Question:
Ok so I explained to you guys about Ronan escaping in the "Scary" thread. I told you guys how me and the neighbour talked after and I promised her that we would be taking measures to not allow it to happen again and she said that was all well and fine and we went our seperate ways.
A couple days ago I find out she''s a two-faced b*tch. When my dad was outside Shannon (my neighbour) cried to him what happened saying she should have the right to be able to be out in the backyard without having to worry about the dog as if me and her had never talked at all and I wasn''t going to do anything about the fact that Ronan got out. My dad also makes the promise that steps will be taken for Ronan not to get out again and he''s very sorry for what happened.
The next day Dan (her husband) was discussing his being upset to both my parents when she comes out and tells them that she called the township (first called the Humane Society but they directed her to the township) on the account that we have a dangerous dog that has escaped. Ronan never hurt anyone and never has!!!! To make matters worse she has changed the story to Ronan having stood over James (her son) growling at him when what actually happened was he ran towards James (just happened to be directly in front of where he escaped) so Shannon scooped him up and Ronan ran by. Had Ronan wanted to attack James, Shannon scooping him up would not have detered him. And had Ronan wanted to attack james, after I caught him and was holding him while talkign to Shannon (before I put him in the garage) he would''ve bit James because they were literally nose to nose!!! But instead he snuffled him, gave him a lick and then just layed limp in my arms like he always does when I''m holding him.
Now apparently there''s gonna be a dude from the township coming to see the situation. I dunno if he''s just gonna come and check it out and then leave or come and actually talk to me. My boyfriend happened to be here this past weekend so he took me to the hardware store and created a tie out chain for Ronan out of his own pocket. He bought 20ft of thick chain (this dog can snap a lot of chains), a spring so if he ever runs to the end of the chain he won''t get whip lash, swivels, snaps, the whole works to make a proper and safe tie out. It wasn''t cheap! Cost him $100!!! We also picked up some "Beware of Dog" signs and hung them on each gate and bought an extra piece of chain to keep the kennel door closed in case the boys figure out the latch.
I can''t believe my neighbour called the township even after I had talked to her and we worked things out! My parents are highly disturbed as well because they had had more of a friendship than just neighbour relationship. I know Ronan can''t be put down just on the account of escaping but it still irks me and worries me. He''s not a dangerous dog. He can''t be, I use him for so much stuff that involves being amongst the public and interacting with kids!!!
- visits elderly
- ambassador of breed for Siberian Husky Club of Canada educational booths and presentations
- dogsled racing
- goes on errands with me (right into the stores)
- goes to work with his owner
I hope things go well when the dude comes...
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AWW, that was sweet of your bf to do. Good thing he cares about what will happen.
Keep us updated.
Hopefully nothing will happen!!
Idiot neighbour..
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I had a similar situation happen once with a border collie. He had jumped out of the car when we were picking up my son from school and it just so happened that a little boy was standing right there. Kato (the collie) barked because it frightened him, but in no way was he being aggressive. The boy's mother called the city hall and had the animal control officer come to my house, luckily he knew Kato and also knew that he was in no way a dangerous animal. Unfortunately some people just naturally hate dogs or are afraid of them and act this way. I hope that everything turns out ok.
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Thats to bad what happened but if they do come visit you and the dog is not agressive you wont get into trouble, I mean any dog can get loose.
When my father had his APBT we had people actually call Animal Control and say our 'dangerous' dog was actually running around terrorizing people (she'd never gotten lose). We proved our case and everything died down with the pound.
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Oh, I would be so mad!
If someone comes out to talk with you I would explain the situation just as you did when you posted the story here. You might even show him the thread. It will be dated and gives an accurate assesment of what happened. I mean, why would you lie on a forum when you had no way of knowing that the situation was going to turn out like this.
Also, I would explain about the things you do with him, how he is socialized, visits eldery, is allowed in stores, etc....
I am sure "if" someone comes out it will be obvious that your neighbor is way overreacting.
Show them the steps you have taken to ensure your dog does not get out again.
And then, this is just me......I would march right over to have a little talk with the neighbor. I would be nice and friendly but to the point. I would tell her I was of the understanding the day it happened that it was no big deal. Why has she changed her mind? If it is because she realizes that your dog could have been mean, or could have hurt her child? I would suggest for HER to fence her backyard. Because, unfortunately stray dogs are all over. The next one may not just pass her child by.
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OC . . . wanted to post this right away . . . TAKE DOWN THE BEWARE OF DOG SIGNS!!! That's the LAST thing you want to post. If you really feel the need to put up signs, post NO TRESPASSING signs. The beware signs are seen as an admission that you consider your dog to be dangerous.
Now, go get some letters from the places that Ronan visits . . . those will speak volumes. I had someone say they were afraid of Bear once. All I had to do was show his H.A.B.I.T. (Human Animal Bond In Tennessee - the organization through the University of Tennessee that sponsors animal therapy) kerchief to the humane officer and that was the end of that. The woman got told to mind her own business and stop harrassing us.
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OC . . . wanted to post this right away . . . TAKE DOWN THE BEWARE OF DOG SIGNS!!! That's the LAST thing you want to post. If you really feel the need to put up signs, post NO TRESPASSING signs. The beware signs are seen as an admission that you consider your dog to be dangerous.
Very true!!!!!
I have a sign that says "Rottweilers at play" and has the outline of a Rottweiler. That way you are letting a person know that there is a dog(s) in the yard but not saying "beware".
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I put up the signs to keep people away from the fence. For some reason parents have a knack of allowing their little kids to go visit the dogs while walking by the path. I would much rather them think my dogs are dangerous and stay away than allowing kids to come to the fence and an accident happening (dogs start playing and accidently nip the kid rather than the other dog). Also if something does happen it kind of covers our butts that we did warn that there are dogs on the property.
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Not to throw a monkey wrench in here but - it sounds like you'll have no problem proving that your dog is not a danger, so I think you're being a little harsh in calling the woman irrational and a bitch. I can see how she might change her mind about calling the authorities about the incident - at the time of the incident, she was relieved that nothing happened and she was immediately confronted by a conciliatory neighbor whose parents she knows well, and she was under a lot of social pressure to 'be nice' and agree. It's pretty predictable that she'd change her mind later, when she was at home and realizing that she'd basically just sold her own family short to make nice with the neighbors.
Bottom line? If she is a normal neighbor, and friendly with your parents, then her calling the authorities was a major step and there's a reason. Maybe she's not as nice as you thought, or maybe she's not satisfied with how you have carried out the promises you made initially. Calling names and getting angry is just going to create neighbor hell. If she's nuts, never deal with her again. If she's not, you have to deal with being a little more conciliatory.
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I put up the signs to keep people away from the fence. For some reason parents have a knack of allowing their little kids to go visit the dogs while walking by the path. I would much rather them think my dogs are dangerous and stay away than allowing kids to come to the fence and an accident happening (dogs start playing and accidently nip the kid rather than the other dog). Also if something does happen it kind of covers our butts that we did warn that there are dogs on the property.
Actually, it increases your liability, OC . . . It shows that you are knowing keeping dangerous dogs - which we all know you aren't, but that is the way a civil suit - and a jury - sees it. A No Trespassing sign takes the onus off of you - and Ronan - and puts it on whoever is doing the trespassing.
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Calling names and getting angry is just going to create neighbor hell.
Heheheh . . . that's why we get it out of our system here ;)
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True enough.
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Here is a recent thread about Beware of dog signs. It has some really good info.
http://www.prodoggroomingsupplies.com/dog-forums/showthread.php?t=23234
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As usual, Red has it exactly right in post #21. And she checked with those who would actually have knowledge of working law . . . attorneys.
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Hmmm seems to be a lot of conflicting views...I''ll just take a trip to city hall tomorrow and get the facts straight from their mouth, it''s better than "well in my area..." Thanks for the heads up though! I''ll post what my findings are
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Do take down the "Beware of Dog" signs! When I worked for an insurance agent over a couple of summers, this came up. Obviously we all know insurance companies penchent for usuing "dangerous dogs" as an excuse to screw everyone out of more money, and I overheard a couple of agents talking that when they go do a home inspection for a new policy, if there is a "dangerous dog" type of sign up, they are "encouraged" to turn down the policy or tack on a huge liability premium. One lady turned out to not even have a dog, it was just a bluff deterrent, but she had quite the time proving it.
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We also picked up some "Beware of Dog" signs..
:eek: No! Take those signs down right away!! Beware of dog is basically admitting that you have a dangerous dog, you want a sign that says No Trespassing or Be Aware of Dog.. never BEWARE of dog!
I hope you get things worked out quickly. The neighbor sounds like anything, but nice.
Edit: I jumped the gun, I see that Renne and others beat me to the idea of taking down the Beware of dog sign...
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Actually, it increases your liability, OC . . . It shows that you are knowing keeping dangerous dogs - which we all know you aren't, but that is the way a civil suit - and a jury - sees it. A No Trespassing sign takes the onus off of you - and Ronan - and puts it on whoever is doing the trespassing.
I was just about to type the same thing....Putting up those signs says you know your dogs are dangerous. I would take them down...it just increases your liability
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mayeb you could make a sign that says
"Working Sled dogs on Premesis - please do not touch"??
I wanted to get some dog signs for our yard - but went against it b/c of the fact that it makes a situation worse.
Especially when Riot was a puppy - he was nasty to strangers lol
I'm trying to find a "this area is patrolled by a Belgian Tervuren" sign right now..
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Maybe you could get a sign like this (or like Summer suggested)
http://www.signswithanattitude.com/images_signs/special_signs/caution_dogs_in_yard.jpg
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I'm trying to find a "this area is patrolled by a Belgian Tervuren" sign right now..
We have an "area patrolled by Border Collie" sign. ;) Kind of dumb though, because he is rarely ever outside alone, if only for a minute... I mostly got it because it's cute, and everyone in the 'hood knows Gonzo.
My Dad is an owner of an insurance brokerage agency (I am not sure if that makes sense, but yer). He definitely knows about the "Beware of Dog" or "Dangerous Dog" sign... if he were to bite anyone, or even get out and scare people (with his size & nothing else, of course), you could be labeled as already knowing he was dangerous & it would make everything worse. "No Trespassing" or a benign sign like "Do Not Open Gate" is preferable, IMO.
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I want a sign that say "Beware Ankle Biter in Residence"
I think it would be cute!
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http://cgi.ebay.com/SIBERIAN-HUSKY-CAUTION-SECURITY-SIGN_W0QQitemZ250019845786QQihZ015QQcategoryZ46299 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
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Hmmm seems to be a lot of conflicting views...I''ll just take a trip to city hall tomorrow and get the facts straight from their mouth, it''s better than "well in my area..." Thanks for the heads up though! I''ll post what my findings are
OC . . . check with civil attorneys in your area. They are the only people who will have any knowlegeable answers for you. People in government employ are not supposed to give out legal advice, and if they are willing to do so, you can count on NOT being able to count on that advice . . .
Canada does take a different interpretation on some points of law than you find down here in the U.S., so it's a good idea to check, but just check with someone who would actually know something.
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Thats what we did, talked to a lawyer. He basically said for us, that there was no way people could prove our dogs were barking. Was nice to know that if things got even more out of hand, we had someone who would fight for us.
http://cgi.ebay.com/SIBERIAN-HUSKY-CAUTION-SECURITY-SIGN_W0QQitemZ250019845786QQihZ015QQcategoryZ46299 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I have that sign. It was on the gate when we lived in town, but it broke off. (Slammed the gate to many times.) Still have it. Once we get a fence up, sign's going back up. Its a pretty cute thing to have around, and it adds a nice touch, lol.
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This morning I went down to the township office and I asked around about their views on the "Bware of Dogs" sign on a legal view point. I also consulted 4 different lawyers from 2 different firms and they all said the same thing, the signs will not make you more or less liable in the case of a bite incident and that I should leave the signs up. They also said it was actually seen as an act of civil duty to forwarn would-be trespassers (even if it is just a parent and their kids) that there are dogs on the property. They said not to worry about it all. I''m still curious as to what the other law firm here in town has to say on the matter but the office was closed so I might go and check them out tomorrow. The wife of the lawyer from this third law firm is the head trainer for Megamutts.
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Interesting that there is that different a take on the issue in Canada - in some ways it really makes more sense than the U.S. interpretation.
I always liked the story about the old farmer who posted the sign: "The BULL can make it to the fence in 20 seconds . . . Can you?"
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I think it has to do with the region too, we really don''t read so much into things here like you guys seem to lol "Beware of dog" simply means it''s literal interpretation of be aware there''s a dog around.
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I really like the one Jess showed you! I really do hope all this works and that your neighbor will come to their senses and listen to you and that your dog would never hurt anyone!!!! I was reading a post like this one on another dog forum a long time ago but it did not turn out like this it was much worse to where the owners had to give up the dogs to friends of theirs. but I know that it will not come to this in your case!! Good Luck and keep us posted on what happens!!! Wishing you the best!!!!!
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Oh she''s at it again!!! This neighbour just doesn''t know how to quit! If she were a Husky i would get her on my team with her persistance LOL
This morning she took the liberty to get in contact with Ronan''s original owners. Now I have already called them and let them know exactly what''s going on and have kept them in the loop so they know the full story already. So she storms up to their door waking them up and when he opens the door she says "Your dog attacked my son!"
Poor Rob''s trying his best not to burst out laughing cause I had already warned him about her over-reacting and he knows about it first hand because he has done some business stuff with them in the past. So he says "Attacked? Gosh I never realized your son was BITTEN! Where was he BITTEN? How bigs is the BITE? Did you have to go to the hospital? You do realize that an attack is only an attack if there''s a bite, right?"
Shannon started stumbling and then says "Ok, maybe it wasn''t an attack, but he GROWLED!!"
"Really? A GROWL? Funny because I have owned Ronan for about 4-5 years now and he has never in his whole life growled at anyone. Teh only time I have ever heard him growl was suring play with other dogs. You can pick him up by the tail and he''ll just whimper and look at you funny"
"Ok, so maybe it wasn;t a GROWL, but he lunged at my son!!!"
This kept going on with Ronan''s owner outwitting Shannon and her story constantly changing to accomodate it and basically showing she had flat out lied. Then she goes on to ask "SO when are you picking him up?"
"Pardon me?"
"When are you getting rid of that dog!"
"I''m sorry but as long as we live here Ronan''s staying there, maybe if we get a house we will bring him back"
"When''s that?"
"Well nothing is in the plans right now..."
*angry mutters*
"What would YOU like done with Ronan?"
"I don;''t know but I just don''t want to have to live that experience over and over again for the rest of my life!"
Such comments continued on for a while and Shannon basically tried to make Ronan;s owner believe that he had flames in his eyes and devil horns when he escaped and happened to run towards James. When she did finally leave she quickly backed out of his driveway on to a very busy road cause traffic from both sides to stop and honk their horns at her and she never even slowed down. What a nutcase!!!
She''s spreading more lies about Ronan only now it''s getting serious because this lie (that he attacked James) could get him killed!!!! I told my parents they better confront them or I will and they know if I do it won;t be pretty because I am very heated over this. We''re doing so much to make sure Ronan can not get out again (and OC too for that matter) and our efforts are evident and have been conversed to them and we''re even going as far as to stop Ronan from even being able to reach the fence on their side yet they are still spreading lies!!! Argh!!!
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Oh I would be sooo mad if I were you!!!
She's getting quite serious about this, and IMO, you should probably seek legal advice on what you should do next.
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dumb neighbour....i hope it all goes well for u and im sure the dude tht cums along will be decent! good luck with everything and ur dog i soo lovelix
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The previous owner will make a great witness for you to the changing story..