Neighbors up the road have a Pitbull. She is aggressive to me and to my dogs. I long ago gave up walking my dogs on my road, because I worry she might get out. Anyway, when she gets loose she runs down the road to my house, and twice now has leapt at, and tried to get through the fence to get to my dogs- she goes absolutely ballistic. I went out there once, and told her to go home and she growled at me- this was when she wasn't in the fence fight, so I don't think it's projected aggression. Just yesterday, I was about to let me dogs out, and I for some reason, looked out the window first- there she was. Ran into my yard, peed on my bushes, ran to my fence, peed on that, and then took off when the kids who live with her tried to grab her. Then, she came back ran straight up onto my front porch, to my front door. This is what really makes me nervous. Door is newly re-set and doesn't alway shut tight (new insulation). Anyway, someone came down in a car, and got her in their car and they left, but this is out of control- this dog is looking for a fight. What do you suggest I do??? Suing for vet bills if a fight, yeah, but I do NOT want a fight, should she somehow get into my house/yard.

If it were me, I'd call animal control or the police. It sounds like she could be a danger not just to your dogs but to you as well.

Call animal control and police evey single time this dog even looks in your direction. Create a nice decent paper trail so that in a week or so, after giving the authorities and owner proper time to handle it, you defend your life and property with deadly force. I sure wouldn't hesitate shooting an out of control dog threatening me or my pup.

Julie,

Ditto to calling animal control AND the police. Also, if you have access to a camera or video camera, get pictures of the dog on your property doing what she does.

And also, google search for your state, county and /or city laws and read the codified laws that pertain to you. Being armed with evidence and knowledge when the animal control and police arrive will help you immensely.

Yes, yes, documentation is key. Video tape and take pictures of this dog on YOUR property threatening you and your dogs. Call AC every single time it happens, and be prepared with a walking stick, pepper spray, or a gun.

Couldn't say it enough. Pictures speak 1000 words. My folks had the same problem and finally called the sherrif. At first they did not want to press charges so this took them longer than it should have. When they finally did, the pictures were the nail in the coffin. The neighbor filed charges back but with no proof, they were dropped. If you should use force remember, you cannot use deadly force to protect property, only if you believe your life is in imminent danger. I'm not 100% positive but I think you cannot use deadly force to protect your dog either. You have to "Believe your life was in imminent danger."

You cannot use deadly force on a person to protect property. Does the legal definition of your dog as property really prevent you from shooting another dog(property)? Also I think I could make a case that if a dog is crazy enough to attack my dog I feel I may be next.

 Quote: benjamin colbert

Also I think I could make a case that if a dog is crazy enough to attack my dog I feel I may be next.

Sorry, Benjamin, but while I probably wouldn't hesitate to use deadly force against another animal to protect my dogs, I couldn't in good conscience use this rationale. Animal aggression and human aggression are completely unrelated. I have a dog who has *killed* other animals...and am I 'next'? Doubtful. Or at least I hope not!

Have the owners been contacted? While they sound like morons, they may be utterly shocked to hear of her aggressive behavior and not realize how serious the situation is. We've all heard "Oh, my dog would NEVER ________"...and then they're shocked. All I'm saying is that they honestly may think it's just a nusiance, and not really a danger. I would photographically document all aggressive displays, and all tresspassing incidents as well. Make sure your camera is set to print date/time on the pics. I would tell the authorities, but I would also tell the owner.

How bout a tazer???

Hit her with that enought times, she'll avoid your yard like the plague!

Hmm..maybe you should wait for the owner to come back looking for her again..taze them too for being stupid and not controlling their dog.

Back in the old days they would use pellet or BB guns to take care of dogs like this. Hubby has used a wrist rocket for teenagers before! Not that it's the dogs fault as much as the owners, sounds like the owners need some training. Hey, I know! Next time you drive by their house write down their addy and then send them the leerburg catalogue, if you are really lucky they just might look at it and learn a thing or one.

Jenni,

While I understand the difference in aggression I believe I could make the point well enough to avoid charges.