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More updates! More annoyance! Neighbor kid and my dog


Whereneverever
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Help, hive. I have a six foot wooden privacy fence all around my yard. I also have a 100 lb Great Pyrenees. The neighbor kid from the home behind mine has been climbing the fence and yelling at my dog. Today I caught him throwing things at her and trying to climb over the fence. He stopped when I called out to him, but as soon as he thought I wasn't looking started back.

 

He is preschool or kindy aged. In the yard alone for hours. We have talked to the parents and they told us they don't care if he climbs the fence. Tomorrow my dh will try again. We also called our insurance agent and he said we've done what we can do.

 

I'm worried he's going to go in my yard and get bitten. My dog has never bitten anyone, but she is territorial and he hasn't been nice to her.

 

Wwyd?

 

UPDATE

 

My dh talked to the parents tonight and they repeated that it's no big deal and they don't care. They will not be telling him to stay off the fence. Awesome.

 

Another update here: http://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/475788-update-post-1-more-annoyance-neighbor-kid-and-my-dog/page__st__50#entry5008775

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At this point since you've talked to the parents, I'd give the local police a call and see what they suggest. You know they'll end up involved if the kid gets in your yard and bit.

 

Sorry you're dealing with this.

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Yes, I would call the police non-emergency number and ask for suggestions. It's not ok for the parents to just let their child climb a 6 foot tall fence and trespass even if there were no dog involved. And it is not ok to let him harass the dog. You might have to separate the dog further from the fence for right now until this is resolved to protect your dog.

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He is preschool or kindy aged. In the yard alone for hours. We have talked to the parents and they told us they don't care if he climbs the fence. Tomorrow my dh will try again. We also called our insurance agent and he said we've done what we can do.

 

I'm worried he's going to go in my yard and get bitten. My dog has never bitten anyone, but she is territorial and he hasn't been nice to her.

 

Wwyd?

 

Were you really clear that you do not want the kid to climb your fence and harass the dog? Or was it more of a, "hey, I'm kind of worried the Jimmy will get hurt climbing the fence" kind of conversation? If you think there's a chance the parents didn't take a hint, I'd talk to them again and say that you do not want him climbing your fence and your dog may bite if he gets in unsupervised. I understand she probably wouldn't bite, but the possibility is there. I had an older injured dog that I would keep locked up for playdates because while he was never aggressive, injured dogs are unpredictable. I had to quit inviting this one lady over because her kid kept wandering to his room, letting him out, and getting in his space. He never bit, but the lady refused to watch her kid (not my job), had been warned, and I was concerned about the risks.

 

I can't see calling the police on a preschooler unless I found the parents truly neglectful or abusive. You could also try speaking directly to the child. Sometimes any order by another grown up is taken seriously- especially if you use your firm/mean mommy voice.

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Talk to the parents again, being very clear. If they don't respond, call the non-emergency police number. I like the videotaping idea too.

 

We had this happen, only with a tween boy. I wish we would have called the police, because he did end up jumping the fence and getting bit. We had to quarantine our dog, and animal control was sympathetic when they heard the circumstances surrounding the bite, but I still wish we could have prevented it. But if the parents don't do anything, you're kind of in a tough spot.

 

On the plus side, after the bite, the boy never came in our yard without permission again (had been an ongoing problem). Still, I hate that our dog has a strike against her with animal control.

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Nobody is suggesting that she "call the police on a preschooler". We are suggesting that she ask them for advice on keeping this child, the dog and their property safe.

Exactly. The purpose wouldn't be to report child neglect, but rather to have a record that she is doing everything possible to prevent someone from getting hurt. That way, if there is an incident, there is a record showing that she was taking the situation seriously. It's to protect herself, not to get someone in trouble.

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the breeder I got my last GSD (best dog I've ever had) from had this problem, only they were in high school.

take pictures. lots and lots of pictures, keep a camera with you/handy and take pictures of the kid on the fence and throwing things if you can. write every episode down with date and time, including every time you talk to the parents. - that way if the kids does manage to get into your yard and gets bitten, you will have a documented record that the kid was provoking the dog, as well as your attempts to get the parents to control their child.

 

the other thought I had was - plant some nasty thorny bushes along the fence line that will keep the kid out. I'd suggest blackberries, but no one in their right mind plants them in their own yard. (here they are very agressive and can make a 20' cane in one summer.)

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I agree with pps about calling the non-emergency number and asking for suggestions. Also, videotaping and making it clear that the child is not allowed in you yard.

 

Imho, do not express concern about your dog biting. I think if something did happen this would work against you as in "she knew her dog was vicious because she warned us it would bite". The kid should not be climbing in to your yard and harassing your pet.period.

 

eta: it seems the parents don't care if the kid falls or gets into it with a dog so trying to point out the dangers isn't necessary anyway, kwim?

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If the fence is on your property, I would plant something unpleasant with thorns on the outside and/or put up barb wire (I'm not nice) on the outside where the kid is climbing.

 

If the fence is on their property, then you need a fence on your yard so that you can keep your dog away from the nasty kid. Maybe a sprinkler on a motion detector that is aimed at the fence would work. I think a pre-schooler would probably think of something else to do if they got sprayed with water every time they climbed over the fence.

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I'm glad I'm not overreacting!

 

I've taken pictures multiple times, including today. I've told the kid firmly to get off the fence and he smirks and does it when I can see him, but otherwise keeps at it.

 

We were very clear with the parents. Clear to the point I felt rude, honestly, by the second time.

 

The fence is on the property line, but we maintain it. I could plant bushes in that corner to keep my dog further away, but that doesn't stop him from climbing in.

 

I've been keeping my dog inside all day since this happened this morning unless she needs to go to the bathroom, and she's miserable. Usually she can freely come and go and she keeps sitting at the door, looking sad.

 

I think I will be calling the non emergency number for advice. I like the idea of not making it about worrying bout her biting, but him getting hurt- she's not vicious or mean at all, but a dog is a dog.

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Were you really clear that you do not want the kid to climb your fence and harass the dog? Or was it more of a, "hey, I'm kind of worried the Jimmy will get hurt climbing the fence" kind of conversation? If you think there's a chance the parents didn't take a hint, I'd talk to them again and say that you do not want him climbing your fence and your dog may bite if he gets in unsupervised. I understand she probably wouldn't bite, but the possibility is there. I had an older injured dog that I would keep locked up for playdates because while he was never aggressive, injured dogs are unpredictable. I had to quit inviting this one lady over because her kid kept wandering to his room, letting him out, and getting in his space. He never bit, but the lady refused to watch her kid (not my job), had been warned, and I was concerned about the risks.

 

I can't see calling the police on a preschooler unless I found the parents truly neglectful or abusive. You could also try speaking directly to the child. Sometimes any order by another grown up is taken seriously- especially if you use your firm/mean mommy voice.

 

 

Paige!!!! We're talking about a child who is doing something potentially dangerous, who has refused to stop when asked to do so (IOW, she talked directly to the child). She has talked to the parents, who have said they don't care if he climbs the fence. It has been recommended that she call the *non-emergency number* of the police department to ask for advice on what to do next. Why do you perceive this as "calling the police on a preschooler"??

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With a kid that age, I would escort him home every time I caught him doing it. Maybe the parents will get sick of answering the doorbell and hearing "Hi, Mrs So-and-So, Johnny was harassing my dog and trying to climb the fence again. Please keep Johnny off of our property. Thank you." Don't wait for a response after that. Just turn around and leave. If you rinse and repeat, odds are either the parents or the kid will get sick of it and put a stop to the behavior.

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It also sounds like a good place to plant some climbing roses. I think a video might do more than pictures - it will have the taunts. You can show the parents the video. Maybe that will help stir the complacent parents before their kids gets hurt. When I was little, I'd get in a ton of trouble if an adult told my parents I was misbehaving. What is wrong with parents?

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I would send a certified letter to them. Their kid is trespassing and harassing your dog. Any damage to the fence or your dog will be their responsibility. I would list the dates of your prior conversations with them in the letter. Keep emotions out of it, writing as if a judge is reading it.

 

I hope the non-emergency line has some advice. I'd call whenever you see him.

 

Maybe some barbed wire along the top of that section of the fence? Or some nice poison ivy? ;)

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It also sounds like a good place to plant some climbing roses. I think a video might do more than pictures - it will have the taunts. You can show the parents the video. Maybe that will help stir the complacent parents before their kids gets hurt. When I was little, I'd get in a ton of trouble if an adult told my parents I was misbehaving. What is wrong with parents?

 

 

I'm trying to figure out how I can video- I don't have a smart phone or anything. Lol. I'd love roses, but we are on water restrictions all summer- are there any really low irrigation options? I know I can stick some sort of prickly bush there.

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I would send a certified letter to them. Their kid is trespassing and harassing your dog. Any damage to the fence or your dog will be their responsibility. I would list the dates of your prior conversations with them in the letter. Keep emotions out of it, writing as if a judge is reading it.

 

I hope the non-emergency line has some advice. I'd call whenever you see him.

 

Maybe some barbed wire along the top of that section of the fence? Or some nice poison ivy? ;)

 

 

The insurance agent suggested barbed wire! I can't do it. I have this mental image of this little guy reaching up to climb and ripping his hands and just... Ugh. I don't want him hurt. I think he's lonely. I feel badly for him, but I don't want this to add badly.

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Were you really clear that you do not want the kid to climb your fence and harass the dog? Or was it more of a, "hey, I'm kind of worried the Jimmy will get hurt climbing the fence" kind of conversation? If you think there's a chance the parents didn't take a hint, I'd talk to them again and say that you do not want him climbing your fence and your dog may bite if he gets in unsupervised. I understand she probably wouldn't bite, but the possibility is there. I had an older injured dog that I would keep locked up for playdates because while he was never aggressive, injured dogs are unpredictable. I had to quit inviting this one lady over because her kid kept wandering to his room, letting him out, and getting in his space. He never bit, but the lady refused to watch her kid (not my job), had been warned, and I was concerned about the risks.

 

I can't see calling the police on a preschooler unless I found the parents truly neglectful or abusive. You could also try speaking directly to the child. Sometimes any order by another grown up is taken seriously- especially if you use your firm/mean mommy voice.

 

 

I have directly told him to stay off the fence and be nice. We have been super clear to the parents. I don't want to call the police on him and get him in trouble, but I don't want to see him hurt. Or have my dog be in trouble.

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If you own the fence, consider posting a sign on the side facing their property. Beware of Dog/No Trespassing/Not Responsible for Your Injury If You Choose to Break the Law. Get a pic of said sign. Then they can't say you didn't warn them.

 

If the kid is too young to read, a fence with

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Do you have a friend with a smart phone, Where?

 

I would definitely call the non-emergency line and discuss this with your local police. Are you supposed to wait until this kid falls into YOUR yard and gets bitten before you call the cops?

 

You might try talking to the parents once more and maybe take a witness with you too. That way, when the parents claim they were never told, you will have someone who was there.

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I have directly told him to stay off the fence and be nice. We have been super clear to the parents. I don't want to call the police on him and get him in trouble, but I don't want to see him hurt. Or have my dog be in trouble.

 

He's a preschooler? He won't be in trouble with the police. His parents are responsible for his actions. The police likely would warn them (more than once) before giving a trespassing citation. He won't be little for long. Imagine a bigger kid climbing the fence and throwing things at the dog. Even now, he could throw over something that could harm her if she ate it. :(

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How big of a fence are we talking about here? Could you just make it unclimbable by nailing some plywood to the top for a while? We had to do this last winter when the snow was so deep that our dogs kept stepping over the 6 foot wood fence into the neighbor's yard. It doesn't have to be a permanent thing - just long enough for this kid to lose interest. Actually - maybe stack things up against the fence on your side there for a few weeks.

 

You could always get one of your kids stationed in the back yard to shoot him with a super soaker every time he climbs the fence......

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Do you have a friend with a smart phone, Where?

I would definitely call the non-emergency line and discuss this with your local police. Are you supposed to wait until this kid falls into YOUR yard and gets bitten before you call the cops?

You might try talking to the parents once more and maybe take a witness with you too. That way, when the parents claim they were never told, you will have someone who was there.

 

Ooh, I do have friends with smartphones! Good call. And good call on taking a witness, I think I'll have dh take one of his buddies.

 

He's a preschooler? He won't be in trouble with the police. His parents are responsible for his actions. The police likely would warn them (more than once) before giving a trespassing citation. He won't be little for long. Imagine a bigger kid climbing the fence and throwing things at the dog. Even now, he could throw over something that could harm her if she ate it. :(

 

I didn't even think of him throwing something she could eat and get her by. :(

 

How big of a fence are we talking about here? Could you just make it unclimbable by nailing some plywood to the top for a while? We had to do this last winter when the snow was so deep that our dogs kept stepping over the 6 foot wood fence into the neighbor's yard. It doesn't have to be a permanent thing - just long enough for this kid to lose interest. Actually - maybe stack things up against the fence on your side there for a few weeks.

You could always get one of your kids stationed in the back yard to shoot him with a super soaker every time he climbs the fence......

 

It's just a six ft tall wooden privacy fence. With how he is getting up I think plywood at the top would just give him a larger perch.

 

I love the squirt gun idea, I giggled. I needed a laugh, thanks!

 

How about sticky fly paper on top of the fence? Or something sticky. That wouldn't hurt. Or could you add a wood lattace above and start growing those viney flowers?

 

Good ideas!

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You need a marshmallow rifle. :D

 

Seriously, I would definitely get some signage posted. No Trespassing. Beware of Dog. Enter at Your Own Risk. Hey Kid, Get Off My Fence!

 

He may be too young to read, but if you put one on the back side where his parents can read it, or sticking up from your side facing them, you will have done your due diligence regarding notifying them. I would do this if your visit-with-a-witness proves unfruitful.

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Paige!!!! We're talking about a child who is doing something potentially dangerous, who has refused to stop when asked to do so (IOW, she talked directly to the child). She has talked to the parents, who have said they don't care if he climbs the fence. It has been recommended that she call the *non-emergency number* of the police department to ask for advice on what to do next. Why do you perceive this as "calling the police on a preschooler"??

 

I didn't have all the info when I posted. I was holding out hope the parents were halfway reasonable and didn't understand the situation completely. If you call even the non-emergency number on the kid, there will be a record and someone may decide to look into his situation further. I was concerned about complications for the family related to that.

 

With more information, I think it wouldn't be a bad thing for there to be a record as the parents sound completely dense. I'd look into chicken wire- visible, even a preschooler would see it before grabbing it. You can nail it to your side along the top. There's also a "scarecrow sprinkler" which is a motion detecting sprinkler. It's supposed to deter cats but should work on kids too...unless he likes it!

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How big of a fence are we talking about here? Could you just make it unclimbable by nailing some plywood to the top for a while? We had to do this last winter when the snow was so deep that our dogs kept stepping over the 6 foot wood fence into the neighbor's yard. It doesn't have to be a permanent thing - just long enough for this kid to lose interest. Actually - maybe stack things up against the fence on your side there for a few weeks.

 

You could always get one of your kids stationed in the back yard to shoot him with a super soaker every time he climbs the fence......

 

 

This! Squirt him every time he tries to climb over or he shows his face. I'd even go so far as to use a hose. Unless he is allergic to water, it's not harmful. If you are considering barbed wire and fly sticky paper, then water is a more benign first step. imo.

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You know, I wonder if by spraying the child with water if you could be charged with assault.

Laws can be strange sometimes.

I'd talk to the police before anything else at this point (since you've already spoken to the child and his parents).

 

 

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You know, I wonder if by spraying the child with water if you could be charged with assault.

Laws can be strange sometimes.

I'd talk to the police before anything else at this point (since you've already spoken to the child and his parents).

 

To be clear, laughing aside, I'm not taking any actions other then not letting my dog outside alone before I speak to the police. I don't want to somehow end up in the wrong here! Thanks for thinking of that, though! :)

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I would video tape every time this happens and I would also call the police every time this happens. Then I would send the parents a certified letter telling them that if they didn't corral their little monster I would hire an attorney and charge them with trespassing and animal cruelty.

 

I have no patience for what this family is doing to your dog. I had to put a dog down a few years ago because he was aggressive and nothing I did would make him safe (I made the decision and it broke my heart). It makes my blood boil to think that these people would blame your dog if it felt the need to bite to defend itself.

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Maybe some barbed wire along the top of that section of the fence? Or some nice poison ivy? ;)

 

lol. bird spikes aren't quite as nasty as barbed wire. he won't be sitting on top, or climbing over, but it won't stop him throwing things. I also thought of nettles. not sure they'd be tall enough.

 

I'm trying to figure out how I can video- I don't have a smart phone or anything. Lol. I'd love roses, but we are on water restrictions all summer- are there any really low irrigation options? I know I can stick some sort of prickly bush there.

 

rugosa roses are very drought tolerant, and there are some big enough to use as a climber, but they would still take time to fill in. they use them in the freeway median and along roadways here.

one suggestion I saw was yucca, which can grow quickly and is drought tolerant. manzanita's can grow to 10' tall.

 

eta:I forgot to add the motion activated sprinkler. just aim it at the fence, and when he pops up, it will go off.

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My neighbors added a wood lattice to the top of our shared privacy fence for additional privacy-they put a hot tub on a raised deck and realized after the fact that we had a "view" from our kitchen. They added an extra foot or two and grew vines(non thorny) along it which helped with privacy and I'm guessing made it harder to climb.

 

I would think No Trespassing signs, a video of the child entering your yard/taunting the dog, another visit with a witness and/or a certified letter(this might be better for a paper trail), and a call to the non emergency line about what else you can do would be a good start and give a clear indication that you spent time and effort to attempt to keep the child safe in case of an incident.

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There was an old episode of Animal cops( or whatever it was called on animal planet ten years ago) that showed them going to a house to talk to the parents and child on harassing animals. I wonder if you give them a call if they have a community officer who might "help" the parents and child understand this is not a good idea.

 

I would send a certified letter to the parents, too.

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UPDATE

 

My dh talked to the parents tonight and they repeated that it's no big deal and they don't care. They will not be telling him to stay off the fence. Awesome.

 

 

You need to contact the police. Ask them to come out and give you suggestions on the matter. If you do not do something you could be liable for the child's injuries because you are now aware that he will be on the fence and may be in your yard.

 

You need to ask the police what you need to do to protect yourself, your dog, and your property.

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Certified letter to the monsters raising a mini monster. State that he is not to enter your property (trespassing) throw things in your yard ( littering) and animal cruelty. state that you do intend to take legal action and do intend to prosecute. Put up no trespassing signs. Then call the police, tell them what you are doing and you want charges pressed. Dealing with people like that requires no holding back. If they don't intend to make him stay off your fence, then let the police inform them of the laws they are breaking. And I would call animal control and let them know and have them come out as well to review your yard, look at your dog, and then let them go have some words with the neighbor. I deal with neighbors like yours and nothing short of going to jail seems to control the crazy. I have no idea why.

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Ha, I purposely planted nettles in my yard - they're an awesome herb dried for tea, placed in smoothies, and can cook like spinach. But they spread like mad and are quite the workout to keep up with. I'm now wondering if I've lost my mind by planting them now that I'm on my third year tending them. But they'd only work planed on his side of the fence, unless you do some hanging boxes along the entire length of accessible fence.

 

I like the idea of just keeping a record of things as about the best you can do if defense is needed at some point. Though I agree that feels like not enough since clearly you don't want the boy to ever get hurt in the first place. I hope he just gets bored soon and finds something else to do instead of bothering the dog.

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If the parents are this unreceptive about dealing with their child I would definitely install the barbed wire since your insurance agent suggested it. It seems like the most likely deterrent and shows that you tried everything to prevent this child from entering your yard or harassing your dog. Make sure you note the date/time of interactions with either the parents or child. Take photos and video. Document the discussion with your insurance agent.

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UPDATE

 

My dh talked to the parents tonight and they repeated that it's no big deal and they don't care. They will not be telling him to stay off the fence. Awesome.

 

This is where you say "Yes, it is a big deal. I want him off my fence and to stop harassing my dog. You need to educate your child that this is not how we treat animals. If he can't then he needs to be supervised. It needs to stop TODAY. " If they continue to say it is no big deal, then call the police. Let them know that you have tried to resolve it with the neighbor and that they will not do anything about their son who is a nuisance to you and your dog. Don't take no for an answer. I would hate for your dog to be provoked into doing something.

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I will be very interested to hear what the police suggest.

 

If it is a shared fence that runs the property line I don't know that you can legally keep him off it. However, the taunting of the dog is a whole other matter and there must be something, legally speaking, that can force the parents to keep tabs on their child's behavior.

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since the parents repeatedly refuse to stop him from climbing the fence I would start calling the police. Once he reaches over it he has crossed the property line and is trespassing. I would want it on file with the police before a bite happens, that you have tried repeatedly to deal with the parents and have their kid stay off the fence. Other wise after a bite it is he said, she said and could result in your dog being put down.

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1) I would tell the neighbors you'll be calling animal control because they refuse to supervise and make sure he's not throwing things at your dog.

 

2) I'd call your homeowner's company, and have a detailed, factual record of these events on file.

 

3) I'd call the police, non emergency number if/when the boy does it again.

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