Dangerous Dogs in The Neighborhood

[NightOwl]

I may see things differently (but I have trained and shown dogs in the past and have fostered dogs with behavior issues for a rescue ).

I would want a dog to grow and warn someone that they did not like what they were doing . Most people miss the subtle signs of a dog who is uncomfortable with a situation , this is why so many young kids get bit . The parents think it's cute for them to lay on a dog , pull the ears or tail and stare into their face . Growling is a way for a dog to let someone know to stop what you are doing.

To me is sounds like the nephew may have done something to the dog in the past , especially if the dog has bitten him before .

Without being there to see what goes on there is no way to tell 100% , but most dogs do not just bite . Dogs do not know jealousy like people do . They will guard what they believe is theirs from a threat , whatever that threat may be .

You're exactly right! My nephew was only 2 at the time and had a habit of roughly sitting on her while she was sleeping. So she woke up to something plopping down hard onto her belly and she bit instinctively. The temperament of the dog and my nephew do not mix one bit.

[Unregistered]

Awwwww I didn't mean to bring up bad thoughts for you. Thank you though. I'm not a crazy cat lady, really. But man, I loved this girl. She sat on my left knee every night while I watched TV, slept on my hip every night (I'm a side sleeper), and she had the softest fur I've ever touched. And the last time I touched it was while she was dying and I was wailing like a baby in my backyard. It's been 6 days and I still cry when I think of her.

I still cry about my kitty and she passed almost a year ago. We had her creamated. I actually think it's helps a bit having her asjes. I rub the box and talk to her. I know, weird, but I love it.

[NightOwl]

Wasn't she beautiful?

[ChelseaB]

I may see things differently (but I have trained and shown dogs in the past and have fostered dogs with behavior issues for a rescue ).

I would want a dog to grow and warn someone that they did not like what they were doing . Most people miss the subtle signs of a dog who is uncomfortable with a situation , this is why so many young kids get bit . The parents think it's cute for them to lay on a dog , pull the ears or tail and stare into their face . Growling is a way for a dog to let someone know to stop what you are doing.

To me is sounds like the nephew may have done something to the dog in the past , especially if the dog has bitten him before .

Without being there to see what goes on there is no way to tell 100% , but most dogs do not just bite . Dogs do not know jealousy like people do . They will guard what they believe is theirs from a threat , whatever that threat may be .

This

[Laurel]

I saw one dog in the front yard chasing her then the fight moved to the playground out back. I ran through the house and out the back door where I saw the second dog with my cat in its mouth. But there was no one else but me. The first dog was nowhere to be seen and the second one bolted when I ran out.

If you saw the dog with your cat in it's mouth than that is more than enough eye witness evidence...at least on the t.v. court shows. Otherwise, they can say "Well it must have been some other dog. How can you know it was mine?" The judge decides if you are telling the truth.

[SnowGirl]

I had the same thought! It's an excellent idea. I just need to get past the hurt of losing my cat.

I can't imagine the pain. I'm so sorry you're having to deal with that loss and also the liability implications of having such dogs as neighbors.

My initial response was all problem solving and no sympathy...sorry about that. I do that sometimes.

[NightOwl]

I can't imagine the pain. I'm so sorry you're having to deal with that loss and also the liability implications of having such dogs as neighbors.

My initial response was all problem solving and no sympathy...sorry about that. I do that sometimes.

Not at all. I wasn't looking for sympathy, I guess there's a lot of animal lovers here, so it came naturally. Thank you though.

[NightOwl]

Update. Thanks for all the advice. I have finally found the property owner's contact info and I am sending him a certified letter tomorrow informing him of the presence of the dogs on his property, the incidents that have occurred, and that he could be held liable for any future incidents. I'm sincerely hoping this prompts him to make the tenants re-home the dogs. I also bought pepper spray and will be buying a handgun this weekend. That, of course, would be a last resort and only in a dire situation. They make pepper spray in a gel formula now, so there's a much smaller chance of back spray, FYI. I have also sent out a memo to the parents telling them the actions I have taken to somewhat put their minds at ease. And tomorrow, we will go outside for the first time since this happened. I haven't been on the playground at all and I'm afraid I may be slightly (or very) emotional. So I'll probably go out tonight and face those demons ahead of time. Again, thanks for your advice. It was truly helpful.

[Ariana]

Update. Thanks for all the advice. I have finally found the property owner's contact info and I am sending him a certified letter tomorrow informing him of the presence of the dogs on his property, the incidents that have occurred, and that he could be held liable for any future incidents. I'm sincerely hoping this prompts him to make the tenants re-home the dogs. I also bought pepper spray and will be buying a handgun this weekend. That, of course, would be a last resort and only in a dire situation. They make pepper spray in a gel formula now, so there's a much smaller chance of back spray, FYI. I have also sent out a memo to the parents telling them the actions I have taken to somewhat put their minds at ease. And tomorrow, we will go outside for the first time since this happened. I haven't been on the playground at all and I'm afraid I may be slightly (or very) emotional. So I'll probably go out tonight and face those demons ahead of time. Again, thanks for your advice. It was truly helpful.

I think you made the right decision and the letter was a smart idea. If the owner knows he can be held liable he will deal with it.

Good luck tomorrow, try and keep positive thoughts :hug: