Neighbour Dogs Tried to Smash Fence When I Was Watering Plants

Ash-Say on 12/05/2019 - 13:12
Last edited 12/05/2019 - 17:03 by 1 other user

I was watering plants in backyard this afternoon and noticed that the neighbour dogs tried to smash colorbond fence. It was quite scary as I could see a bend at one place so I stopped watering plants.

I have been living at this place for 3.5 years and the neighbours didn't have dogs previously but suddenly there are 2 dogs. I just returned from holidays so not sure if this place has been sold or the neighbour just got new dogs.

My kids play in a backyard quite often. The dogs appear quite aggressive so I am quite concerned of them as they might also dig under the fence and breach it. Also this side of house has fruit plants where we have made so much effort in last 3 years to grow them so can't stop watering this side altogether.

What can I potentially do in this situation to keep these dogs away?

Home & Garden

Comments

  • Randxyz123 on 12/05/2019 - 13:43
    +9

    What do you mean they tried to "smash the fence"

    • elgrande on 12/05/2019 - 14:24
      +13

      Super smash bros?

      • bdl on 12/05/2019 - 16:50
        +20

        Super smash doggos

    • kahn on 12/05/2019 - 20:02
      +1

      They pressed pause.

    • Sage on 12/05/2019 - 21:55
      +8

      You know, how dogs just ram into things.

  • cypher67 on 12/05/2019 - 13:43
    +45

    You could start by talking to your neighbor before going rouge

    • GordonR on 12/05/2019 - 14:36
      +35

      Not sure how you’d use rouge to scare them off anyway..

      • cypher67 on 12/05/2019 - 15:00

        Fair call

      • [Deactivated] on 12/05/2019 - 15:12
        +25

        Have you watched Eurovision?

    • o53djz7qTPY4der on 12/05/2019 - 15:27
      +3

      This is the route.

      However, there are two downsides:

      1) The neighbour might not care and thus, relationship is ruined.
      2) Any further action you take, retaliation or council, will immediately be ascribed to you - whether it was or not.

      It just depends on how prepared you are to stand your ground. Given you

      stopped watering plants

      I think you should just complain to the council before talking to the neighbour - they'll check registration etc, perhaps do a welfare check (if you're lucky).

      Alternatively, go and talk to the owner!

        • JTTheMan on 14/05/2019 - 12:02

          "Don't be rude or aggressive"

          • syousef on 14/05/2019 - 13:06

            @JTTheMan: Yes. For example don't complain to the council before you've even bothered to approach your neighbour about the issue.

            Seeing this attitude it's no wonder we can't have anything nice without someone spoiling it.

    • cameldownunder on 13/05/2019 - 12:45
      -2

      If the neighbours have 2 such aggressive dogs, that probably were not smashing the fence because of water, but merely for the presence of a person, I think it is futile to talk to the owners, as responsible owners wouldn't have such aggressive dogs and not let them out in a backyard where the neighbour has kids playing in the backyard.

      My rule is "Kids over dog, every day", don't talk, go straight legal action as suggested, full force. Worst case you might get a bite from one of the dog, but that just helps top prove the case.

      To deter them from the fence, put down some salt on the ground, and put empty water bottles upside down on some sticks.

      • wukachuka on 13/05/2019 - 13:32
        +2

        Colorbond fence would normally mean a fence about 8 feet tall that you can't see through.
        The reason they attack the fence is the water from the hose makes a noise when it hits the fence. (think the noise a tin roof makes in the rain)

        salt on the ground? empty water bottles upside down on sticks?

        What is either of those supposed to do about a dog reacting to a noise from the other side of a fence it can't see through?

        • Erwark on 13/05/2019 - 19:31
          +4

          Maybe they are dog spirits lingering in this realm. In which case salt on the ground is supposed to be effective. Can also try brick dust or holy water.

        • kaleidoscope on 14/05/2019 - 07:52

          water filled bottle is a famous deterrent to keep dogs from u know… peeing on to fences/gates. something about the reflection from it afaik..

          • Loopholio on 15/05/2019 - 09:01

            @kaleidoscope: It does not work. Think about it, why would anyone who pees on the ground care about bottles laying around.

          • Bargain80 on 15/05/2019 - 09:17
            +2

            @kaleidoscope: yep. pee on the fence to show your dominance over the dogs

  • [Deactivated] on 12/05/2019 - 13:48
    +4

    Is your neighbour American?

  • Austaurean on 12/05/2019 - 14:00
    +3

    Depending on the state you live in, the following might apply.

    Requirement to be Registered, desexed, microchipped.if they arent, they can be fined and the dogs removed and not returned unless they comply.

    Some states have some breeds recognised as dangerous and must be registered as dangeous and signage as such, inc when on a walk. Some states dont have breeds specified, but specific dogs can be deemed dangerous.

  • altomic on 12/05/2019 - 14:05
    +20

    squirt dog with hose.

    • [Deactivated] on 12/05/2019 - 14:54
      +7

      I'm sure* they'll mellow out after and the dogs will be best buds.

      *not actually sure.

      • ChickenTalon on 13/05/2019 - 15:26
        +1

        not if sure the objective is to breed more fence bashing dogs

        • [Deactivated] on 13/05/2019 - 15:39

          Instructions not clear.

    • DarwinBoy on 13/05/2019 - 00:58
      +3

      That's up there with chucking rocks, shining a torch at it and yelling that will do nothing to make your situation better but probably worse.

      • altomic on 13/05/2019 - 11:20

        aversion therapy - it's a common method for training animals.

        • DarwinBoy on 13/05/2019 - 14:58
          +1

          When your not the owner of the dog any 'hose training' method is not likely to be very effective.

          • altomic on 13/05/2019 - 16:32
            +1

            @DarwinBoy: how about we agree to disagree?

            • DarwinBoy on 13/05/2019 - 16:35
              +5

              @altomic: Yep. Fair enough.
              Are you sure we are not breaking some internet rule that says we are meant to post our views getting more extreme and off the original topic over a few hours wasting both our time?

              • altomic on 13/05/2019 - 20:03
                +2

                @DarwinBoy: That typical of some one who votes liberal/labor.

                Next you'll be saying fracking causes autism!

  • [Deactivated] on 12/05/2019 - 15:07
    +3

    "so I stopped watering plants."

    That's your problem right there.

  • JIMB0 on 12/05/2019 - 15:16
    +14

    Welcome to suburbia.

  • Baebs on 12/05/2019 - 15:20
    +6

    What did your neighbors say when you talked to them?

    • Kangal on 12/05/2019 - 21:52
      +18

      Post on OzBargain then come talk later

  • mgh4me on 12/05/2019 - 15:33
    +62

    Buy some scmakos or other dog treat. Explain the incident to the neighbour and ask if you can throw the dogs a treat if they start to become aggressive. The neighbour then knows there’s an issue but you are a nice neighbour by offering a solution. If the dogs behaviour continues after your attempt to make friends you have left a friendly door open for further dialogue and strategising.

    • [Deactivated] on 12/05/2019 - 16:09
      +15

      Vote 1 mgh4me for Mayor of Ozbargainville

    • NeeKeeTa on 12/05/2019 - 16:18
      +7

      I've had the pleasure of being neighbours with some people who would take offense in me offering a solution for their dogs' behavouir.

      Sigh…

    • abb on 13/05/2019 - 10:45
      +23

      You want to reward the dogs when they do the wrong thing? Interesting move.

      • QW3RTY on 13/05/2019 - 11:49
        +6

        Body-slam fence = free treats!

      • xuqi on 13/05/2019 - 18:18
        +6

        Apparently 45 others who have no idea how to train a pet also agreed…

      • craagz on 14/05/2019 - 11:12

        It is just a conversation starter with the neighbour. Don't think it should be carried out.

      • Banj0 on 14/05/2019 - 23:55
        +2

        My father did this with a couple of aggro bull-something dogs. Had tried hosing them (yeah, nah, that won’t make it better dad)!

        Actually worked a treat. They just get excited when he goes near the fence now. Before that, they wanted to take a piece of him!

    • MiguelSanchez91 on 13/05/2019 - 11:34
      +2

      "throw the dogs a treat if they start to become aggressive"

      I'm no Ceasar Millan, but I'm pretty sure the idea is to reward good behavior…

  • shaybisc on 12/05/2019 - 16:15
    +8

    What breed of dog are they? Please confirm my prejudice.

  • Seedy seed on 12/05/2019 - 16:39
    +8

    Go meet dogs, let them get used to you and then occasionally give them a treat. Then they will protect you too.

    • shaybisc on 12/05/2019 - 16:53
      +8

      Not all of them. Some dogs eat their owners.

      • Seedy seed on 12/05/2019 - 19:39
        +1

        Then they wernt dominant.

      • Drj55 on 13/05/2019 - 08:02
        +7

        A forensic pathologist once told me that if an owner dies inside, the trapped, hungry pet dog will wait 3-4 days to eat the body. But the pet cat will only wait a day.

        • cameldownunder on 13/05/2019 - 12:47
          +2

          Cat realizes immediately the owner is dead, and mourns the owner for a day, then eats them.
          Dogs take a bit longer to realize the owner is not sleeping.
          Cats are smarter.

      • Austaurean on 13/05/2019 - 08:30
        +1

        didn't eat her, however, a girl that went to the same high school as I did, was killed by her dog.
        https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/5998711/canberra-woma…

    • qwerty on 12/05/2019 - 20:06

      I dont think they have a problem with op just with the hose and water hitting fence

    • Kingfabay on 13/05/2019 - 00:05

      This is a sensible comment. Dogs dont like anything foreign. Introduce yourself and you won't be bothered again.

  • whooah1979 on 12/05/2019 - 16:46
    -3

    Chicken wings are effective.

    • Stingyboi on 13/05/2019 - 09:33

      Raw*

      • bmerigan on 13/05/2019 - 21:45

        Well… do we like these dogs?

  • EFC94 on 12/05/2019 - 18:45
    +10

    This thread reminds me of the one about the palm frond from the other week that nearly sent the bloke to hospital.

  • chumlee on 12/05/2019 - 20:06
    +4

    As you are in NSW, invite Dean Anthony Sellenthin around to you place and show him your neighbour's dog

    https://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/courts-law/nsw-man-…

  • [Deactivated] on 12/05/2019 - 20:22
    -2

    throw some food over the fence

  • prinsenhof on 12/05/2019 - 22:33
    +3

    More likely is that the dogs have a fascination with water, and are going crazy because they want to play in it. My dog goes off her nut, bites the hose and will run around the yard attacking the water. The bark is the most aggressive she's got but she's actually having a fun time, to anyone else it probably sounds like shes attacking somebody.

    If its such a problem, install some drippers or micro sprays. They don't make the same sound and the dogs wont react.

  • StarvingOat on 12/05/2019 - 22:42
    +43

    Pee at the dogs when they get close. Exert dominance. Show them whos the alpha. Buy some dog treats and eat them in front of the dogs.

    • DeepPocketsShortArms on 26/05/2019 - 20:00

      Best comment yet.
      'Buy some dog treats and eat them in front of the dog'
      Brilliant.

    • FlyFire on 04/06/2019 - 21:44

      Well, as you are planning to pee at an aggressive dog, no need to spend on extra dog treats. that will be taken care of.

  • Amour on 12/05/2019 - 23:02
    +2

    We have a similar issue. Recently moved house and the two large bull Arab looking dogs next door sometimes try to break down the colorbond fence when they hear us outside. We have a small fluffy dog and they try to dig under the fence so we’ve attached timber to the bottom of the fence. There is one spot they stick their nose under, so I’m going to buy some cheap black pepper and put it in the dirt at that spot. They regularly fight, which is delightful to listen to.

    • tessel on 13/05/2019 - 07:19

      The joys of owning a dog.

    • Miami Mall Alien on 13/05/2019 - 15:53
      +5

      Arab looking dogs

      They might be moderates. Do they wear full-length beards or just a little bit of stubble? Have they ever undertaken "training" at a camp?

      • Baysew on 13/05/2019 - 16:04

        This could be one of them

        • Miami Mall Alien on 13/05/2019 - 16:14
          +3

          Tracy Grimshaw: We've been told that dogs really do go "whack for Schmackos" but how far would your Rex or Fido go for his fix? In this Current Affair we examine the disturbing double-lives your canine companions lead when you're not at home. The next 30 minutes could shock you…

  • DarwinBoy on 13/05/2019 - 01:28

    What council municipality are you in? Animal laws vary greatly across the country.
    Be worth checking those out first.

  • McBanny on 13/05/2019 - 01:48

    Just be friendly and say hello for to the dog.
    Walk up and down along the fence during the way to let the dog know you live next door and don't post any threat. (Let them get used to your smell).

    Can also go talk to your neighbor (bring a cake maybe?) and get to know the dogs too.

    Once the dog got used to it they will stop (they might still follow you on the other side of fence but no bark or smashing the fence).

    Just my personal experience :)

    • serpserpserp on 13/05/2019 - 07:44
      +4

      Sounds like a nice little free cake racket for your neighbours! I'm going to get some aggressive dogs now.

    • cameldownunder on 13/05/2019 - 12:49

      Owner and dog in one go? A bit extreme, don't you think?

  • onetwothreefour on 13/05/2019 - 06:22
    +17

    OP you are very quiet, please confirm you have not been eaten by dogs.

    • Ash-Say on 13/05/2019 - 08:46
      +3

      No I am still alive :)

  • serpserpserp on 13/05/2019 - 07:42
    +3

    OP wait until one day they learn and evolve and find the weakness in the fence and finally get to confront you.

    "Clever girl…"

  • [Deactivated] on 13/05/2019 - 08:53

    You can work it out with the dog, if the neighbour is unreasonable. Pissing the dogs off is going to create a huge problem. Be nicer to the dogs than the neighbour and they would return the favour and neighbour may get jealous and take them away from you. If the neighbour does not get jealous they would most likely be friendly. If the neighbour is negligent and does not care you get a free friendly guard dog.

  • cyrax83 on 13/05/2019 - 11:31

    Smash the fence yourself while the dog is taking a piss or eating

  • wkd on 13/05/2019 - 11:45
    +1

    buy a more aggressive dog

  • trapper on 13/05/2019 - 12:08

    Just talk to your neighbour. 'The dogs were going crazy yesterday attacking the fence, I was concerned they might be able to break through' …

  • Miss B on 13/05/2019 - 13:19
    +1

    You could try getting along with the dogs so they don't see you as such a big issue. There are a couple of dogs who bark at me when I go past, I just say "shhh" in a gentle tone and they immediately stop.

    My dog is perfectly happy to be friends with almost anyone, she'll bark at strangers in her space quite aggressively and if they come at her she gets worse. But if they're friendly and talk to her she calms down and wants pats. She's never aggressive towards children though, just wants the pats.

    It's not going to work with every dog, but it's the first thing I'd try (without getting within their reach). A confident, positive tone. Say hi, talk to them like they're people. If they respond well maybe even consider giving a dog-friendly treat (again from outside their reach). You could maybe even see if your neighbour is willing to assist with this. Dogs like people, that's why people have them as pets. They just need to see you as not a threat/not invading their space.

  • Larkdord on 13/05/2019 - 13:47
    +2

    As an owner of a German Shepherd, I can say it all depends on your neighbor. If you have a neighbour who cares or not. We have 2 young kids under 10 and the reason we got the dog was because, we have a d***head of a neighbor who illegally breeds Dobermans and they are quite aggressive in fact I know exactly what you mean as we have colorbond fence as well. Long story short I initially tried talking to him first very politely and then sternly with the issues some of them being (there is a constant smell of rotten chicken carcasses coming from their side and the aggressive behavior the dogs showed everytime we walked into our own driveway) his tepid response was 'they are dogs'. We complained to council and RSPCA and nothing happened and he continues to breed them. In the end we went and got a German Shepherd in the hope that he might be protective in case ever his dogs jumped the fence, but in reality, I know my dog will just probably hide behind the kids if it happens…

    • Pantagonist on 13/05/2019 - 14:50
      +1

      Ah, the NRA approach.

      "The only way to stop a bad guy with a dog is a good guy with a dog."

    • tdw on 13/05/2019 - 21:40

      are you doing schutzhund classes with your dog? GSDs, especially those from non-working breeding lines, aren't born guard dogs.

      • Larkdord on 14/05/2019 - 09:28

        Not really, just relying on his basic instincts..

      • CalmLemons on 15/05/2019 - 09:50

        Actually considering a German shepherd would like to know more about this.

  • Geekomatic on 13/05/2019 - 14:08
    +4

    We have a loony & aggressive neighbour who came over to our place only a day or so after we moved in to tell me that if his dog barked to yell at him to shut up (Oh dear). He said if there's an issue let him know. Well, we tried his "suggestion/order" to keep the peace but it didn't work. They left the dog locked outside all day, every week day, and many hour on weekends. Poor little dog. We left a note in his postbox to avoid a confrontation and to let them know what was happening. No reply, dog still left alone.

    Finally had to go to the rangers and do a "bark log" for 7 days. They encouraged audio & video if possible. After they went to the guy, he showed up drunk, at night, at our front door with verbal threats. When we thought he'd left later, my duaghter went to take out the trash and this nutjob had been waiting in the shadow of our garage and jumped out to continue his tirade. I called the police, no one came out. I called the next day, they came out, then said they "could" go over but it "might make things worse"!!!!

    Eventually, he started a different loony-rant about the pine trees dropping needles and that he was going to cut off the branches on his side. I rent the place— but seriously. So many whack-jobs out there!

    My advice to you, or anyone confronting about ANYTHING: have a witness and a hidden audio/video recorder. Not for court, but to lend credibility to your claim.

    • syousef on 15/05/2019 - 15:46

      Illegal in at least NSW to record audio without permission. Witness is much better.

      • coin saver on 15/05/2019 - 16:16

        In NSW you can only record conversations if you have the permission of everyone involved, or a principal party to the conversation wants the recording believing it is "reasonably necessary for the protection of [their] lawful interests.

        • syousef on 15/05/2019 - 16:39
          -2

          …and you're not the one that gets to determine if it was reasonably necessary.

  • bullzyee on 13/05/2019 - 14:29
    +5

    Install a high frequency dog sound near the fence ,😚😙

    • Gaz1 on 13/05/2019 - 14:42
      +1

      Interesting to know if anyone has found anything like this that actually works.

      • stinkydog on 14/05/2019 - 01:41

        Got one for rats in the roof void. Our dog went nuts when I turned it on for a few seconds, she was all the way in the other end of the house when I tried it too. Pretty sure the dogs won't be impressed.

        • Gaz1 on 14/05/2019 - 11:51

          Do you remember which one in particular?

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