Thread: Neighbor's Pit Bulls

I have very mixed feelings on this subject. Being the owner of 2 very large and one medium sized pitbulls I am very sensitive to this subject. What I have learned about the breed thus far in my years of experience with them is that 1. They love to dig (they are terriers) 2. They will terrorize fence lines and look aggressive i.e. barking jumping at the fence clawing at the fence 3. If their owners introduce you to them in a positive light they will look at you like a friend (unless you act aggressively towards their owners)

Now this is not rock solid in every dog, but I have rehabilitated fighting dogs and bait dogs. Pits play hard and rough (pits playing with each other can sound like an all out brawl) and love like babies (when treated properly). Typically it is not the pure breed dogs that attack, it is generally the mix breeds that people get and abuse. Any dog can be abused to its breaking point.

This is just how I would handle it, I am not you and I respect your decisions as long as you’re not actively pursuing harm to the dog (unless self defense then shoot it in the head because they will continue the attack even mortally wounded). I would give up the idea that the owners are responsible in any way. I would try to get them to introduce me to their animals and spend a little bit of quality time with them so that when they come on your property they will obey your commands. When they dig at your fence line use a firm voice with a touch of belly growl in it to show dominance. also fill in the holes on your side with chicken wire over lava rock covered with dirt and grass (dogs don’t like digging through it). If the dogs do come on your property and obey your commands, round them up with some food and call the local humane society. If they attack you will need to cull them.


Please whatever you do don’t poison them. I know it was probably said half heartedly but My boy kodi and another dog were poisoned that way, luckily I was able to save them. It is a truly horrible way to go.


Just my two sense as someone who has lived with pits and fighting dogs for many years. I hope you find a solution that keeps everyone safe.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Do drug dealers smoke them

Only if they have the right sized smoker and the pits are dead.

Bob

Originally Posted by sheajohnw

I do not know the legal attitude in TX, but consider the possible very high costs of having to defend against potential firearms charges brought by the government or other charges possibly brought against you by your neighbor.

Texas is okay with you shooting people who trespass on your property ...... not sure about dogs .....

Originally Posted by Crotalus

I'm sure we have had at lease one cat if not two killed by them. I don't want to shoot them.

Yes, well, your neighbor doesn't do squat while it is his responsibility to make sure the dogs are properly secured.
They act aggressive.
Your wife is afraid.

Tell your neighbor that you will shoot them next time.
Then shoot them next time.

The neighbors realize that you won't shoot the dogs; thus, they don't care about taking steps to prevent problems.

If they growl at me or my family, in my yard, after I have asked the owners to solve the problem, then they get shot.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Pit Bull Myths

Regardless of the real facts, any dog that comes on to your property is Yours,,, if it is aggressive and I had no choice even being a Dog Lover I would shoot it.................

..

Then there would be a flood of bone scale restorations at GemStar Customs.

Puppies dig so it might be because they're young and will get over it. Confront the neighbor. If it continues then call Animal Control -- assuming you're in Irving, then here is their website.

Lots of talk about getting shot on this thread. I can clearly see the problem but you may need to read up on local gun laws before discharging a weapon. I live in one of the most liberal states in the country. Its HIGHLY frowned upon here. But this could be a YMMV thing. Proceed with caution.

Originally Posted by OCDshaver

Lots of talk about getting shot on this thread. I can clearly see the problem but you may need to read up on local gun laws before discharging a weapon. I live in one of the most liberal states in the country. Its HIGHLY frowned upon here. But this could be a YMMV thing. Proceed with caution.

You probably are not allowed to shoot dogs just for the fun of it.

The thing with pit bulls, or rottweilers, or any kind of big dogs, is that they can kill you. They have the strength and the teeth. Without an owner to restrain them or control them, aggressiveness on their part is a very real lethal threat. I'm a dog person, but in this case I'd just shoot the dogs if I had exhausted all other options (such as the police, and animal protection services).

One thing I would do though: if the neighbor is acting in bad faith, instead of telling him that you'll shoot the dogs, send him a registered letter. That way, he cannot claim that he didn't know, or that you didn't tell him.

I respect alb1981s suggestions, but I can only see it work if they know you, and you can handle them, and you're not afraid of them. If your wife is afraid of them, I don't see that working. With kids around it could be even worse. And even then: absent the owner, you don't know. I had a friend in grade school who was excellent with the neighborhood dogs. He was really good and played almost daily with them. He knew all the right things to do, and handled even the big dogs with ease. And then one day, one of the bigger dogs started biting and pretty much chewed his face to pieces.

A dog without his owner, outside his territory can behave unexpectedly, and knowing them and having interacted with them is no guarantee whatsoever that you will be safe. Especially if you are nervous / afraid.

Originally Posted by Bruno

You probably are not allowed to shoot dogs just for the fun of it.

The thing with pit bulls, or rottweilers, or any kind of big dogs, is that they can kill you. They have the strength and the teeth. Without an owner to restrain them or control them, aggressiveness on their part is a very real lethal threat. I'm a dog person, but in this case I'd just shoot the dogs if I had exhausted all other options (such as the police, and animal protection services).

One thing I would do though: if the neighbor is acting in bad faith, instead of telling him that you'll shoot the dogs, send him a registered letter. That way, he cannot claim that he didn't know, or that you didn't tell him.

You may want to be careful of spelling out acts that can be prosecuted. They may say you had it out for the dog and planned on killing them. You would then be made to show how you "defended yourself from imminent threat". You may then face charges yourself. Best bet is if they get in your yard, get in the house and call animal control or the cops. That way the deadbeat owners face the charges and will more than likely loose the doge. My only hope is that the dogs are rehabilitated, though more than likely they will just be put down. Shame.