Dogs In Front Yards

[RubyBlue]

I wouldn't necessarily assume that dogs barking behind a fence are aggressive. My Wheaten will fling himself at the gate in apparent fury if he happens to be out the front when dogs pass by, but he never exhibits anything other than his usual desire to play, play, play, even if we go out while the dog is still there.

Mine too. They put on quite a show.

On the one occasion she did actually get to a dog walking down the street the moment she crossed the threshold she was back to her usual submissive self and literally threw herself from running to slide the rest of the distance belly up under this dogs nose. I was lucky it was my neighbour who thought the whole thing was hilarious but needless to say learned my lesson. The dogs are now tethered if they are going to be with me when Im gardening in the front yard.

I know the front yards that are likely to contain dogs on my usual walks and just cross over to avoid antagonising them and winding up my dogs.

[mixeduppup]

Some people on this forum are pretty report-happy. Dogs bark at fences. The dog has not escaped and attacked you. You cannot possibly predict what the dog will do and the dog is obviously contained. You have nothing to report. Mind your own business and cross the road if you don't like it.

ETA: My dogs sound fierce behind a fence, but they're very well socialised and friendly dogs.

This post has been edited by Blackdogs: 09 November 2012 - 08:49 AM

This ++++ my post got cut off but this was the essence !!

my dogs have escaped a few times when someone didn't close the gate quick enough and they turn from furious guard dogs into, gallivanting, peace loving hippy dogs

[Jetpoint GSP]

Luke GSP - it's a bit like the large breed puppy who jumped up on someone and was trying to play. This pup was supposedly 'attacking' said person....ok jumping up isn 't great but it's was a pup and learning.....

[megan_]

So if there is a pack of pitbulls behind a 1ft fence Luke GSP, they rush you and your dog but if they don't cross the fence line then it's all roses?

[BDJ]

Reading this and other posts, I can only say that I am extremely lucky to live in the suburb I do - it is a 'normal' suburb, certainly not posh, but no yobbos either

I walk my dogs for hours, and don't have an 'encounter', unless it is to say good morning to someome else walking their dog(s)

I go to the local off leash park, and mine play with whoever is there.

There are dogs in my street who are out the front off lead (and our street does not have any fences out the front - side or front boundaries). They are all 'good citizens' who are not left unattended, all have excellent recalls, no one is dog aggressive, reactive, resource guarding or human aggressive. All dogs spend most of their times around the back or inside - no one is left out the front

There is nothing to say that the proverbial wont hit the fan tomorrow and something terrible wont happen - just that it hasnt so far and I enjoy what is around me

Please dont think that I am saying that others are exaggerating, just realising how lucky I am

Edited November 9, 2012 by BDJ

[mixeduppup]

So if there is a pack of pitbulls behind a 1ft fence Luke GSP, they rush you and your dog but if they don't cross the fence line then it's all roses?

There's a yard full of hunting dog crosses on a route I used to take into the town, I had to change my route as the fence just didn't seem adequate and I was a bit scared. But technically they're not doing anything wrong but I think fence height needs to be a consideration and fence type for that matter. Chicken wire is hardly adequate for a lot of those heavier set and determined breeds.

Edited November 9, 2012 by mixeduppup

[Purdie]

So if there is a pack of pitbulls behind a 1ft fence Luke GSP, they rush you and your dog but if they don't cross the fence line then it's all roses?

Just like the dogs that bailes you up in the street while the owner in down the road carrying a leash;he tells you it's ok they are under effective voice control.

[megan_]

So if there is a pack of pitbulls behind a 1ft fence Luke GSP, they rush you and your dog but if they don't cross the fence line then it's all roses?

There's a yard full of hunting dog crosses on a route I used to take into the town, I had to change my route as the fence just didn't seem adequate and I was a bit scared. But technically they're not doing anything wrong but I think fence height needs to be a consideration and fence type for that matter. Chicken wire is hardly adequate for a lot of those heavier set and determined breeds.

My council specifically says that fencing needs to be adequate (ie can't jump over the fence or fit under it). Sure, there are times when things are a close call, but star picket fencing or a low fence isn't enough to contain a large dog. Common sense really.

[melzawelza]

double post

Edited November 9, 2012 by melzawelza

[melzawelza]

A dog can only be proved to be "inadequately contained" IF it actually gets out.

All those that feel that just because a fence holds back the viscous beast this time, means that it is adequately contained, I am afraid that you are wrong, you and I might not have the ability, but there are some on this forum that despite not being structural engineers or having any other link to the building, fencing or construction industry, can tell at a glance whilst hurrying past with their dog, that a fence/method of containment is "not adequate" Maybe if the councils weren't busy with all these "potential" dangerous dogs, based on no more evidence than someones "opinion" they could get on with dealing with actual problems?

Maybe people should try and sort out their own insecurities and fears before appointing themselves judge and jury on the rest of society should they not conform to their views of what is adequate or acceptable? IF THE ANIMAL DID NOT GET OUT, THEN THE CONTAINMENT WAS ADEQUATE!

Just because something frightens YOU does not make it unsafe or dangerous. If it did then every theme park the world over would be closed overnight.

I find it both hilarious and perplexing that the person that has been screaming constantly in multiple threads in the last few days that owners of large, powerful breeds must take extra safety precautions to ensure their dogs are never placed in a position where they are able to injure another dog or person, is now making comments like these.

In the two scenarios I have described, do you feel that the containment of the dog was adequate? Both situations are true scenarios:

1. Large 50+kg (actual 50+ this time, not mythical) powerful breed dog behind chicken wire that is actually bending the wire while it is lunging and going off it's tree. Dog is clearly physically trying to get through the fence as opposed to just barking at it (and btw same dog chased down mine and attacked completely unprovoked a few months later while no where near it's property). And before you say 'but it didn't get through), the dog's stimulus was my dog, so by me bolting as fast as I can I removed the stimulus and the dog stopped trying to get through. If I'd been there for a while there's every chance it would have.

2. Large ~35-40kg powerful breed kept in an unfenced yard. The yard is raised approx 1.5 metres off the ground - dog can easily jump down but hasn't yet (Still young, not reached social maturity yet). Goes bananas at anyone going past. It at or above head height for people walking past.

I'll also link you to NSW Local Gov't Act Section 124 (7):

Orders requiring or prohibiting the doing of things to or on premises

To do what?: To fence land

In what circumstances?: Public health, safety or convenience renders it necessary or expedient to do so and there is no adequate fence between the land and a public place

To whom?: Owner or occupier of land

source

This can absolutely be used in the case of 2 (and I did use it, and they now have an adequate fence), and in the case of number 1, the individual Council would decide what constitutes 'adequate'. I would say the fence is not adequate and place the order if the owner did not modify it willingly (Not my case, but they did do so willingly).

ETA: I'll also add that in states other than NSW where individual Councils can introduce bylaws, most will have bylaws clearly stating what is considered 'adequate' fencing for the size of dog it is containing and will take action if it does not meet that critera, regardless of whether the dog has escaped.

Edited November 9, 2012 by melzawelza

[mixeduppup]

So if there is a pack of pitbulls behind a 1ft fence Luke GSP, they rush you and your dog but if they don't cross the fence line then it's all roses?

There's a yard full of hunting dog crosses on a route I used to take into the town, I had to change my route as the fence just didn't seem adequate and I was a bit scared. But technically they're not doing anything wrong but I think fence height needs to be a consideration and fence type for that matter. Chicken wire is hardly adequate for a lot of those heavier set and determined breeds.

My council specifically says that fencing needs to be adequate (ie can't jump over the fence or fit under it). Sure, there are times when things are a close call, but star picket fencing or a low fence isn't enough to contain a large dog. Common sense really.

Most fences around here are star picked chicken wire, about 5 ft high and most dogs are freaking HUGE! I actually have brought it up with the council as loose dogs are a real problem in town and we regularly have loose hunting and working dogs roaming the streets. One of the big reasons we put up the back fence was this. You see where these dogs are kept and it's not adequate fencing, but instead of fixing the fence they just chain or cage them all the time.

[Greytmate]

A dog can only be proved to be "inadequately contained" IF it actually gets out.

If you live in Brisbane and the council thinks your dog might get out, it can issue you with a fencing notice and you have 21 days to comply or they can seize the dog. All it takes is one neighbour to do a written complaint saying that their fear that the dog is able to escape because the fence is too low or of inadequate construction. The fencing order calls for a similar height and construction as a pool fence.

Where I live there are heaps of dogs in front yards who carry on very aggressively. I don't report them, but I would hate it if my dog carried on like that and disturbed the peace of the neighbourhood. I would be embarrassed to be such a pain to the people who live around me.

[HazyWal]

I've just realised after reading this thread that I don't know of any dogs around my area that are in the front yard. There is a kelpie at the end of the street that sits up on the front deck and he gives me a fright every time when he barks at us as we walk past. I know he's there, we have a bit of a stare off as we get closer. I know his name though (the owners are lovely) so I just call out " hello Wonga" and he stops and wags his tail...little bugger.

[melzawelza]

I've just realised after reading this thread that I don't know of any dogs around my area that are in the front yard. There is a kelpie at the end of the street that sits up on the front deck and he gives me a fright every time when he barks at us as we walk past. I know he's there, we have a bit of a stare off as we get closer. I know his name though (the owners are lovely) so I just call out " hello Wonga" and he stops and wags his tail...little bugger.

That's cute as :laugh:

[Greytmate]

Some of the dogs that live in our area are trained, so if I tell them to sit, they do, and they shut up. Then I praise them. It's handy to try this if ever a dog is being noisy and annoying as you walk past.

[melzawelza]

A dog can only be proved to be "inadequately contained" IF it actually gets out.

Where I live there are heaps of dogs in front yards who carry on very aggressively. I don't report them, but I would hate it if my dog carried on like that and disturbed the peace of the neighbourhood. I would be embarrassed to be such a pain to the people who live around me.

Exactly re: Brisbane Council's bylaws. Most Councils (except NSW) will have something similar.

Would you report them if the fencing they were behind was crappy? I think that's the distinction we're trying to make. I'd never report a dog going bananas behind adequate fencing. That's what dogs do.

[Greytmate]

Would you report them if the fencing they were behind was crappy? I think that's the distinction we're trying to make. I'd never report a dog going bananas behind adequate fencing. That's what dogs do.

I would report if I felt the dog could get out and attack because the fence was deteriorating.

But if the fence is ok, I will leave it up to the neighbours of that dog to complain if the noise is excessive. I wonder how some people put up with living next door to some of these dogs. I wouldn't leave a dog in a front yard where it will feel that its territory is being threatened by people walking past in the street. Poor dogs and poor neighbours.

[melzawelza]

Would you report them if the fencing they were behind was crappy? I think that's the distinction we're trying to make. I'd never report a dog going bananas behind adequate fencing. That's what dogs do.

I would report if I felt the dog could get out and attack because the fence was deteriorating.

But if the fence is ok, I will leave it up to the neighbours of that dog to complain if the noise is excessive. I wonder how some people put up with living next door to some of these dogs. I wouldn't leave a dog in a front yard where it will feel that its territory is being threatened by people walking past in the street. Poor dogs and poor neighbours.

Yep, agree completely. If there's very little risk of the dog actually escaping, then it's of no concern to me.

[tdierikx]

So if there is a pack of pitbulls behind a 1ft fence Luke GSP, they rush you and your dog but if they don't cross the fence line then it's all roses?

Why is it always the "pitbulls" or larger breed types that get such a bagging in these sort of threads?

Seriously - if there were one or more swfs in an inadequately fenced yard threatening to get out and do me or my dogs harm, I'd be just as narked off as if the dogs were of a larger breed.

Funnily enough, around our way, it's more likely that it will be the swfs that will have a go... not the larger breeds...

... and don't give me that malarkey about smaller dogs doing less damage so it's more acceptable for them to be nasty... it's not!

T.

[melzawelza]

So if there is a pack of pitbulls behind a 1ft fence Luke GSP, they rush you and your dog but if they don't cross the fence line then it's all roses?

Why is it always the "pitbulls" or larger breed types that get such a bagging in these sort of threads?

Seriously - if there were one or more swfs in an inadequately fenced yard threatening to get out and do me or my dogs harm, I'd be just as narked off as if the dogs were of a larger breed.

Funnily enough, around our way, it's more likely that it will be the swfs that will have a go... not the larger breeds...

... and don't give me that malarkey about smaller dogs doing less damage so it's more acceptable for them to be nasty... it's not!

T.

I think Megan was saying that because Luke GSP has been on a rampage in quite a few threads recently about 'pitbulls' (50kg ones apparently) initially and then all large breed owners needing to take many more precautions than other dog owners because their dogs are more powerful (which I actually didn't disagree with at all, once he wasn't only singling out 'pit bulls' and was addressing ALL large dogs).

I think Megan, like me, picked up that that seemed to be in direct contradiction to his posts in this thread. Correct me if I'm wrong Megan.

Edited for clarity.

Edited November 9, 2012 by melzawelza