[j8384]

First, I like dogs.
My husband and I moved into our home in the early summer. We were only here for two weeks before we went up north for the summer. During those two weeks here, we saw that a backyard neighbor had a large dog. We also observed during this time, that the dog was not on a leash each time it was let out to potty. What we did see was this, door open, dog goes out, door closes, dog off leash, unattended (owners not with the dog). We couldn't believe what we were seeing. The dog, then would choose between our yard, its own yard, or the vacant house to do its business. Finally, the time came when it chose our yard. (Forgot to mention, they usually don't clean up the messes made, but, I was lucky, it only took about two hours for them to clean the mess from our yard.) We also made our presence known prior to this event, by walking around the back fertilizing, hoping they would start using a leash, or ask permission to let their dog continue to use our yard as its toilet, but, no, that never happened. Well, we decided that with owners who are not being considerate of their neighbors, nor complying with the Sumter County Leash Law, it would be best to let someone of authority tell them the rules. So, we called Community Standards. They explained they will pay them a courtesy visit and tell them the rules. Well, we saw the dog on a leash, one time. It was only a couple days later that we went north for the summer.
We both figure that the dog would continue to frequent our yard, that we worked hard to purchase, that we pay taxes on, that we want to keep free of dog poop, but unfortunately, what could we do?
We finally returned home, made it obvious to all neighbors, we were back. Anyone could tell we had returned. We figured, the dog owners would now put their dog back on the leash and keep it out of our yard, but, we couldn't have been more wrong. Only two days later, here it came, off leash, unattended, and pooped in our yard. So, I opened the door and told them, they were just sitting in the lanai, to come and get it. The owner came over, and stupid me, tried to be nice and tried to offer to let the dog come over, but stated that they would need to immediately clean up after the dog. Guess that didn't go over to well, she ignored me, and walked away. I ended it with saying I don't want a dog.
I again called Community Standards, explained all, and they referred me to Animal Control. After debating whether to call or not, we called and told them of the situation. They did tell me, there is a leash law. Animal Control came out that same day, but, had I not seen the truck drive by, I would not have thought they came over. Still, to this date, this dog, goes out off leash, and unattended every day.
The dog, to my knowledge has not ventured into our yard, it uses the vacant houses yard and the owners yard, but I know it is just a matter of time before it comes over here to do its business.
I am still being nice to them by not reporting the dog continues to be off leash and unattended, therefore out of their control, but, I am sure the owners don't see it that way. I have told a couple neighbors about this, and they just can't believe what is happening and say they wouldn't put up with this. I am sure that if the dog was mine, using their yard,and was off leash, they wouldn't like it one bit.
So, does anyone have any suggestions on what is the next step? I won't report them, until I see the dog in my yard, as I am not the "dog police".

[gap2415]

At a minimum you could put up an electric fence..but it will cost you and They should have done it.

[Bonnevie]

stuff like this infuriates me as a responsible dog owner. I wish I had an answer for you but people like this are cretins and obviously don't understand common courtesy.

[Mleeja]

I wish you would have stated what part of the TV this is occurring. My neighbor told me about something similar.

[Bogie Shooter]

You have tried in a kind way to solve this problem. I give you credit for that.
My suggestion...............scoop up the dog poop with a shovel (not in a bag) and deposit it on their driveway. If they ask, tell them their dog left it in your yard.

[fred53]

Originally Posted by gap2415

At a minimum you could put up an electric fence..but it will cost you and They should have done it.

are not at a minimum. Call the doggie police and report the problem...again. They are only neighbors as dictated by their location. You are better off with them being miffed at you do to their lack of consideration and respect for your property than you being angry. Let the cards fall as they may.

Me? I'd be tossing that crap onto their yard...and if their dog came over while I was there I'd be putting a leash on it and calling the animal police.

[Phanatic Luvr]

Originally Posted by gap2415

At a minimum you could put up an electric fence..but it will cost you and They should have done it.

Thinking you don't know much about electric fences. An electric fence works in conjunction with a collar around the dogs neck.

I was thinking you should invest in an old golf club and practice your swing.
And let me add, I have two dogs which only go in MY yard and we pick up immediately afterward, so no one could possibly step in it, including my lawn service. Just sayin....

Let me edit this so no one else thinks I am a horrible person as Gerryann did ... I meant to use the golf club on the dog poo, NOT the dog.

[Barefoot]

I see you are a new member, welcome to the Forum.
If it were me, I'd get a brochure from Dogwatch in Ocala. They install invisible fencing.
I'd visit the dog owners and pleasantly suggest they might like to consider invisible fencing as a solution to having their dog wander off leash.
I'd try to be nice and get their cooperation in solving the problem; I don't believe in abrasive solutions.

Also you might want to call Animal Control to ask what your next step should be if the dog reoffends.
Sadly it sounds like diplomacy may not work with these dog owners.

[village dreamer]

I would get some dog mace and spray the dog, when on my lawn.

[rubicon]

Originally Posted by j8384

First, I like dogs.
My husband and I moved into our home in the early summer. We were only here for two weeks before we went up north for the summer. During those two weeks here, we saw that a backyard neighbor had a large dog. We also observed during this time, that the dog was not on a leash each time it was let out to potty. What we did see was this, door open, dog goes out, door closes, dog off leash, unattended (owners not with the dog). We couldn't believe what we were seeing. The dog, then would choose between our yard, its own yard, or the vacant house to do its business. Finally, the time came when it chose our yard. (Forgot to mention, they usually don't clean up the messes made, but, I was lucky, it only took about two hours for them to clean the mess from our yard.) We also made our presence known prior to this event, by walking around the back fertilizing, hoping they would start using a leash, or ask permission to let their dog continue to use our yard as its toilet, but, no, that never happened. Well, we decided that with owners who are not being considerate of their neighbors, nor complying with the Sumter County Leash Law, it would be best to let someone of authority tell them the rules. So, we called Community Standards. They explained they will pay them a courtesy visit and tell them the rules. Well, we saw the dog on a leash, one time. It was only a couple days later that we went north for the summer.
We both figure that the dog would continue to frequent our yard, that we worked hard to purchase, that we pay taxes on, that we want to keep free of dog poop, but unfortunately, what could we do?
We finally returned home, made it obvious to all neighbors, we were back. Anyone could tell we had returned. We figured, the dog owners would now put their dog back on the leash and keep it out of our yard, but, we couldn't have been more wrong. Only two days later, here it came, off leash, unattended, and pooped in our yard. So, I opened the door and told them, they were just sitting in the lanai, to come and get it. The owner came over, and stupid me, tried to be nice and tried to offer to let the dog come over, but stated that they would need to immediately clean up after the dog. Guess that didn't go over to well, she ignored me, and walked away. I ended it with saying I don't want a dog.
I again called Community Standards, explained all, and they referred me to Animal Control. After debating whether to call or not, we called and told them of the situation. They did tell me, there is a leash law. Animal Control came out that same day, but, had I not seen the truck drive by, I would not have thought they came over. Still, to this date, this dog, goes out off leash, and unattended every day.
The dog, to my knowledge has not ventured into our yard, it uses the vacant houses yard and the owners yard, but I know it is just a matter of time before it comes over here to do its business.
I am still being nice to them by not reporting the dog continues to be off leash and unattended, therefore out of their control, but, I am sure the owners don't see it that way. I have told a couple neighbors about this, and they just can't believe what is happening and say they wouldn't put up with this. I am sure that if the dog was mine, using their yard,and was off leash, they wouldn't like it one bit.
So, does anyone have any suggestions on what is the next step? I won't report them, until I see the dog in my yard, as I am not the "dog police".

j 8284: First I don't like dogs. when I lived just west of Minneapolis I had a next door neighbor who let his dog roam freely. the dog like the smell of my yard better than his. I repeatedly called animal control and they would go out investigate, admonish my neighbor but it didn't stop. Even when I shoveled my neighbor's dog end product and deposited in his yard and sometimes driveway it never stopped.

So unless Animal Control begins to level some monetary fines or administer some sort of civil proceedings you are stuck. I suggest if Animal Control doesn't render a solution you may want to threaten legal action if the trespassing doesn't abate . something i wish I had done back then.

Because this neighbor has already been made aware and s/he thinks so little of you and more of their dog that they have signaled to you nothing is going to change. Their actions are disrespectful, irresponsible and illegal

In summary and while I am not one to use bad language this neighbor metaphorically is s-----g all over you.

[jebartle]

I bought three blank signs, painted "Please No Pets", and so far so good.
we have some friends that pick up poop from neighbor dog and leave it in neighbors driveway (would not recommend)...Good luck!

[j8384]

Barefoot, I also don't believe in being abraisive, however, I have been more than nice as they continue to s__t on me. Remember, I haven't reported them because the dog is off leash, as they are clearly in the wrong, I wait until it enters my property. I am tired of being nice now. My husband says I should report them just for having the dog off leash.

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by j8384

Barefoot, I also don't believe in being abraisive, however, I have been more than nice as they continue to s__t on me. Remember, I haven't reported them because the dog is off leash, as they are clearly in the wrong, I wait until it enters my property. I am tired of being nice now. My husband says I should report them just for having the dog off leash.

What neighborhood is this? Some neighborhoods have message boards and the like. Maybe if you got the word out there the neighbors would change their behavior with the dog. People shaming works better than dog shaming. This Virginia Trace site has a lot of useful links including other neighborhood sites -- *VIRGINIA TRACE,* THE VILLAGES,* FLORIDA

Check the site Next Door too if they have group for your Village.

[Chi-Town]

Originally Posted by village dreamer

I would get some dog mace and spray the dog, when on my lawn.

If you take your thought process one step back you would spray the owner.
There's the problem.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

I see you are a new member, welcome to the Forum.
If it were me, I'd get a brochure from Dogwatch in Ocala. They install invisible fencing.
I'd visit the dog owners and pleasantly suggest they might like to consider invisible fencing as a solution to having their dog wander off leash.
I'd try to be nice and get their cooperation in solving the problem; I don't believe in abrasive solutions.

Also you might want to call Animal Control to ask what your next step should be if the dog reoffends.
Sadly it sounds like diplomacy may not work with these dog owners.

They did call.