Some information in re Georgia

http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/stusgast4_8_21.htm

http://www.dogbitelaw.com/PAGES/Georgia.html

http://www.edgarsnyder.com/accidents/dogbite/dogbite-law/georgia.html

What I would do if I were you, I would go and talk to your neighbor. Be very civil, of course, and keep your head if he's being a jerk. Find out what the problem is, if he is angry that your dogs are barking, suggest to him that you will fix the problem by getting bark collars. If he says that he doesn't like it when your dogs charge the fence, tell him that you will talk to your wife and have her control the dogs when she is at home and you are not there. This guy feels like you have wronged him somehow, and perhaps you have by letting your dogs get out of control (barking nonstop can get annoying, charging the fence, those are things that I never would allow my dog to do, but I don't really have neighbors though, either). Since he feels that way, and perhaps it might be an unfounded claim, it is still your responsibilty to make peace with your neighbor. Keeping the peace is such a hard thing to do, but it is also necessary. What if he sees someone breaking into your home while you are not there (you and your family go camping with your dogs or something) and he just lets the robbery happen because no peace was ever made? Neighbors are supposed to look out for each other. Be the better person by swallowing pride and telling him that you are stepping up to the plate as a dog owner. If you want, tell him why you invested in these dogs in the first place. Perhaps if you get it all worked out, he would help look after your wife when you are at work. He is obviously a light sleeper. And if someone does hurt your wife, then you can seek his legal advice in the future.

Just some help. I don't mean to sound brassy or timid, but that is what I would do. There have been many times I have had complaints on my dog (when I lived somewhere else) when I was just a kid, and I would square my shoulders and go and talk to the people. I would ask them not to be angry at me, apologize for what my dog has done, and then ask them what I can do to make them feel better. Sometimes it is ridiculous, one time someone told me to put my dog to sleep (she was vicious, I was 13). I told the lady that I would keep her kenneled at all times unless I was outside with her on a leash. That made her feel better and the problem was resolved. I hated doing things like that, but as a dog owner, and trying to be responsible, that was what I had to do. It was my job. I absolutely detested that lady, but since I caused the problem, I had to fix it.

And you never know, perhaps when you get this thing worked out, you and your neighbor can have some good times together. My power went out for 12 hours the other afternoon, and I knew my neighbor's house was unlocked and that he had power and I could go there to feed my kids. I knew my truck wouldn't make it that far (they are my closest nighbors) so I had to stay home in the dark. But I knew that option was available, just like it will always be available to him and his family as well. It could be the start of a good relationship between you and him, just swallow your pride and apologize, even if you feel like you haven't done anything wrong, which is the hardest thing in the world (trust me, I know!).

Anyway...........I wish you the best of luck in the future and I hope one way or another you get it all worked out. Wish you all the best! Keep us posted on how you do. I know it can be hard and stressful, but don't let it get you down.

Sorry this is a novel...........

Katie, that was so beautifully written and thought out, brought a tear to my eye

I would take the advice given earlier and purchase the bark collars. I would not muzzle the dogs, and the reason I would not is because when most people see a muzzled dog, they tend to think that they are mean and vicious, therefore it could escalate the situation. I would call animal control and find out what the laws are regarding barking dogs and nuisance pets. Plus if you muzzle the dog so that it cannot bark it could mean that the muzzles are too tight and the dog may not be able breathe or pant properly. (Or at least that is what I am assuming)
Have they ever turned you in before?
I live out in the country so when my dogs bark I have no neighbors that complain, but it drives me nuts at times so I do have bark collars for a couple of my dogs.

thanks uall for the imput...the dogs are out side at 7 am 330 and 700 for aprx 1 hour and once a day go for a long walk /training exersize.....when so there not left out all the time for long perriods.....and when they are out most af the time not all there is someone playing with the...even if they are being played with....and the neighbors cum out or with there dog unleashed they bark and jump o the fence.....i do understand the neighbors concern....when the neighbors cum out or are in there yard i try to make sure the dogs are put away....i think after reading all ur suggestions i will try a hiddencence about1 foot from my exsisting one and a no bark collar, my only concern is doesent a no bark collar teach them not to bark...so when there in the house wouldnt hty not want to bark at an intruder?Even if i take it off in the house they would still think it was on ,and not bark correct?

we have had spoken about this before but not to the extenct it is at no......with them giving me an ultimatum

any recomdations on tyep of no bark collars to use?

 Quote: david lattal

any recomdations on tyep of no bark collars to use?

http://www.leerburg.com/815.htm

could this be used in concunction with a hidden fence also?they to have an application for the collar

I'm not sure if your dogs are out of your yard or not. In Ca. where I live I am careful to n ot let my dogs run free in the neighbor hood. I am training for PSA and have preveously been in volved with schutzhund. I try not to put my dogs in a position where I have to apologize. In Ca. the police could be called if the dogs barked for long periods of time. but it is no crime if they bark at passing dogs or people as they pass the property. Seek out good training so your dogs will know what you expect from them, and you will know how to teach them. good luck