Neighbor bit by my dog...advice needed

[tmartinez91084]

Earlier today, the neighbor informed us that my Rottweiler almost bit him while he leaned on my fence. I just shrugged it off, thinking "Dumbass", but acknowledged it with an "OK...." waiting for a response or further explanation but he just went into his house...

To setup the environment, the house is separated by a chain-linked fence. The dog is a year old Rott used as a watch dog.

I was taking a nap when my sister awoke me and said the neighbor was complaining about the dog biting him.

I haven't talked to the neighbor, but my thoughts are the same. Why lean on the fence? And why the fence with the dog? And if the dog is barking while you approach the fence, why CONTINUE moving in a forward direction and further place more surface area on the fence exposing oneself to a bite? It's like going to the zoo, putting my hand in a cage and complaining that the animal bit me! DUMB.

I've done my research and as far as I've found, there is no leash law in my County. Furthermore, my property is fenced off around the lot with no way of the dog of getting out. There is a Beware of Dog sign clearly visible. The neighbor also has children, but my dog doesn't bark or attack them, but rather barks at other dogs,people that get close when the children are playing.

What would you guys do?

[Spaz]

Earlier today, the neighbor informed us that my Rottweiler almost bit him while he leaned on my fence. I just shrugged it off, thinking "Dumbass", but acknowledged it with an "OK...." waiting for a response or further explanation but he just went into his house...

To setup the environment, the house is separated by a chain-linked fence. The dog is a year old Rott used as a watch dog.

I was taking a nap when my sister awoke me and said the neighbor was complaining about the dog biting him.

I haven't talked to the neighbor, but my thoughts are the same. Why lean on the fence? And why the fence with the dog? And if the dog is barking while you approach the fence, why CONTINUE moving in a forward direction and further place more surface area on the fence exposing oneself to a bite? It's like going to the zoo, putting my hand in a cage and complaining that the animal bit me! DUMB.

I've done my research and as far as I've found, there is no leash law in my County. Furthermore, my property is fenced off around the lot with no way of the dog of getting out. There is a Beware of Dog sign clearly visible. The neighbor also has children, but my dog doesn't bark or attack them, but rather barks at other dogs,people that get close when the children are playing.

What would you guys do?

tell him if he crossd the fince line he was tresspassing and need to stay on his fucking side... fuck him! let your dog eat the prick...

[Dan01Vette]

I'm a dog lover, so I know where you come from. Why won't the dude just keep clear of the dog? Sounds pretty simple.

On the other hand, I'm a home-owner. I paid a lot for my house ( to me anyways) and I'd be pissed if there was a large section of MY backyard that I couldn't go into for fear of being constantly barked at and possibly bitten.

Does the neighbor have kids? If so, you're asking for a lawsuit, fence or not. Replacing the fence with a privacy fence is probably too much money, but maybe you should plant some shrubs or something to keep the dog directly off that side of the fence?

[cam02ss]

my major was criminal justice in college and during my criminal law class we studied a couple law cases involving dog bites,etc.

read this... http://www.overlawyered.com/archives/001991.html

now, obviously your dog isn't a problem as far as you can tell, it's only a year old,etc. but if it becomes persistant i'd be careful.

[tbs98z]

Dog bites the neighbor,put him to sleep(not the dog,the neighbor)

[kain13]

i dont know if its the same as here but in lubbock if your dog bites someone even if there trsspassing its your fault as the owner and they come and take the dog even if there are beware of dog id ask a cop before the neighbor deos
and trys to have your dog put down

[norm43a]

If you can't train and control your dog, get rid of it. I like dogs myself, but dogs that are threatening just because you walk by a fence are undisciplined and need additional training.

I had a neighbor this past year that kept rotts and one kept climbing over an 8 foot fence into my back yard. With my grandkids here, that was a problem. I told him he needed to control his dogs, he kind of laughed it off. I told him if it happened again I would call the animal control and if one were to attack or bite anyone in my yard I would sue the shit out of him. Never had a problem after that.

[whitelightnin99]

My buddy owns a lucrative tire/rim business and about 2 years ago had someone break into his store. He kept 2 pitbulls inside and im sure you can guess they tore that guys ass up pretty bad. Well he sued my friend (the owner) and got a BIG settlement even though he was trespassing ,he won. My rottie never bit anybody and he's passed away but i dont think ill get another pit or rottie just because of all the liability IF something was to happen its 99%the owners fault regardless.

** a privacy fence actually doenst cost that much if you check w/home depot or lowes. they carry it in 6' tall 8' long sections for less than $40 ea. - wouldnt hurt to go ahead and at least put one up on that neighbors side

[Spaz]

what would happen if you bite you neighbor?

[tnthub]

Just move the fance line a couple of feet closer in on your property and post a no trasspassing sign in addition to the beware of dog sign.

Also, if the neighbor was leaning against your fence, suppose his kids try the same thing?

I agree, the neighbor is a dumbass, but if an eight year old kid could be leaning against your fence while talking to other kids, and you doig has the ability to nip him through your fence, then you should take some added precautions to avoid the tragedy of having a lawsuit or an actual injury.

Whether or not it is "right", or "fair" isn't really what is important. What you need to take into account is that in today's world there are people who will use any excuse to blame you for their own stupidity or ignorance. Dog owners have a rough enough time with simple complaints like barking and people that have breeds that are generally perceived as aggressive or dangerous need to go the extra mile to prevent idiots from pushing legislation banning those breeds entirely.

[tmartinez91084]

thanks for the advice.

I agree with the liability issues and am looking at privacy fencing and shrubs along that side, mainly to prevent any issues with his kids.

[JonB]

So he did't get bit? Whats the problem? If a dog is barking and looking mean and its not yours you don't get closer to it. This guys an idiot, If the dog is barking at you its for a reason and if you keep coming at it the dog will only get more defensive.

Just an idea but have you thought of taking the dog over to the neighbors to play/meet them. I would imagine if your dog had the chance to meet/play with your neighbors he/she would be less likely to have a problem with them. He/she might actually start runing to the fence with its tail wagin to see them when there out. Just an idea and it won't cost you a penny.

[djvaly]

put an electric fence in between u an d him, so next time ur neighbor will get a shock from it...your fence is part of ur property and he should not touch it.

[astyles]

video that part of the yard and make sure he is not teasing your dog!

[0rion]

Sad news is that if he bites your neighbor you'll be liable. Just a sad fact of life. Best bet is to try to get on good terms with the neighbors so you guys can come to some sort of middle ground. Also, work with your dog. There's really no issues with a dog that can't be trained out. I've had rotts and they're excellent dogs in that they make great guard dogs but are very trainable. You can teach that dog to do pretty much exactly what you want him to. Just takes some patience and work.