I Want to Move. . .

[GSDbulldog]

I went out today to the feedstore to stock up on dogfood. I took Howie with me so he could get out of the house. I must've been gone for say, 15 mins.? Not that long.

So I come home, head to the front door, and find a note in big bold type. I figured it was something from a friend, but then I read it:

To whom it may concern,
I am a new member of this community. I purchased my house after hearing wonderful things about this so called 'family oriented' neighborhood. I have children of my own, ages 3 and 9, and I was interested in a quiet, peaceful area to live. However, some things are concerning me. I have noticed that at your house, you have 2 pit bulls there. Are they yours? Or are you holding them for a friend? If it's the latter, I must say that you should take them back to their owner, as they don't belong in an area where children play outdoors! I've also noticed that you seem to be training the dogs to attack, I often witness the brown one hanging on a rope in your yard. You seem to encourage the practice. I've also spotted the white and brown pit bull wrestling with a tire. My husbaned informed me that this is a way of training a dog to fight, something which I do not condone. If I see it again, I am calling the cops!

I urge you to rehome or euthanize these dogs. I worked in a hospital for more than 10 years, I know the damage they can do. My children cannot play in our yard, for I fear that the dogs may find a way to get at them. Please, consider the other members of this community before these animals.


-A concerned citizen

I was a little... Shocked at first. They make it sound like they been spying on me, as the tire and springpole are in my backyard, behind a 6ft privacy fence. I went inside, dropped everything, and went into the yard to see if any of my neighbors had a good view of it.

Dun, dun, dun. . Springpole is missing; well, the rope and the spring- they left the springhooks. What else? My dogs chain, tire (Which wasnt even in the yard, it was in the patio!). . . gone.

I was *&^!&%^ pissed.

I want to feel bad for this person, they've fallen for the myths and lies. I want to try to educate them and let them meet my dogs (After I figure out who they are). But my god, they tresspassed and robbed me (As far as I know, don't wanna jump the gun here). I should've left my little bandog at home... loose...in the backyard.

[RollinRuger]

get a cheap survlence camera around your dogs for as little as they cost it would be well worth it. That way you have hard evidence and cover you/your dogs asses.

[El Mexicano]

i wish somebody stole my stuff they would be the ones moving.
fucken dumasses they should keep theire mouth shut they dont even know what they are talkin about,i am fortunate to have a few people on this road that love my dogs,and people that have owned pitbulls.but some can be a pain in the ass,i used to raise rabbits to feed to my dogs everyonce in a while and one neighbor called animal control and told them i was trainin my dogs to fight with the rabbits,i felt like going WWE on her ass,but i just told her she didnt know squat and to go mind her own business.

[SEAL]

sounds like you got an educational paper to write
email bellas_mama she has a good paper she just did on pits.
that sucks writing the letter is one thing but coming onto my property is way to far thats how you end up shot or in jail. i would press charges if you find out who it is thats the kind of person that does bad things because they think its better than what your "doing thats wrong"

[hillbilly]

i would call the cops and have it put on record

[CB]

You should really try and find out who just moved on the street and call the damn cops for stealing stuff off your yard.. And i agree with ruger might want to get a camera. And El Mexicano that is illegal to do and might wanna stop doing it or the dogs will be taken. If they find any kind of rabbit on your property caged up they will take the dogs.

[El Mexicano]

i dont let the dogs kill them i do it myself,and i actually got to feeding the dogs rabbits from a cop he has a farm and he feeds his german shepherds rabbits,but i dont have rabbits anymore,i havent had them for a long time some fools mutt got into the rabbits pen and ate them all,

[Saiyagin]

Yep get a hidden camera so you have proof of evidence and file a report.

[ghost 1]

report it,, find out who the new person is and write one back, find out which one worked in a hospital and leave them a note saying you were here first and they don't like it then move,,i had one move close to me and did the simular and i told her that my dogs are civilized and do not bite and she was percistant, so i bluntly told her to sell out and move because my dogs was here before her and her dog(toy poodle)

[Superglue]

I often wandered if a good webcam setup would work for something like this.Save it to the PC and burn it and give it to the authorities on a CD.I think just being convicted a peeping tom is enough to make thim want to leave your neighborhood.Maybe you go around the neighborhood and warn the neighbors that you have a peeping tom in the neighborhood.A sort of way to attack back with the whole neighborhood behind you.

[ScrappyDoo]

That is horrible. You really need to find a way to educate these people about your dogs. And to educate them that you are not training them for fighting.

[ABK]

How awful!!! Some ppl can really be a pain! And the ignorance some ppl display is enough to boggle the mind!

I agree - you should report this to the police ASAP!! It sounds like you live in a city or suburb type setting so it should be fairly easy to find out the author of the note & the probable thief of your things - who is the family who just moved in that has 2 kids aged 3 & 9?

I also agree a survellance system should be set up in your backyard. I wouldn't do the webcam thing as most police consider webcams unreliable b/c the recorded images can be altered on a PC. Go the old fashioned way & record it on tape.

Also, save the note as it has fingerprints on it that can be matched to the way they let themselves in (on the your gate, doorknob, etc.) or on our stolen property.

Check the dumpsters around your neighborhod for your stuff - it is likely been thrown in a nearby dumpster.

In the meantime I'm giving you a mental hug.

Ppl can be such shits! :(

[catcher T]

well, they sure didn't have the giblets to leave their name! I would agree that they are not educated enough about the breed. I would see if you can find out who they are. Don't assume that they live close enough to see what your doing, someone else may have put them up to it. either way try not to get mad, try to think of ways to educate, even though that would frost my @ss! Stealing is stealing, if you feel comfortable enough to report it I would do that. It would be easy enough to find out who just moved in with kids that age.

[GAPITS]

GSD, you need to be very very very careful of anytime your dogs spend outside, DO NOT LEAVE THEM OUT ALONE< NOT EVEN INSIDE YOUR FENCE!!!!! We had a good friend and APBT owner that had a remarkably similar situation, and their dogs were poisoned and both died. Anyone that is psychotic enough to enter your property and remove your dogs toys, is crazy enough to throw some poisoned food over the fence. It is a good thing that you have reported it, but I would definitely not stop there. A camera is a good source for info, as far as who is doing this, but if the dogs are out there and this person decides to take matters into their own hands, all that camera is going to do is record their murder. Best of luck in this situation and I hope it gets resolved quickly.

[catcher T]

GSD, you need to be very very very careful of anytime your dogs spend outside, DO NOT LEAVE THEM OUT ALONE< NOT EVEN INSIDE YOUR FENCE!!!!! We had a good friend and APBT owner that had a remarkably similar situation, and their dogs were poisoned and both died. Anyone that is psychotic enough to enter your property and remove your dogs toys, is crazy enough to throw some poisoned food over the fence. It is a good thing that you have reported it, but I would definitely not stop there. A camera is a good source for info, as far as who is doing this, but if the dogs are out there and this person decides to take matters into their own hands, all that camera is going to do is record their murder. Best of luck in this situation and I hope it gets resolved quickly.
yeah, you are so right! infact they might not even be who they say they are in the letter. they are a little nutty. If they are that afraid of the dogs they weren't agraid to enough to enter the yard!

[rocksteady]

Hmm ...anyone that would post a note like that who is seemingly afraid of your dogs, why would they enter your backyard??

its time to put a lock on your gates and post signs "Do Not Enter" or "do not open gate" a nice no tresspassing sign would work, too

Have you ever had any complaints about your dogs from old neighbors? How about good remarks? Im assuming if the notes continue, its considered harassment?

[Marinepits]

Have you ever had any complaints about your dogs from old neighbors? How about good remarks? Along this same line, see if you can get a good written report from your vet about your dogs' temperments, personalities, etc. My vet did that for me when I was having a problem with a neighbor -- I left a copy of the report on her door and gave a copy to the apartment manager. Never had problems again.

[tommy3]

I have a little report with some good pit bull info that I keep on hand in case someone talks bad about my dogs. I plan to give them to the concerned person or put in their mailbox if people start to worry about my dogs. Fortunately, that has not happened yet. I socialize my dog with every kid in the neighborhood and no one seems to worry about him. All of the kids love him. I did have some woman I never seen before call him a "hoodlum dog" the other day though. I don't know where she lives but I need to keep an eye out for idiots like that.
Also, surveillance setups are pretty cheap nowadays. I believe Sam's Wholesale had a nice one with everything you need for $109. I'd say that that would definitely be worth it. You would probably want to make often checks of the yard for poisoned food too.

[GSDbulldog]

I'd like to thank EVERYONE for the advice :D . I am still pissed, and a little worried. I had my father call the police and report it, since I don't have the guts to do it myself.(long story...) They basically said everything you guys did, camera, locks, and to keep an eye on my dogs.

I also checked with my neighbor (Who also has a APBT), they got a letter, but nothing stolen (They also dont have a springpole, tire, etc.). They didn't feel the need to report it, but they said their going to keep a good eye on Nala.

I'm keeping an eye on my dogs now, no more time in the yard until I inspect everything, and even then they won't be alone.

My fence is locked, when I checked it was still in place. They must've climbed it. I'm going to reconstruct it, so it's nearly damned impossible to climb it from the outside. I'm also going to run electrical wire around the top.

I also have [numerous] reports designed to educate. I ask everyone I know along my street, and they said their is a new family around the corner from my house, that have two children. So, while this MAY NOT be them, I'm going to leave a letter and some of the repots on their door. But I'll have the balls to leave my name and number.

I'm going to borrow a surveliance camera from my neighbor, since he felt bad and offered me it.

Nobody else in the neighborhood seems to be afraid of my dogs, just the opposite. Since Pixie is working on her TT and CGC, I have her out daily playing with kids in the neighborhood. Howie even pulls them in a wagon. All the parents trust my dogs with their kids.

I really don't have any old neighbors, everyone here was here from the beginning. The two families that did move were great friends of ours, and they moved way out to Cali and Iowa.


Editted to add: Just want to say thank you again for all the good advice. Hopefully this was all done out of fear and 'concern for the treatment of my dogs', and I'm not dealing with an Ed Gein-reincarnation :/ I'm going to go over to the house today, and I'm going to be blunt, but polite. If they deny it, hey, what can you do? I'm hoping they won't. . .

Thank you again, I'll keep everyone updated.

[Texasbulldogs]

Get a camera and point it straight at the springpole. Once installed make sure it has a clear view of it, then replace the springpole and allow the dogs to work it all weekend-they'll return to steal it and you'll have them on camera!

[chinasmom]

This really sucks. For someone to have the audacity to enter your residence and help themselves to your property. I would be LIVID. Not to mention MAD! You have gotten some good advice here and I would use all of it. Talking to them, posting a report, if you think the cops will understand they are ways of excersising and not fight training. Let them know there has never been a problem and MAKE them meet your dogs.

[pitbullchic]

If it were me I would confront the problem head on. Find out who the person is and them go knock on the door and introduce yourself AND your dogs. Also I like the surveilance camera idea. They have already proven they will violate your space by trespassing on your property and stealing so don't put it past them to try some other underhanded move...such as throwing your dogs poisoned meat etc. Make sure that you do keep your dogs properly contained when you are not home and invite the concerned neighbor to examine you chain set ups or kennels. Help put their mind at ease, after all they are not acting out of hatred toward you but as they clearly stated they are acting out of CONCERN for the well being of their children. I think ANYONE can understand that...we ALL want to protect our children. I know you are angry and you have every right to be but don't let your anger be the platform of your response. Speak elloquently and respectfully and try to educate these new neighbors. Use tastefull and polite tactics and maybe just MAYBE you could gain a new ally for our breed rather than allow widespread ignorance to continue unchecked. My guess is they have never met any REAL pit bulls. Prove to them that just like every person with a gun isn't going to shoot someone not everyone with a pit bull is a thug. Remind them that ANY dog can be dangerous. Remind them that dogs are individuals just like people and give them a chance to get to know your dogs. Educate them that just like a lab likes to swim and play fetch pit bulls like to play tug of war and wresteling. Most of all just set the example of what a responsible owner is and what good pit bulls are about...give them a chance to get to know you. Then the ball is in their court and if they can't find a way to accept it LET THEM MOVE!!!


YIS
Pit Bull Chic

[miakoda]

Everyone has listed some great advice. Some other options I'd like to add. Go out to your local feed store, or even Home Depot, & buy a cattle/horse electric fence. It's actually quite inexpensive to buy the charger, wire, & brackets. Run it along the TOP of your fence. Why? If anyone would like to put their hands up there to pull themselves up, they'll get quite a nice zinging shock! (don't use the charger made for dogs....everyone I know can easily take the shock from those). That's what we have done in addition to running it low to the ground to deter digging.

Also, invest in some well built heavy duty padlocks. They are well worth the few extra dollars. Regular padlocks are very easily broken with even cheap bolt cutters. Also post a "No Trespassing" sign on the gates. A good friend & lawyer once told me this can really save your ass in case of troubled times.

I'm so sorry this happened to you. It's quite freaky to imagine someone trespassing all around your property.

P.S.--You also have the right to bear arms in self defense. ;)

[SEAL]

yeah mia thats only in louisiana lmao where you can have your guns out in your backyard and such. we have fun gun laws. they will probly tell the cops your a drug dealer then with pitbulls and guns and tires oh my.

definately watch for meet and bowls. Antifreeze is what most people use i lost a few to this bcs of a neighbor. he lost a few teeth. they will put it in sausage usually bcs the liquid wont come out. or they will put a bowl of it out. the animals act as if drunk from what i saw they get real sick real quick.

Mia i love that wire around the top of the fence thats great!!!!
im so doing that when i get a house just to keep people off the fence lol.
your neighbors must love you.

[MrsDanos Back]

get a cheap survlence camera around your dogs for as little as they cost it would be well worth it. That way you have hard evidence and cover you/your dogs asses.
I hate ignorance and stupidity, Also About the survlence video, just be careful that they aren't spying on you when you put it in lol, then it would be no good....

[RollinRuger]

One more thing as mia stated if you get lucky enough to catch them don't hesitate to let them earn some stitches.

[Judy]

If it were me I would confront the problem head on. Find out who the person is and them go knock on the door and introduce yourself AND your dogs. Also I like the surveilance camera idea. They have already proven they will violate your space by trespassing on your property and stealing so don't put it past them to try some other underhanded move...such as throwing your dogs poisoned meat etc. Make sure that you do keep your dogs properly contained when you are not home and invite the concerned neighbor to examine you chain set ups or kennels. Help put their mind at ease, after all they are not acting out of hatred toward you but as they clearly stated they are acting out of CONCERN for the well being of their children. I think ANYONE can understand that...we ALL want to protect our children. I know you are angry and you have every right to be but don't let your anger be the platform of your response. Speak elloquently and respectfully and try to educate these new neighbors. Use tastefull and polite tactics and maybe just MAYBE you could gain a new ally for our breed rather than allow widespread ignorance to continue unchecked. My guess is they have never met any REAL pit bulls. Prove to them that just like every person with a gun isn't going to shoot someone not everyone with a pit bull is a thug. Remind them that ANY dog can be dangerous. Remind them that dogs are individuals just like people and give them a chance to get to know your dogs. Educate them that just like a lab likes to swim and play fetch pit bulls like to play tug of war and wresteling. Most of all just set the example of what a responsible owner is and what good pit bulls are about...give them a chance to get to know you. Then the ball is in their court and if they can't find a way to accept it LET THEM MOVE!!!


YIS
Pit Bull Chic
Very well said. I agree-I'd try to find out who they are and introduce yourself. They need to be educated. And they should not have come onto your property like that. They could have tried to speak with you face to face like adults should. Shame on them. And like Rocksteady pointed out, they are "afraid" of the dogs but not afraid to enter your yard?? Weird.

[bdub]

id be watching out for the poison meat and the loonies might just call the cops on you next claiming your dogs tried to attack them..people like your neighbors are pathetic whiny scum,,i know the type my cousin had to deal with bs like that over a mutt,looked like a tiny german shepard,,a kid from the next neighbor hood over claimed my cuz' mutt bit him,,the kid had no marks on him anywhere,,which is obvios cos the mutt was inside a fence,but they put the dog down anyway,,,the lil brats dad come over and tried starting s--t with us and thats when guns came out,,never had a problem again--got away with it too,,he was trespassing and got charged with that

[DryCreek]

If it were me I would confront the problem head on. Find out who the person is and them go knock on the door and introduce yourself AND your dogs. Also I like the surveilance camera idea. They have already proven they will violate your space by trespassing on your property and stealing so don't put it past them to try some other underhanded move...such as throwing your dogs poisoned meat etc. Make sure that you do keep your dogs properly contained when you are not home and invite the concerned neighbor to examine you chain set ups or kennels. Help put their mind at ease, after all they are not acting out of hatred toward you but as they clearly stated they are acting out of CONCERN for the well being of their children. I think ANYONE can understand that...we ALL want to protect our children. I know you are angry and you have every right to be but don't let your anger be the platform of your response. Speak elloquently and respectfully and try to educate these new neighbors. Use tastefull and polite tactics and maybe just MAYBE you could gain a new ally for our breed rather than allow widespread ignorance to continue unchecked. My guess is they have never met any REAL pit bulls. Prove to them that just like every person with a gun isn't going to shoot someone not everyone with a pit bull is a thug. Remind them that ANY dog can be dangerous. Remind them that dogs are individuals just like people and give them a chance to get to know your dogs. Educate them that just like a lab likes to swim and play fetch pit bulls like to play tug of war and wresteling. Most of all just set the example of what a responsible owner is and what good pit bulls are about...give them a chance to get to know you. Then the ball is in their court and if they can't find a way to accept it LET THEM MOVE!!!


YIS
Pit Bull ChicGood advice except for taking the dogs over to her place. They have already shown themselves capable of off handed tactics and you might end up with them saying that your dogs were aggressive when visiting. Having things happen on your property when they have no right to be there is one thing, taking your dogs on their property, you may end up defending yourself in court, trying to prove you didn't take your dogs there to threaten them.

Good luck

[GSDbulldog]

Ah well, here it goes.

First off, I found the tire and chain. They didn't take it, the boyfriend did. He was 'tidying' up, little did he know his tidying up almost gave me a stroke. However, that still leaves the springpole.

I installed the new locks and security camera today (Well, boyfriend did.) I knocked off the chunk of wood along the outside of the gate, making it harder to climb. I'm going to get the electrical wire tomorrow. Until then I lined the top inside of the fence with barbed wire, so it's not visible from the outside. When you put your hands up to climb it, you get a bit of a surprise.

Then I went over to the home where the people who did this supposedly live. I went with my boyfriend, to be frank I was a little scared.

I knocked on the door, and a middle-aged, blonde woman answered the door. She looked a litte. . . surprised. I smiled, and said something along the lines of, "Hi, I'm from down the street. This note was left on my front door yesturday, and I thought you might've written it, seeing as you've just moved in." She took the note, looked over it and nodded. She called her husband to the door, and this guy came up, also middle aged, kinda pissed looking. He asked us why we were there. I told him I wanted to clear a few things up, and that we were looking for a conflict. I showed him the report I'd written, and some pictures of my dogs playing with the neighborhood kids. This whole time we were just standing in the doorway. My boyfriend said he could understand their fear, and that he was a little worried about the dogs at first. After a while they seemed to warm up and invited us inside.

Then I saw something on the coffee table. A beat up, orange rope. Gee, wonder where that came from. I was gonna ask about it, but the bf cut me off.

We started talking. They moved here from Detroit, where pit bulls are the ultimate thug accessory. They seemed pretty nice, but I still don't trust 'em. The wife, Catherine, told me that she'd been bitten by a neighbors loose pit in the past. I told her that my dogs are quite friendly, but never loose in the first place. I offered them to come over and meet the dogs, they said they would stop by tomorrow sometime. They have a dog themselves, a 'Pomhuahua' (blah), but the bugger wasn't real fond of me.

Then my bf decided to ask about the missing springpole. The husband, Mark, started going off about how it was used to make the dogs mean. I tried to explain to him that it was just a toy to them, then he said my dogs were already vicious. I stayed calm for the most part. After some heated argument, he finally calmed down.

At that point, we decided to leave.

However, I did get my rope back.

I'm still watching my dogs. These people seemed sane enough, but so did half of the most infamous serial killers.


-Michelle

[Judy]

Michelle,
Wow that took a lot of guts to go over there...I'm glad you did though. Sounds like the mrs. had a bad experience and mr misunderstood the springpole's purpose. Hopefully they will think about all of this and yes you are still right to watch your dogs and good move on getting the camera.

[SEAL]

yeah i explain my spring thing ont he back of my apartment door as a lazy guys tug o war toy. i cant play with him my shoulders hurt or i cant play with him and drink a beer at the same time so i made this thing its much easier and laugh a bit. most people giggle and say wow thats cool i wish my dog could play by itself. but most people here are kinda familiar with petbulls. landlady thinks hes the cutest thing.

[GSDbulldog]

Michelle,
Wow that took a lot of guts to go over there...I'm glad you did though. Sounds like the mrs. had a bad experience and mr misunderstood the springpole's purpose. Hopefully they will think about all of this and yes you are still right to watch your dogs and good move on getting the camera.
Thank you, Judy.

Hopefully I can reach this family, and protect my dogs while I'm at it.

[Suki]

WOW!!!! That just plain sux!!!!!

I am SOOOOO lucky=neighbor to my left owns a pittie. Neighbor to my right owns a pittie, too. There's only 6 houses on my street, so, that's half the neighborhood.
I feel for yah. I'd get a camera, as mentioned. Obviously these "new" people have no regard for your personal property, hence, your furkids could be next. Don't take a chance. Get it on film. Document all "occurances", in "case". Good luck.
Come move on my street= we LOVE pitties!!!!
I wish you well, and safety to your dogs.
a@@holes!!!!!!:mad:

[Suki]

OK, just read the whole thread...

I commend you for going over there personally, and facing them. That was the right thing to do. I do NOT trust anyone who has to hide, (initially) behind a "note". Have some balls , and speak directly to the person....
I hope everything works out for you. I'd still "watch your back", if I were you.
I've dealt with ignorance, in years gone by, with my last rottie. People can SURE be cruel.....
Again, lots of luck. Fingers crossed for you.:)

[TRENCHHOUND]

people Like That Kill Dog,so Watch'em.

[catcher T]

OMG! so that was them that did it? they do not sound normal at all! especially their dog, a wahoo? They stole from you! they should be horse whipped, but, I am glad you had the giblets to go face to face, more then I can say for them.

[Judy]

Thank you, Judy.

Hopefully I can reach this family, and protect my dogs while I'm at it.
That's a good attitude to have. And you maintained your cool and approached them, and now they know that YOU KNOW that they were the ones. IMO it's always worth a try to talk it out when there's a situation, especially concerning neighbors that you have to live around. Maintain your cool but don't let your guard down. And if they don't come around on their negative opinions of pit bulls, it's not your fault, they have had only negative experiences to date and may not be open minded. And if they come round again and try to mess with your yard, call the police again.

[GSDbulldog]

Thank you everyone for the help and support, I think I'm going to make it through this. Fourtunately, my cousin is coming down this weekend (With his Presa :D), and he's dealt with these crazy/scared people before, so he'll know what to do if I loose my cool. . .


I just want to remind everyone to educate, educate, educate! We're all guilty of fighting amongst ourselves over petty issues (Myself included!)- but we forget about the real problem facing our breed: public perception. Get out there, change a few minds, and you'll make a world of a difference.

May all the bulldogs killed by ignorance and fear RIP.

-Michelle

[hillbilly]

I just want to remind everyone to educate, educate, educate! We're all guilty of fighting amongst ourselves over petty issues (Myself included!)- but we forget about the real problem facing our breed: public perception. Get out there, change a few minds, and you'll make a world of a difference.

May all the bulldogs killed by ignorance and fear RIP.

-Michelleamen to that

[B]

There is a lot of great advice here. I don't know how well you train animals or how well your dogs respond but I've taught the majority of mine to only eat when I give them permission. I've fallen asleep with a half eaten dinner on the edge of my table and awake to a dog lying comfortably close but the dish untouched. I simply train the command "Leave it" if I need them to avoid something. They have also been taught only to accept a treat once they have been given permission. Mind you not every dog can be taught this easily but bright ones pick it up fast. If you walked up to my animal with a strange food item he would look at it until I released him to eat it. This might save your animals life IF these people ever get that far. I would worry the most about them throwing a rat poison hot dog over the fence from the house next door or the front. Electric fences, barbed wire, and security devices can't catch someone throwing food items into the yard. The only way around that is training your dogs. Most cameras aren't going to catch something like that and by then your dogs will be dead. I commend you for approaching them. It might make it a bit harder for them to hate you and your dogs now that they have a face and name.

Regards,

B

[mydawgs]

Some more precations, the stolen items should be reported and a police record made. The letter should be part of this report. Documentation of the dogs temperment is important. Videos of the dogs playing with the kids, conversations with their parents, recorded and dated. These are CYA measures should AC ever get involved so you have well documented history of the proper temperment of your dogs. Also pictures of your property to show the safe containment of the dogs that are dated for your records. Good luck to you!!!!!!

[GSDbulldog]

I have pretty much everything about temperament already on record- I made sure of that :D There coming over later today so we'll see. . . I'm 'borrowing' some neighborhood kids today.

B, Pixie and my hound are both trained to not take food from strangers. They only eat on command. My fathead hippo isn't too bright, but I'm working with him. None of the dogs are going in the yard for a while, until this whole thing is worked out. More work on my part, but who cares?

[Chopper4me]

I have a little report with some good pit bull info that I keep on hand in case someone talks bad about my dogs. I plan to give them to the concerned person or put in their mailbox if people start to worry about my dogs. Fortunately, that has not happened yet. I socialize my dog with every kid in the neighborhood and no one seems to worry about him. All of the kids love him. I did have some woman I never seen before call him a "hoodlum dog" the other day though. I don't know where she lives but I need to keep an eye out for idiots like that.
Also, surveillance setups are pretty cheap nowadays. I believe Sam's Wholesale had a nice one with everything you need for $109. I'd say that that would definitely be worth it. You would probably want to make often checks of the yard for poisoned food too.
Putting something in someone's mailbox is illigal here!

[lil_bit807]

We had that problem. One of the neighborhood kids had our dog in town and was trying to sell it as his own dog. When a good friend of ours confronted the youngster, the kid said he just got the dog. Then when he told the youngster that he knew the dog and was taking the dog home, it got a little confrontational. We now have a surveilance camera in our yard for that simple reason. We work during the day and we're gone sometimes 10-12 hours a day. Even though we live in a semi secluded area, things still can happen. The camera has done justice. We even have a sign in our yard stating that our yard has video surveilance.

[miakoda]

GSDbulldog, I will be thinking of you. I truly hope that this is the end of it all. But, you do need to be cautios of the whole poisoning scenario. People that will break into your yard & steal from you aren't above poisoning. I wish people, even uneducated ones, would be more compassioante, more responsible, & act more like mature adults. But until then, we must look out for ourselves, our children, & our animals as we are obligated to do so.

Good luck with it all. And just thought I'd mention I love the barb wire thing. I just didn't do that b/c I already have some scars on my back from the crap--involved an invident with newborn calves, momma cows, & 1 mean, horny, prize winning Brahma bull named Black Bart & a narrow escape alley involving a barbed wire fence. :D I just couldn't bring myslef to use the stuff.

Mia i love that wire around the top of the fence thats great!!!!
im so doing that when i get a house just to keep people off the fence lol.
your neighbors must love you.<!-- / message --><!-- sig --> LOL. At first they thought I was kinda insane, but they soon realized that electric fencing works! My immediate next door neighbors have it run along the bottoms of their fences as their dogs are constantly trying to dig into my yard (& 1 unfortunately already lost a dog that way a little over a year ago). And besides, I'm the only idiot whose been zapped by that damn fence. Seems I always forget about when I go to climb on the fence to talk to the neighbors.:rolleyes:

[GSDbulldog]

lol Thanx Miakoda :D I too have had unfourtunate incidents with barbed wire. Mine involved a rather spunky Morgan/Paso Fino cross pony who was not content on me walking through her pasutre.

Ah, I love you guys. Great members with great advice =) !

[game_test]

i have not read this thread, in fact just saw it so if this has been already suggested disregard...

file a police report and show them the letter from the neighbor.

hire an attorney to write you a letter informing your neighbor if they harrass you or your animals again another report will be filed along with a lawsuit.

done, nothing else to do except hope they mess with you again so you can ruin thier lives.

the security camera is also a must. good luck.

[Verderben]

i would make a police report asap. keep the note, find out who it was and press trespassing and theft charges. also if you dont have no trespassing signs now get them and post them.

[Superglue]

Keep all the neighbors that you can on your side.Inform them of what has happened and what might happen.You never know what might happen next.The trouble makers might start telling your neighbors a lot of bad stuff about bull dogs and actually scaring your good neighbors into believing that your dogs are going to change as they get older and such.You see what I am getting at?Let the trouble makers see you having good times with the kids and other neighbors and such.Let them be the outsiders if they want to.It is better if everyone is on your side because they will feel left out rather than being welcome in the neighborhood and will want to correct this problem by being friendly.If not,it will still be better because someone else there might end up with something stolen and then the police will be wanting to talk to all the neighbors and you will want your neighbors to say good things about your dogs and you.Good luck and yes,watch the poison food problem for a long time.

[missybee16]

It is illegal to step on a propety, not of your own. I think, there might be more persons involved in this. Maybe he/she, has started talking to the neighbors about this situation, and found more persons not liking your dogs, either. That's when, one brave one, will do the deed. Get yourself a surveillance camera system. It could be your dogs next. I would keep them insight, or inside. Call the police & report this. Anything documented, is your proof. Good luck!

[GSDbulldog]

Thank youmissybee16. I have a security camera set up as of now (2 in fact!), and the electric wire is being installed today.

My dogs are already indoor dogs :D

Thanks again

Michelle

[B]

I'm sure a lot of you know this but be VERY careful with electric fencing. Dogs are extremely sensitive to electrical current and even a simple 110v outlet can kill a dog. If you are going to use it I would make sure it is REALLY high on the fence so the dog has no chance of touching it. It would be horrible to kill your dog inadvertantly while you are attempting to protect it. I'm not sure how powerful these fences are but I know a small jolt can kill a dog.

Regards,

B

[rocksteady]

Another thing to be careful about.. depending on where you live, you may not be permitted to install hot wires, barbwire, ect on your fence... make sure you check out the zoning laws etc ..especially if you live in a residencial area..

[Miles]

Another thing to be careful about.. depending on where you live, you may not be permitted to install hot wires, barbwire, ect on your fence... make sure you check out the zoning laws etc ..especially if you live in a residencial area..
Put it in the inside of the fence at the top so it isn't visible from the outside. But if they try to put their hands on the top of the fence to climb over they will get a wonderful suprise. It's not a crime until you get caught even then you are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Be sure to push a lethal amount of electricity through the wire. Don't want anyone to just get zapped and go home to come up with a plan to scale the fence without touching it.

Good luck with your Human Zapper.

[italian2feathers]

I went through the same thing, i had news cameras, newspapers, and little thugs coming up in my yard because of an ignorant Neighbor...i went to home depot and they got a surveillance camera, (2 cameras and a monitor) for like 200, easy to install and you can record..which is exactly what i do..call the cops next thing you know they might try to poison your dogs, put every little thing on report, you know they will..i've been through this for the past year, and I AIN"T GETTING RID OF MY DOGS!!!!!!!! CAN'T NOBODY MAKE ME. when you find out who did it, get a restraining order and next time they post a puzzy note on your door, call the cops, they need to be at home worrying about their kids instead of your yard. PLEASE DON'T TAKE THAT SHYT......

[SEAL]

due to pits reputation something you must do is lock your gates pad lock them. you may come home and find your gate open and the neighbors claiming your dogs got out. they will call the spca after letting your dogs out and they might not ever tell you. they could kick in fence boreds so dont let your dog be in the yard by itself. i hate when neighbors terrorize ppl.

[missybee16]

Thank youmissybee16. I have a security camera set up as of now (2 in fact!), and the electric wire is being installed today.

My dogs are already indoor dogs :D

Thanks again

Michelle You are more than welcome. Hope all goes well for you & your dogs.

[PitbullLover]

Hey I hope everything is going well for you now. It is bullsh!t that they stole your sh!t. I know everyone is angry for the ignorance that this 'neighbor' displayed. I know that I'm a little late but I would find out who the neighbor is and go knock on their door. Tell them alittle about your dogs (calmly) and ask them if they have any questions about the breed. I know that you probably will not change their minds about the breed, but showing them that you are educated on the breed may atleast show them that you are a repsonsible owner. Also tell them that the dogs are inside dogs and not left outside unsupervised. Also explain the use of the tire and the springpole. I know that you shouldn't have to do this, but I try to educate people about the breed, even those that oppose the breed. Oh yeah, causally mention that your stuff was stolen and that is really childish.

My main concern is for your dogs however. I have had a dog poisioned because of ignorance. Please do not leave your dogs outside unattended and check your yard regularly for anything out of the ordinary.

Good luck and I hope you well. Ignorance is hard to deal with. Some people are set in their ways and will not change their point of view. But education will sometime help defeat ignorance. Your neighbor will probably not move and you are most likely not going to move neither. You have to live with one another. Try to make them understand that you are not here to make their lives horrible, but you are not giving up your dogs. If other neighbors are ok with your dogs, maybe they can vouch for them...put your new neighbors at ease. If there hasn't been any problems with your dogs in the pass and you have been a responsible owner, I don't see the problem with your dogs.

Good luck and I wish you well.

[Rockstar]

I went through the same thing, i had news cameras, newspapers, and little thugs coming up in my yard because of an ignorant Neighbor...i went to home depot and they got a surveillance camera, (2 cameras and a monitor) for like 200, easy to install and you can record..which is exactly what i do..call the cops next thing you know they might try to poison your dogs, put every little thing on report, you know they will..i've been through this for the past year, and I AIN"T GETTING RID OF MY DOGS!!!!!!!! CAN'T NOBODY MAKE ME. when you find out who did it, get a restraining order and next time they post a puzzy note on your door, call the cops, they need to be at home worrying about their kids instead of your yard. PLEASE DON'T TAKE THAT SHYT......
Take it from me, security cameras can save you a world of shit.