry to hear this Rosa. I don't have any advice, just good wishes.
How did the dog get into your back yard in the first place. Sarge took out a very large pit bull that wondered into our backyard while my wife had him out. Im not sure what his intentions were but it ended up in a big knock down drag out fight. The pit gave it up and left and sarge stayed with my wife.

Later I saw the pit across the street with a gal who worked at an animal hospital. It had one of those big cone things on it. ( it wasnt their dog) So I walked over and said man, what happened to him. He had a big rip on his shoulder and it was stapled closed, looked like maybe 20 or 25, he had other nicks and marks and had a tube sticking out of the wound.

Get a new dog I ask, they had like 6. Nope she says he was on my porch when I came out, he looked like he had been in a fight so I took to the hospital and they fixed him up for free. Im rehabing him now.

Good for I said as I slipped back across the street.
Your neighbor is a grade A jackass.

Sounds like your neighbor is spreading libel/slander. Sue or not, but somebody here broke the leash law AND the common sense law. Do lots of training with your dog in the front yard so the whole neighborhood can see how nicely trained your dog is, enlist young relatives to help (to dispel the "your kids could be next" idiocy), and do everything you can to make your dog a model citizen. That will make your neighbor look like the village idiot.

Be sure to cruise your yard regularly for any signs of poisoned food. I would not discount this possibility. Do not ever let your dog out alone and unsupervised. I'm sorry this happened, but your dog was defending its turf and your neighbor was (is) a fool. The dogs always lose the most, though.
See less See more
Originally Posted By: DianaMYour neighbor is a grade A jackass.

Sounds like your neighbor is spreading libel/slander. Sue or not, but somebody here broke the leash law AND the common sense law. Do lots of training with your dog in the front yard so the whole neighborhood can see how nicely trained your dog is, enlist young relatives to help (to dispel the "your kids could be next" idiocy), and do everything you can to make your dog a model citizen. That will make your neighbor look like the village idiot.

Be sure to cruise your yard regularly for any signs of poisoned food. I would not discount this possibility. Do not ever let your dog out alone and unsupervised. I'm sorry this happened, but your dog was defending its turf and your neighbor was (is) a fool. The dogs always lose the most, though.
what she said. except I'd use more foul words for the idiot and her little dogs.
I totally agree that your neighbor is a total jackass!!

Here are my thoughts:
The neighbors dog entered your yard so therefore I don't think you are at fault - they are. Shiloh was doing nothing more than defending her terriotory. And, I doubt that pug will enter Shiloh's turf again. I would fight this fight with this neighbor as the day is long! They can't make you put your dog down just b/c they sign a petition. I would have their ass in court so fast! So, fight fire with fire! I know that is easier said than done since this person is your neighbor ...

I'll be thinking about you and keep us posted ...
Yeah, libel and slander come to mind.


Powell
I am so so sorry you are going through this. I feel for that poor pug too. IT WAS AN UNFORTUNATE ACCIDENT. Your neighbor is a total ass.
I am so sorry that happened. My neighbors are scared of our GSD, and afraid of their child's safety. He is a two year old 90 lb GSD. I would mention to the police, just to have it in a file, what you might suspect, if anything should happen, God forbid. He was defending his property, your neighbor was wrong to let his dogs come into your yard, like it has been said, he broke the leash law. But I know from experience, that having a GSD is much different than having a Lab. Our Lab is so friendly with all dogs and people.

Another thing, when we are not at home, he stays in a run, it is big enough for a big igool and a doggie lounger, it has a cover on all sides so that he is comfortable. And I also lock it for his protection, I don't trust anyone, and I would not put it past for someone to let him out, and report us.

Don't let this get you down, your neighbor is an idot, must not have much of a life.
When it comes to GSD or any big dog owner is at fault .I have had it with small dog aggression and am being victim of breed/size discrimination.By the way no injuries occurred but does not seem to matter in frivolous lawsuit I am defending.
Approach the little guy before your GSD, pet him and provide a few treats.

If you have a friend have him/her take a few pics. Then tell your neighbor how nice her dogs are.

My other option, much more harsh cannot be considered until your are past retirement age, but that has more to do with dealing with your neighbor directly.
I am so sorry this happened to you. I agree with everyone else who states that your neighbour is a true Jackass. Surely anyone who knows you and your dog would not give this idiot the time of day. I feel bad for his pug but he obviously does not control his dogs or they would not have been in your yard.
Hang in there, protect your furry family.
Hey Rosa. I’m so sorry to hear that this has happened to you and Shiloh, and my thoughts and prayers are with you. There are some good suggestions in this thread. I like the idea of training out front in the yard so the neighbors can see. I would also look into getting the dogs their CGCs. If you don’t have a fence, now would be a good time to put one up. If you do, then see about reinforcing the bottom so that no more dogs can get into the yard.

I’d also see if it’s not too late to make some peace with the neighbor. They are clearly in the wrong here and going around with a petition is just plain low. However, since you have to live next door to these people for the time being then it would be in your best interest to patch things up. I wouldn’t take responsibility for the dog’s medical bills but I wouldn’t be opposed to doing what I can to help out in other ways. Failing that, I think the best thing to do would probably be to lay low until the whole mess blows over.

Best of luck to you and the fur kids.
See less See more
Thank you all for your kind words of support. I really have been a basket case since this entire situation. I do have a fence surrounding my property but the pugs get right thru the openings...its a steel fence but has openings big enough for a freaking little pug to get thru!!!!
Getting along with the neighbors is so not going to happen. Please understand that I really do just mind my own business but this is the same man that threatned to shoot my boy shiloh for barking at him at the fence (shiloh was on my property and SHILOH WAS A PUPPY AT THE TIME!!!!!!!) I called the police on him that time....you can mess with me all you want but don't even mess with my dogs!!!! Its been an ongoing battle with his dogs (inc. a Bull Mastiff that once got out, came over my fence and jumped baby Shoshona hurting her little leg when she was just a pup!!!! I took her to the vet and have documentation on that as well). The problem is they are sooooooooooo irresponsible dog owners-I could tell you stories that would make the hair on the back of your head stand!!!!
People do see me out with my dogs every single day....every day I'm out with them in OUR YARD playing ball and excercising them. I also have found a witness (someone I don't even know) that saw the pugs loose that night and running the neighborhood!!! And I'm trying to track down another lady that this man talked to. I'm documenting everything and leaving no stone unturned.
I get paid on Friday and on Saturday a friend is going to install a SECOND fence on my property-one that will keep my dogs far from the entire property line. I live in constant fear right now that they will try to hurt them or god knows what. Don't worry I am with my babies and I mean RIGHT WITH THEM at all times when we go outside. I just can't explain the emontial toll this is taking on me. When I am not there they are inside my house.
I'm trying to find a surviellance (video) system I can afford and put outside my home.
As far as the Slander I did talk to an attorney about this entire event including what she was doing and he told me to get a restraining order against her to prevent her from doing this. Long story shorter, I then talked to one of my friends and as much as I didn't like what she had to say I had to agree that this 'woman' (worm) has the right to say what she wants just as I have the right to say what I want. Granted I think she has crossed the line but what can I do. I can also get statements from people, which I have done saying their dogs run loose, my dogs dont, etc.
As far as the Humane Society, this is closed. There are no charges against Shiloh. As much as she wanted he was not declared a dangerous or vicious dog-The Humane Society has made no action against me whatsoever. I just don't want this to turn into the big dog versus the little dog in court and have everyone pity the 'poor little dog'
Thanks again and hugs to all
See less See more
Originally Posted By: shilohsmom
I get paid on Friday and on Saturday a friend is going to install a SECOND fence on my property-one that will keep my dogs far from the entire property line. I live in constant fear right now that they will try to hurt them or god knows what. Don't worry I am with my babies and I mean RIGHT WITH THEM at all times when we go outside. I just can't explain the emontial toll this is taking on me. When I am not there they are inside my house.
I'm trying to find a surviellance (video) system I can afford and put outside my home.
You are taking appropriate actions. This is all you can possibly do. The only thing I would add would be to get your dogs CGC's and any other temperament test available as documentation of their lack of aggression.
Thank you all so much. This is such a difficult time but I will feel so much better Saturday when the second fence is installed. While I spend several hours (2-3 hours) outside with my dogs every day I use to leave the front door open while I was there so they could come and go. I was never far from them, checked on them all the time (one reason I want them in the front, I am in the front-I don't believe in out of sight-out of mind and wont put my dogs in the backyard...I'm in the front of my house-they are in the front of my house!!! I've always felt it was important that they have time where Mama wasn't right over them...when I'm there they have a one track mind focused on me throwing the ball... but when they have time to themselfs they are able to be creative, to chase eachother, to dig holes, to just be dogs!! I feel awful for taking this special time from them. I know its only for a short period but to look into their eyes as they all sit around the front door stareing back at me, its just heartbreaking...I know they want to go play, I know they don't understand why they suddenly have to stay in all the time (except when I'm right there). Don't get me wrong for a moment-they are not going anywhere and I'm completely aware that how they feel right now is temporary and there is nothing more important than their safety, in other words I am not giving in to those pleading eyes.... What bothers me is that my dogs have to suffer at all because of these freakin neighbors.
I don't know, I just hate to see my dogs suffer in any way when they have done nothing wrong.
See less See more
I just came up with a possible idea on this....I was thinking about putting together a little party for my dogs to celebrate their new 'enclosure'....then it dawned on me....humm....I should invite all the other neighbors over to 'celebrate' and show them what I've had to do and WHY!!!! Not sure I could afford or put together anything on such short notice, but what do you guys think???
gee, I wish I could afford like a BBQ, have tons of people over and then just stop things for a moment for a 'very important annoucement' and tell when what I've had to do and why. Talk about great PR on my side, huh???
Your neighbor is going door to door spreading hate and lies verbally and in print. Do not have the party so you can do the same (or risk being accused of it, I'd be concerned about that).

SUE. THE. *beep*HOLE. And get that restraining order. If an attorney gave you that advice, go with it. Remember, I am no lawyer, I do not play one on TV, and I did NOT stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night, so my advice is just miscellaneous opinion that you should not follow as legal advice. I think the same goes for everyone on the board unless they are official legal counsel dispensing official legal advice because they are certified to practice law in their state and your state blah blah blah continue legal disclaimer..... IN ANY CASE- whatever your attorney says, run with it. If they say "restraining order," I would have been at the courthouse at the bald buttcrack of dawn waiting for the judge to show up to grant it.
1 - 20 of 34 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top