Anything I can do? Aggressive farm dogs

[955i]

I have mentioned this in other threads before but not really brought the subject up.

 

My girl had a bad start to life, no socialising, attacks from other dogs in household etc.

 

I have worked really hard with her and she has come on in leaps and bounds, but the dogs at the farm at the end of the road are turning this round and I can't seem to stop it.

 

They have three dogs to guard (fair enough), but they go ballistic at any dogs that go past and scare the hell out of her (and me) when they appear at the gate.

 

They are not always out, so I think it is the unexpectedness that causes the problem, but she has started to anticipate aggressiveness in all dogs, so unless she knows them barks and puts on a false dominance display.

 

She is in no way aggressive herself, and runs as soon as the other dog moves, but given her size could cause concern in other owners (and is embarrassing to explain).

 

Mine is not the only dog that theirs have set back, and I regularly speak to other owners that their dogs have intimidated through the gate or attacked if they get out.

 

Apparently they have a history of sending their dogs crackers through lack of time spent and exercise and the newest ones they get learn from the others and a vicious circle is formed.

 

I can't prove mis-treatment, but is there anything I can try to get the dogs kept away from the gate nearest the footpath as this is the access to all the public footpaths in my area.

 

[Kes]

Hi,

Where a public footpath is involved it is an offence to prevent or hinder the use of the path by the public. A typical problem is large or aggressive dogs at the side of the footpath. This is actually an offence in highway law and you are entitled to complain about the dogs to the local highway authority and the police. However, when you do it has to be 'users of the footpath' who are intimidated by the dogs and you have to be prepared to say youYOU are reluctant to use the path because of the proximity of the dogs and the level of aggression. Your dog has no enforceable rights in this - you do. So, if you want to protect the dog it has to be you that is intimidated.

An alternative might be to go and chat to the farmer and ask if he can keep his dogs a little away from the gate as YOU find them intimidating. The alternative is the dog psychologist for more direct advice on how to ensure your dog is ok with other dogs.

[pigeon-hunter]

Good advice hope you get sorted

[955i]

Hi,

Where a public footpath is involved it is an offence to prevent or hinder the use of the path by the public. A typical problem is large or aggressive dogs at the side of the footpath. This is actually an offence in highway law and you are entitled to complain about the dogs to the local highway authority and the police. However, when you do it has to be 'users of the footpath' who are intimidated by the dogs and you have to be prepared to say youYOU are reluctant to use the path because of the proximity of the dogs and the level of aggression. Your dog has no enforceable rights in this - you do. So, if you want to protect the dog it has to be you that is intimidated.

An alternative might be to go and chat to the farmer and ask if he can keep his dogs a little away from the gate as YOU find them intimidating. The alternative is the dog psychologist for more direct advice on how to ensure your dog is ok with other dogs.

Thanks for that, to be fair I am intimidated.

 

They are not always there but lurk by the gate when the are to bark at dog walkers.

 

Makes you jump out of your skin when they appear unexpectedly.

 

The dogs are poorly treated anyway but that is another matter

[al4x]

Best advice walk elsewhere.

 

The other dogs are on their own territory and that's why they bark. The owners may well like the fact they do with rural crime as it is.

[sako751sg]

Best advice walk elsewhere.

 

The other dogs are on their own territory and that's why they bark. The owners may well like the fact they do with rural crime as it is.

My opinion too.One of the best deterrents is a barking dog although understandably it could be pretty annoying.

[kent]

I should avoid it unless yours can take it in its stride. I don't have this issue but to get out of my house to reach the road I am often faced with Cows with calves and a large and potentially aggressive bull. What do I do? stick the dog in the car go 150yds and get out again or don't walk the roads. I suggest you walk the other way or do a short drive around the issue, its better than making the situation worse with yours.

That said I should also work on your dogs current "feelings" for want of a better word towards other dogs in a milder more controlled way, it might never handle this one but as you know every exposure makes the issue worse

Good luck and watch your own thoughts and reactions as dogs pick up on non verbal communication way better than people, its like flaming telepathy and certainly travels down the lead

[Kes]

You perhaps should report this as you will not be the only one affected.

Smart move would be to have a word with the farmer first and give him the chance to change the arrangement a bit.

I have 2 large dogs for the same reason but they only intimidate people who are actually on my property and unauthorised.

Farmers do have a problem but his response should not be OTT.

[al4x]

It's not ott it's his dogs on his land behind a fence. I can't see who you would report it to, ultimately treat it as good experience for your dog in getting it used to other dogs barking

[Kes]

If the land abuts a public footpath and the dogs intimidate the users of the path and thus compromise its usage, its actually an illegal act and can result in prosecution and a fine, subsequent judgements will take this into account and the guy could lose the dogs. As I said, I sympathise with the owner but it is used as a device to prevent people using 'inconvenient paths'. Your local Ramblers Group would eat the guy before breakfast and continue prosecutions via the LA until it stopped.

I have to agree that its not a nice means to deter especially as children form part of the 'public'.

[lee-kinsman]

There's no offence made as stated by 955i, the dogs aren't always out therefore it is occasional and there's no intention to prevent or hinder use of the footpath.

 

My advice is stop passing so close to the gate, find an alternative route.

When I'm training a dog to be steady to game I AVOID areas where I know there is a likely chance of game disrupting our training if I don't and I stupidly choose to train my dog where we are likely to encounter game then I'm the only one to blame if my dog never learns to be steady.

Likewise in 955i's situation.

[victorismyhero]

995i, are your dogs "gun proof" ?? If so next time you walk that way and the farm dogs come charging down, rattle off a couple of shots from a starting pistol, that might send em running. (caveat...i dont know if letting rip with a starting pistol on a public foot path is illegal or not...I suspect it isnt BUT......)