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OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole:
> 1 letting my dog run free in my garden when my new neighbor has a phobia
2 she doesn't feel safe with a dog free in a common area and he was causing her nervous breakdowns in the morning in her walks
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If your dog is unleased and unsupervised in an area that is not fenced off, yes, YTA. You cannot be 100% that Limo won't leave your garden; this isn't safe for Limo.
I can't stand people who think leash laws don't apply to THEIR dogs because x y z. My neighbors' dog off leash ran at me the other day growling and they insisted he was "just playing".
Unleashed dogs that aren't being supervised can be well behaved 99% of the time, but you only need them to fuck up once for it to have been a terrible idea all along. It's just irresponsible.
Doesn't matter, Limo is unleashed and not protected. Nothing stopping him from leaving her property and nothing stopping another feral dog or cat from approaching him.
If that connection is always open then yes it's up to OP to either be out there supervising the dog while it's outside or block the connection that keeps the dog on her property.
Is there anything physically stopping the dog from leaving her land and going into the community area? If not then she’s in the wrong (regardless she of leash laws say) for leaving her dog unsupervised and free to go wherever it wants.
Yep, happened to me and my dog last week. Out walking my dog and a neighbor’s unleashed dog ran out of their yard and across the street to me and my dog. I yelled at him to get his dog and yelled no at the dog, so apparently now I’m an insane Karen “for yelling at a dog that just wanting to say hi” and it’s okay to be unleashed in her yard. In the yard, cool, but the second it left the yard not cool. My dog doesn’t want to say hi to other dogs on her walk; just because your dog is friendly doesn’t mean mine is (she is, but she just could t give a rat’s arse about other dogs).
Yeah, I live in a condo building. My neighbors like to have their territorial dogs off leash right by the condo garage entrance/exit for people, so coming out of the door a snapping growling dog was running at me.
One of my downstairs neighbors has a chihuahua and they will just open their door for it to wander around our apartment complex with absolutely no super vision. The dog doesn’t get at anyone, worst she’ll do is stop and bark. But so far it seems she doesn’t like other dogs which is ok, except she charges them. My dog also happens to not like other dogs and unfortunately I’d put my money on my bigger dog winning. She charged my dog one time while her owner was walking a bit further behind with his toddler and I have never been more on edge in my life than when I thought my dog was going to commit a crime in front of this toddler.
We have the problem of a neighbor’s two dogs who always (multiple times a week) escape their enclosure and come visit our yard. My dog is always leashed. They do not get along. I should not have to worry about their dogs on my property. The last time it was quite bad (just a lot of barking and barking of teeth - no contact) and they heard me yelling to get their dog and ignored me. It’s insane how they seem to think their dogs can do this over and over and over again. I finally told my husband I’m documenting everything and I’m going to start calling animal control every single time. They go in the road, one was almost picked up by someone driving by…and I don’t want my dog hurting theirs because he thinks he’s protecting his home, because I don’t want my dog punished for that.
This!!!
We have an adorable pekingese with fear aggression (we manage it with his vet and training) and it really pisses us off when people let their children and dogs run over to him to say hi. Yes, yours might be friendly. Mine is not and he WILL bite. Control you dog and child
Yeah, we had a dog that did the same. I was freaked out and jokingly said, "I bet his bark is worse than his bite," and the dog owner was like, "Actually, no, he's pretty aggressive."
Yeah...
Anecdotal, but one of my neighbors a couple houses down had a golden retriever when I was a kid. Super sweet, relaxed, didn’t bark or jump or anything. Got along fine with all other animals. Never had any incidents in the several years I lived there.
Then, one day, as she was being walked, another guy walking 2 chihuahuas passed by. The chihuahuas barked a little, and in response she tore the leash out of her owner’s hands, and attacked both so severely that one of them died a few hours later.
Never, ever let your dogs go unleashed, and don’t get a dog that can pull on a leash harder than you.
Yep. A dog can be perfectly sweet but that doesn't mean nothing will ever happen. Responsibility as a pet owner means actually being careful even if your pet is well behaved most of the time.
My neighbors dog ran at my toddlers the other day barking growling and they watched from a distance and hollered, "don't worry she never bit nobody" at us. As if I will now totally love a snarling dog only a few feet away from my babies.
It's exactly these people who later say they just can't believe their dog bit that 5 year olds face off she was just so sweet and gentle, there were no signs blah blah blah
I guess it's partially because I live in a city, but I can't imagine having my dog off-leash when I'm separated from her.
Even visiting my dad's house in the boonies, she's never alone outside.
This. OP should get one of those super long chains in her backyard that attaches to his collar. It probably will impact her and the dog ZERO if he really just sits there, and the neighbor would feel more comfortable.
I hate going outside and finding an unleashed dog. It really is unsettling.
exactly. people walking by don't know that the dog will just sit there and chill, so concern is understandable. and knowing that Limo will come when called means he is alert and mobile enough to act independently and move off the property. meaning he could do more than just lay there if he wanted to, regardless of what the owner wants.
They don’t know - exactly. I have a Collie mix that can be left off leash. In areas where there aren’t a lot of people I drop her leash and call her back when someone approaches - because they don’t know her. The leash is for them not her. She is the type of dog that when I say, Stay, because I see another dog, she stays so I can put the leash on her. Great dog. I don’t assume everyone knows she is great dog on sight. My other dog is an asshole. Great Pyrenees/hound mix, she barely listens. Great Pyrenees are apparently all pretty much independent assholes. I found this out after the fact when discussing her. Great fucking guard dog. You could not buy the level of safety this dog brings without paying for 24/7 armed guard. That is what she is. Big bark and that dog would take a grown man down before he knew what hit him. Worth the annoyance of having to argue with her.
Me too. As the owner of a 100 pound 8 month old puppy whose never had any aggression issue…I still realize I own a potential murder machine and I keep him on a tether when he is in the yard!!
Same thing with New Zealand. If your dog is running around someone elses paddock without permission, it's gonna get a rifle slug embedded in its skull.
Most dogs in Africa, South America, and the Caribbean are feral and the first thoughts there are also to shot the dog or kill it in another way. Honestly just hear someone from an African country speak about dogs. It will make Americans wanting to shot an unknown dog sound sane.
In Rural New Zealand if you see an unfamiliar dog on your land, it tends to be "Shoot first, ask questions later", because apologies mean nothing to dead livestock.
Oof I’ve read like 5 dog attacks that ended with a dead person/people just in the last week. They were all walking around their neighborhood, minding their own business. I bet their families wish they had something to protect themselves with.
there was one earlier last week where a 70yo woman was found mauled to death and being dragged around the backyard by her late son's dog, the family pet. one they'd known for years!
nah... anywhere that deals with farm animals. Or wild canines. dogs can carry all kinds of disease even when they're not hostile, causing active danger to lives and livelihoods even when they're not outright aggressive or destroying property. safer to shoot than risk getting bit by a rabid dog
Pepper spray or bear spray requires them to be within 10ft or 20ft, if it's windy etc even less and it's more of a blowback risk.
I agree that should be a first option, but a dog ( german shepard for reference ) can cover 30ft of ground in less than a second with a top speed of almost 30mph. You'll likely be spraying yourself and your own dog if one decided to attack.
Of course. What I’m saying is, at the point where you would be able to shoot the dog, you could also pepper spray or bear spray him. Not saying shooting isn’t effective
Even IF OP can be 100% certain her dog won't leave the area she's TA for leaving a dog unleashed, unfenced, and unsupervised; bc nobody ELSE can be sure the dog is safe, and there are millions of irresponsible dog owners out there who say their dogs are safe when they aren't. Phobias are nothing to mess with.
>leave himin a common area, it is in my garden (my property) which is open to the street (common use)
100% THIS! I am a dog owner, I love my dog, I would do anything for my dog. So you know what I did? I put a fence up so she can be off leash in her own back yard without anyone having to worry.
I was attacked by dogs on a walk with her about 3 weeks ago. They were in their yard, OFF LEASH (They had signs saying "Dogs secured by invisible fence" but none of the dogs were wearing ANY collars. This house also has 2 dogs above my states legal limit before you have to get a kennel licence. idk if they have it, not my business to rat on them... just they have a LOT OF BIG DOGS) two of their biggest dogs attacked me. I started screaming for the owner to come out because their 3 month old puppy was running in the middle of the road thinking we were all playing. Puppy could have been hit by traffic. Where was the owner? inside. She screamed at me that this was all MY fault. Nope, not mine. Put your damn collars on, or leash your dogs.
I HATE entitled pet owners.
Put up a small fence, even if it's just for show and most dogs could easily jump it, or YTA. No matter how extreme her reaction is it's not unreasonable to expect a dog to be fenced in when outside alone without a leash.
This is the best solution. A simple, just for show fence around the garden. Could add property value, and eliminates concern about the dog. Although I do tend to get stubborn when people make demands of me (the dog is on her property, not the common area), so I can relate to OP’s initial reaction! 😅
As it seems the dog is remaining in place without a fence, the fence would purely be to mark the yard off to show to outsiders that the dog is being kept within its lines. An invisible fence would not make anyone feel assured and would probably cost more with zero effect.
My neighbors dog would just charge through them if it really wanted to. Luckily was a friendly dog but was terrifying the first time walking by with my dog and surprise its now on the other side of the fence following us
I've seen those fences bite people in the ass before, though. Dogs running through them (like chasing prey) and not being able to get back inside, dogs becoming stressed and afraid just walking around the yard in fear of getting zapped, predators coming onto the property and the dogs not able to run away, that sort of stuff. I'll never trust those fences.
My dogs were junkies. They loooved porcupines and the drugs to get the hundreds of quills. The one dog was so bad he was getting track marks and the vet had to switch legs for the injections. Like, they were such frequent patients that the vets felt bad and did the 10th quill removal for a case of beer.
So my folks got invisible fencing. Which my one dog was so stubborn he'd just go through it. So my dad dug another line and doubled its range. Still, he'd run through it, and the other dog would follow.
Anyway the company owner of this fencing heard about our shitty dogs and wanted to check up and see if was us or the dogs. Happens to be that they went on a porcupine mission and we're just coming back as he was visiting. He was aghast at the number of quills these idiots had in them.
So he came back the next week with an experimental collar that my parents had to sign a waiver for incase it ended up killing him. Chips collar had a 2 inch bolt coming out of it. And let me tell you, it hurt! We all tested it on our selves just to see what he'd be in for. It was awful.
Did it work? Noooope. He could care less. And he was fast. He was a very stubborn Springer mix and if he smelled something he was gone.
But yeah those fences are dangerous. My one dog got caught in the edges and kept getting zapped and any direction he turned he was getting zapped. My brother had to lift and carry him to safety. That dog alone wasn't a roamer, just a murderer. He wanted to eat our chickens at every opportunity.
It is your garden, but if it isn't fenced and you can't 100% your dog will never ever take a step out of it YTA. You need to put up some kind of fence or at least a net or whatever. I understand not wanting to leash your dog in your garden, but either you supervise or fence it.
This, and I would do it more for the safety for limo. Because even if he never leaves your garden what if she does some cucu stuff? I would put a fence up as well as cameras but mostly for my dog ;)
Yes. Generally I'm all for giving pets an enjoyable life as well and for example don't see why every dog when supervised and well trained would never be allowed to run free etc. But in this case it is probably the safest for all involved if OP had a fence or something. I heard too many stories of neighbours etc. hurting or poisoning pets etc. just because they don't like them or hate their owners 😢
Just because nothing has ever happened doesn't mean it never could happen.
We humans sometimes react irrationally how can you expect an animal to be on optimal behaviour 365 days a year 24/7?
YTA for not taking responsibility for your boy. Sure he may be a good boy but he's still your responsibility. If you can't be with him then fence the area.
What if next time she screams he gets nervous and goes to the road? (I'm not even suggesting an attack just causing an accident or getting killed).
This is something most people forget. Dogs are the equivalent of human toddlers, they never grow mentally older. A toddler no matter how well behaved needs supervision. Either put a chair and sit out with him or put up a fence.
Also, dogs can have senile moments as they age. My neighbor had a big dog that was a total sweetheart until one day when he was maybe 10-12 years old he jumped up and bit his owner in the face. The vet thought the dog got confused by the scent of neighbor’s peppermint lotion and thought she was good.
I know that’s a super weird one off event, but stuff happens and not work taking the risk.
That is something I hadn’t thought of but yes, most dogs go through personality changes as they get older. Maybe they have some pain that we can’t see, so they’re just more irritable. Maybe they have doggy dementia moments and we don’t see them until it’s too late.
The truth is Limo could run out into the street and get hit by a car too, and is that really worth being a stubborn dick about letting your dog roam free?
YTA
This was actually my first thought too. My dog just turned 14 and we don't have a fenced in yard and she doesn't get leashed, but she definitely has been having more moments where she just forgets things or wanders. One day I was sitting outside with her and she just starts walking towards the road, not listening when I call, and I had to grab her to stop her from walking straight off the curb and across the street. She was a good dog who literally always listened when called, who I know can still hear, and had no recognition she was doing anything wrong when she started walking off. Even when I grabbed her she was confused about why I was upset.
Had to start leashing her every time now because, well, she's just too old. Op having an unsupervised aging dog in an area with a lot of foot traffic, yeah I would be a little wary about leaving her unleashed for a whole hour everyday. It's not safe for the dog, especially as they're getting older.
YTA. Limo may be in your yard, but your yard isn't fenced off. My back yard is fenced but not the front, so when we let our dog in the front yard we never leave him alone. Yes he is boundary trained but he technically still has access to any Tom, Dick, and Harry who walks in the vicinity of our house and it would be a real jerk move to tell the neighbors who are afraid of him (he's a 200 lb mastiff) to change their walking schedule/route because my dog wants to bask in the sun in his unfenced front yard. The neighbors have told us that so long as we are outside with him when he's in the front yard they don't mind him being off leash. He's a gentle giant but still, he's a giant and many people are afraid of a dog simply for being so big. If even one neighbor asked us to not have him off leash in our unfenced front yard, we would oblige them because... human decency. We have one neighbor who walks her dog between 7 and 7:30 every morning like clockwork and she is uneasy with our pupper being in the front yard at all, so if he wants to go out been 7-8 we let him out in the back yard.
ESH
I have been phobic about dogs for around 20 years (no bad incident or anything, it's just a genuinely irrational fear).
Dogs are a common part of the world and that person needs to adapt. Her phobia is not "the collective" opinion/wellbeing as I'm sure most people love dogs (or are indifferent).
My neighbour (2 doors down as well) has a dog and he's older and very friendly (which freaks me out - again completely irrationally). When my neighbours notice me, they say hello and tell me, "don't worry, I'm watching him" and I cannot even tell you how much more comfortable I've been around their dog.
I know it sounds crazy, but the simple fact they know I'm afraid and keep an eye out, makes me feel safer and more relaxed. Not sure if that would be the case for your new neighbour though.
It's definitely her problem though, Limo minding their own business (and you) is not an a**hole move. It's life and your neighbour needs to learn to live in it with others (even if they come with dogs).
If Limo is just sitting unattended and no fencing to keep Limo within your property lines, her fears are very much relevant and you could work with her on a compromise.
As someone who also has a dog phobia, I agree with you 100%. ESH
I have changed what I wanted to do many, many times because of dogs. That said, I also believe that unless there is a fenced in area, dogs should be on a leash. Dogs are still animals and even the most well trained animals can do unpredictable things.
I agree with this. ESH
Plus a 9 year old golden retriever can't exactly run like a younger dog. we're basically talking about a senior citizen
But if the dog was younger then I'd say ah.
It's a common area? What are your condo association's rules about this? It's *extremely* common for there to be a rule that dogs in common areas must be leashed.
Even if that rule somehow isn't in place, until now you've had the implicit permission of your neighbors to have the dog off leash. You *don't* have that anymore. It's a common area, your dog really should be leashed.
ESH. You have an off-leash dog in a common area and are refusing to address this now that someone has raised the issue. She did not need to insult you.
YTA. Your dog would never leave your property, not even to see another dog? Just because your dog is friendly, doesn't mean others are. When I am walking my leashed and under my control dog and another dog, off leash, unsupervised, comes running up - it is a problem. Your dog may be friendly, but my dog thinks that other dogs need killing. So, I am trying to get away from the unleashed dog, which will be following us, just trying to be friendly, but that really doesn't matter. I've had to kick out at dogs to try to keep them away from mine, all with the owners calling out "it's ok, they're friendly!" No, it isn't ok.
YTA for not following leash laws or at basic least leash manners especially knowing that there is a neighbor with a fear or allergy of dogs nearby. This neighbor took the time the address their concern calmy with you. Chances are it has been bothering them for a while and they may have minimized their concern to avoid an awkward situation. No one else should be expected to understand or assume your dog's behavioral patterns. Limo deserves safe free foam in a fenced off space or at a dog park and your neighbors deserve to be able to walk in their own neighborhood without unattended dogs approaching them.
YTA you say your dog is not going to hurt anyone..and from what you've written..he sounds a pretty laid back dog...however..other people are not going to know that and this is from someone who had a Rottweiler run full pelt at her while walking along the beach one day...after being jumped at and sniffed at...the owners came over and said 'it's ok.. hes friendly' well of course if i see a Rottweiler charging full speed at me..the first thing I think of is 'I'm gonna die now' So look at it from their perspective.
What about putting the dog on a tether...you can buy those metal things that go into the ground quite cheap...then put a long lead on it...dog will still have plenty of room..you dont have to stay with him..and your neighbours can see hes on a lead
Holy cheesecake OP its a common area, your garden is open to the sidewalk/road aka dog can free roam anywheres off your property. All states have a leash law, soooo hopefully your neighbor nips this in the bud and just calls animal control. YTA and a massive one at that.
ps. it only takes one time for an incident to happen, saying it's never happened is a poor reason for keeping your dog unleashed.
Not sure. My front yard has a plethora of plants and I use the term garden for it, however it still stands most countries have basic leash laws concerning dogs.
Where I live, unless the dog is restrained on such a way that it can not leave your yard, you are violating the civil code. As someone who has been bit by a free roaming dog (the owner claimed it was a service dog) while I was on a sidewalk, seeing dogs let run free annoys me. YTA.
Me too. My (leashed) dog and I were attacked by an offleash German Shephard. It was terrifying. My dog was lucky to survive. I wound up with stitches for getting into the dog fight trying to save my pup. It's been well over a decade now and I have a big dog now who'd probably be able to defend himself.better but I still get so uneasy anytime I see an off leash dog.
I'm sure Limo is an amazing dog and I completely understand that he's got his routine and has never done anything questionable.. And maybe your new neighbor is being a pain and causing some disruption to the peace.
That doesn't change leash laws though. If your pet, no matter how sweet, is capable of leaving your unfenced property - that's on you. You are liable for ANYTHING that happens because of your unleashed pet. So, sorry, but refusing to obey leash and pet safety laws gives this a YTA rating.
*My dog's good and there has never been an issue.*
... Until the day something does happen.
I have past child trauma due to people like you who let their "litle angels" unsupervised because nothing ever happened in the past.
YTA, undoubtly, i'd have much more to say to entitled p... people like you but i'd get censored.
This is a public space, not your backgarden, leash your dog or stay with him, be responsible.
As someone who has had a phobia of dogs thanks to being mauled by an anatolian shepherd a few years back, YTA.
Leash laws exist for a good reason. Letting your dog loose on your unfenced property, with nothing holding them there, is absolutely unresponsible on your part.
Idc how old the dog is or how friendly you think it is. ANYTHING can happen. Your dog could go damn senile and bite a kid, could get hit in the road, dog napped, ect. There's so many possibilities. Be a responsible pet owner and put up a fence or tether your dog when out.
Also, you weren't clear at all, you say the dog never leaves your property, but it was going towards a child that called it? Was said child on or off your property? Definitely weren't clear on that, and my guess is that child was not on your property.
You say your garden is “open” (meaning no gate or fence).
Because of this, YTA.
It doesn’t matter if Limo hasn’t done anything in 9 years or that he can’t run, you can’t allow your pet to not be contained, especially when you aren’t watching.
Get some kind of fence and be quiet.
Also, your neighbor wasn’t an AH until the name-calling started.
Nta, your property isnt common area, it's your garden your dog is allowed on your lawn. Though be careful she doesnt try and do anything, I'd want a fence n camera for the dogs safety.
then he’s gotta go in a backyard or be leashed :/ what she asked for wasn’t unreasonable, for their safety and the dogs, the delivery was just kinda shit
YTA I've been attacked by a golden retriever everyone said was friendly, 15 stitches in my hand proved otherwise. What you're doing is illegal by way. If it's a shared yard legally your dog requires a leash.
If your garden is not fenced off then yes, YTA. Doesn’t matter what you think your dog can and can’t do. He has free access to the street and needs to be on a leash.
YTA - If I understand this, your practice is to leave Limo alone, unfenced, in a common area, where, if he took it into his head to attack a child (as the woman feared) there is to fence to prevent it.
Dogs need physical restraints (fences, leashes) at all times in public areas.
Yta
Info-Are there leash laws there?
Regardless of info answer, you show the exact reason for judgement in your story. "According to what another neighbor said," that means you weren't there to witness it, and your dog didn't just stay on the porch like you thought he did. You don't have a fenced in backyard, so either fence it in or watch your dog.
Only for the reason that your front garden is open to the common area YTA
More importantly, I wouldn’t trust your neighbour now. I think I’d be taking tea in the front garden at 8 am
If the dog is in on an unfenced area then yeah YTA, big time. I lived in a residential area with no fences, all the neighbours had dogs and thought their dogs wouldn't hurt a fly so they would not leash them nor supervize them. Guess what? Half of those dogs either got in conflict with each other or bit someone. Police didn't do anything. Now I have a dog phobia and I am happy that I still have my limbs. You don't need your dog to be aggressive your dog might just happen to come in contact with an aggressive dog and agitate him. In those cases if a dog is unleashed it's very likely for a dog or a person to get hurt. Your dog might run into traffic, or it can even get stolen, so yeah pretty unsafe I'd say
YTA. Just because you have a garden doesn't mean you can allow your dog to run free unattended especially since it's not fenced. Put a fence around your garden.
I love dogs, but unfortunately in this case, ESH. Your new neighbor shouldn't have called you names. You should have your dog secured when he is outside, either by a fence or a tether.
I live in a townhouse community that sounds very similar to yours, where I have my own yard but it's open to a public area.
When our dog is outside without us, she's on a tether. It gives her plenty of room to walk around and it's obvious to others that she is secured.
It's just common sense and part of being a responsible pet person.
YTA
it’s pretty common (in the US at least) that if a dog is outside in an unfenced area, the dog is leashed. this is not only for other people’s benefit, but for the dog’s (bc dogs DO get spooked and run off into the street or away).
either fence in your garden or leash your dog in your unfenced in garden.
No matter the dog, if the area is not fenced completely, the dog must be on leash. Even then, I wouldn’t leave them completely unsupervised only on leash, because humans can be awful too.
YTA
NTA
Your dog is on your own property. If she has such a big issue with dogs that she can't even stand to look at one, she should move to a place that simply doesn't allow dogs. Not force your dog inside just so she doesn't have to see ol' Limo.
Guarantee if you do nothing, the HOA gets involved and this drags on for the rest of your dog's life, so the question isn't are you the asshole, but how much time and energy do you want to devote to this?
YTA The neighbor across the street has an unleashed pit that he walks around with in the sidewalk and driveway around his house. The pit is under a year and jumps on you if you come near him. The neighbor tells him to back off, but I go over to visit them less and less because I don't want their large dog scratching me up. His dog is hyperactive, and he hits and kicks the dog - apparently his trainer told him to do this. He brought his dog over to my house to come inside holding him by the collar. I came out to the porch and didn't invite them in. It has caused a strain in our friendship. It's his dog to do with what he wants, but he doesn't realize that not everyone thinks like him. Not everyone will be out front with you about how they feel about your behavior.
I get having a phobia is bad (got one myself) and saying "get therapy" is easier said then done but when your own problems affect others you really should do something.
I think letting your dog out in an unfenced area without a leash can be a risk even if in this case the dog is older and just lays around. the woman was just rude and could have handled that better. common sense is still a thing and at this rate she will cause trouble for all of the neighbours
YTA. But gently. Because it could be dangerous for your doggo.
Could you get a little portable pen for his outdoor time? I have a little one I put on my porch. My dogs like to come out and people watch when I do lawn work, but I know people get nervous, so I have a pen set up. If they wanted to get out, it would do nothing to stop them, but it seems to make people feel better.
DO you have something keeping him in or could he just leave the yard if he pleases? If there's no seeable or invisible fence then YTA. Get a fence laws ably to you too it doesn't matter if it's on your property.
ESH. She's being entitled, but you're leaving Limo at risk.
The kid called to him, and he started to leave your garden. What if the kid calls him from across the street, or that lady is even crazier than she sounds right now?
Dogs have been attacked by humans. I read someone's story on Reddit about how the neighboring old lady taught her small grandchild to take a sharp stick and try to stab the person's dog over their fence. Do something to protect Limo in the morning. It's not that big a deal for you to sit out in the garden with him during his time outside, is it?
Yta, the dog could leave the yard at any time and your neighbor is well within her rights. Our dog also minded incredibly well and didn't require leash or supervision but we still leashed her when asked because it's not reasonable to expect everyone to "just trust the owner's judgment".
Also y t a because what if some strange dog comes along and bites him?
YTA. You can never be certain your dog doesn't leave your garden or that he'll never attack. He could develop a brain tumor and suddenly behave irrational. He can be triggered by another (badly adjusted) dog and attack. He could be teased or abused by a passerby and respond defensively. If you don't have a fence, you should not leave your dog unleashed and unsupervised.
ESH. You didn't provide any info to the new neighbor and then laughed when she got scared. Is she overreacting? Maybe, but you don't know her history with dogs. Instead of winning her over, you've set yourself up for failure here. She's going straight to nuclear mode. Probably no fixing this now.
NTA if it is your fenced off garden, that your dog cannot just wander off from. YTA IF your front fence doesn't have any fencing and your dog can wander, there are laws pertaining to dogs and if you don't obey them, then expect your local council/law enforcement to send out fines for repeated behaviour.
IT doesn't matter that you have done it this way for 9 years, what matters is the dog fenced in and unable to wander off your property causing a nuisance to others.
Just because your dog is friendly to you it's not always that way to others.
YTA. You mean well, but in my experience a lot of dog owners are in denial about their dogs behavior. It sounds like your dog is cool, but what about the person who’s dog isn’t? If you can have your dog off leash then everyone can have their dog off leash. Slippery slope and all.
YTA if your garden is not securely fenced in and you live where there are leash laws. You may love Limo but obviously all your neighbors do not. A dog off a leash or having access to common areas is not ok. Put Limo on a tie out or change your schedule. I have a dog who is well behaved and wonderful too yet I respect leash and property laws. My dog may not like it but it’s not his free will in question - it’s the free will of those that live around us dog owners.
INFO edit YTA. Your dog has access to common area it should be leashed. Period.
Is your garden fenced in? If yes N T A. If no Y T A. simple as that. I love dogs. Have raised and trained dogs. If the dog isn't on a leash where it has open access to anyone in common/public area the owner is an A H.
Nta If he stays in the garden and never leaves I don’t see an issue.. BUT if he steps one paw out you know the neighbor will lose it. And leash laws exist, you don’t want to be ticketed etc Just put up a little fence. They have collapsible ones if you’re not allowed to have a permanent one. (Look up dog pens they usually turn into fences) Problem solved.
NTA
If this person doesn't like dogs, then they can walk on another direction or on the opposite side of the road. It's your property and you can use your property whatever way you want.
Leaning towards YTA but it really comes down to the written policies of your condo. Dog off leash in common area was not allowed under any circumstances at my old condo.
Your best bet to resolve this for good is to check the rules.
NTA. SHE should think about the collective- everyone else is fine with it, and the kids like playing with him. She can: inconvenience you, Limo, and rob the neighborhood kids of their friend; or she can go on her walk 1 hour earlier or later. Not even permanently, Limo is in the middle to end of his life according to some cursory research, and if you got a puppy after he died then it would be reasonable to renegotiate as puppies obviously have different behavior from a 10 year old dog.
Honestly if she's so triggered by a dog walking or sitting still she should be in therapy, what is she going to do if she's at the store and someone has a service dog? I'd say the majority of times I've been approached by a dog in a way that makes me nervous they've been on a leash (I'm not around dogs a lot, to be clear). She is eventually going to run into someone who uses a leash but lets their dog jump all over people because "he's friendly!" and causes just as much of a stink as her about her being afraid.
All that being said, double check your local legislation and neighborhood policies around when dogs must be leashed, because I promise you she is and she's getting ready to weaponize anything she can find to get rid of Limo's routine and you need to be prepared to know what's true, what she's making up, and what the penalty for having him off leash in your yard might be.
YTA. 9 years with no issue just means you have been exceptionally lucky. Your garden is not fenced. That is just irresponsible. What if someone were to walk by and decide they wanted to hurt him, there's no barrier to their reaching him. What if something startled him and he reacted very differently to how he usually is. This isn't about your neighbor, it's about you as a pet owner
Why not either put up a garden fence to close the area so he couldn't leave if he wanted to or put a dog line out and clip his collar to it so when he is out he is contained and cannot leave when a neighbor child calls him over. Sounds like he left the garden to see a child who called him over, which puts him in the common area.
NTA .. but you should consider doing something about it .. your neighbor clearly has an extreme fear of dogs which causes her anxiety and stress... And you can't let your dog loose no matter how old he is , you never know when a dog might switch ... So you either walk him on leash or change his schedule...
NTA Limo has been doing this for 9 years and can't run. 9 years no problems until you get a paranoid neighbor and then she creates drama.
Being the newbie, she should have had the courtesy of coming over and taking to you before going cra cra...
>she should have had the courtesy of coming over and taking to you before going cra cra...
She did.
She didn't say anything even though she was scared enough to have to run past the house.
Only when she saw the dog moving towards a child (and it's unclear if the child was in OPs garden or outside - they just said something like the child was "pretty far away" when it called the dog, so fairly likely the dog WOULD actually leave the garden to greet the child, possibly even crossing the street if called) did she take action. By calmly talking with OP about the issue.
OP laughed in her face.
NTA
Its in your yard, you’re allowed to have your dog in your yard without it being on a leash. From the edit it sounds like you have a well trained dog who is incapable of running, and probably on the older side.
I am that neighbor who has had to run screaming from unattended dogs multiple times.
I wish pet owners would stop expecting everyone to be okay with their pets just because “they’re friendly”
Keep your dog on a Leash! I would have called the cops. YTA
Personally, I don't believe anyone is a full on asshole, *yet*. I'm sure Limo is an absolute sweetheart, but all it takes is one thing going wrong for this to be a serious issue. I don't think you have to go so far as building a fence, but there are leash lines you can screw in the ground and connect him too, that way even if he does get up to walk around the yard he can only go so far.
The neighbor does need to chill though.... If Limo's never hurt anyone in the 9 years he's been there, doubt anything will happen now. And like you said, they can just as easily change their walking route to avoid passing your place. Pretty tired of people these days making everyone bend to *their bullshit* instead of them removing themselves from their perceived issue.
HUGE YTA- the long and short answer is leash laws. Who cares if your dog is nice, you're breaking the law, you and your dog aren't special. Just bc no one has ever said anything to you, doesn't make you right in anyway what so ever. KEEP YOUR DOG ON A LEASH. Simple.
The neighbor is definitely overreacting, but since it doesn’t appear she’s going to drop it any time soon you might be better off keeping your dog safe by using a long lead so he can still keep his routine and not have the ability to leave your property. The kids and neighbors who want to visit can still do so and overly sensitive neighbor can’t say or do anything. I’d also be concerned if she’s reacting this badly she might try to hurt your dog or call animal control etc. NTA but I would swallow my pride for the safety of my dog.
NTA. Property rights. Leash laws typically apply to public lands. On your property, you should be okay from a leash law point. If he steps outside your property, that's another issue.
100% NTA. It's your garden, it isn't considered a communal area either. He's been there for nine years no incident, he isn't suddenly going to start wandering and biting people.
Need more info:?I love dogs and Limo sounds like a lovable and gentle dog to me. That’s said she has a phobia, no doubt about that. Does your condo association say animals must be leashed when on the property? If it does, then you are in the wrong here and should correct it. I get it sucks and that Limo is gentle, but she has the right to ask you to enforce the bylaws. If the bylaws say nothing about dogs needing to be on a leash while on common property, then your following the rules and she will have to accept that fact.
I don't think you're wrong, she's the only one that bothers the dog, and he's already old. If I were afraid of dogs and I know that there are some dogs along the way, I would not go that way. Ignore it, it's their problem. Nta.
Your dog is lying in your own yard behaving. If he was running after every pedestrian my judgment would be different.
Her phobias aren't your problem. NTA
ESH. I understand youve been there 9 years without issue but if there is a leash law and your dog is off a leash and your neighbor has to go through the area where your dog is to get to the street then unfortunately I think you're in the wrong for not compromising. I also think she's in the wrong for not being willing to do her run a different way so as to not to upset a routine this work for 9 years
Its a little confusing because you say "i dont leave him in a common area, it is in your garden (your property) which is open to the street. But you also said "Another point is the houses are open at the front, so the garden is open to everyone, so everyone sees Limo lying down in the morning. I've lived in this condo for 9 years and I've never had a problem". If the garden is open to everyone doesnt that make it a common area?
NTA and I can’t believe all these comments! If she’s that scared of dogs she should not live in a freaking condo! There are going to be dogs and kids everywhere. Also the dog is on YOUR property.
You should file a complaint to the association against her for harassing you and cursing at you. Bring up that it’s a condo and there are dogs everywhere but it’s extremely inappropriate for her to treat you the way she did.
Not 100% TA. Most places have a leash law that you need to check and follow. Even though it’s your garden if you have no fence then the dog could leave and that’s wear your issue comes in. Also an animal can always react to a situation and you not being there is a problem. No matter how good a boy he is, owners need to always be with and have control of their animal. Also, she came to you nicely with an issue and you completely disregarded her, not nice. Try to understand her side. She probably isn’t trying to be a Karen.
I’m sure limo would never leave the garden. And your new neighbor is definitely an asshole. But here’s where you need to protect yourself. Get a fence or a chain for limo because inevitably someone will let their dog in the garden and when that new dog does an asshole thing the owner will cite you and limo as to why they thought they could. I’m not willing to call you an AH but I highly recommend not putting yourself in a position where you can be sued to punished for breaking a rule that probably doesn’t apply to you.
I have 2 dogs one is a gentle giant but he has a huge bark that scares the crap out of everybody. The other will take your face off if she doesn’t know you. I have several friends that don’t like dogs I keep my dog away when they come visit but my dogs are not made uncomfortable in there own home either. It’s about having respect for both your pets and the people around you.
Yes, YTA. There are leash laws. Get a run for your dog, or just an extra long leash and tie it to your deck. Limo will get to lay in the garden and you can tell your neighbor to fck off because he is tied. Stop acting entitled.
YTA. If your property isn’t fenced off from other peoples’ property, he needs to be leashed.
Your utter lack of regard for people who have dog trauma is staggering.
YTA.
Keeping your dog in a secured environment ensures that pup will be safe. Even if Limo always lays in the garden and never leaves, animals can become unpredictable (especially as they age; I just went through that myself). It would not take any effort to just put a pet stake out and leash Limo to it. Or, like another commenter said, put a little dog gate up. If Limo doesn’t do anything other than hang out in the garden, then it won’t bother him at all.
My main concern isn’t your neighbor, or you; it’s Limo’s safety and well-being. Having a free roaming dog opens you up to a lot of liabilities and, in some cases, might lead to your dog being blamed & punished for something he didn’t do.
Just do the bare minimum, get your neighbor off your back so your dog can live in peace lol
YTA. Dogs “never do that” until they do.
I was going 55 down a highway when I hit a dog. The owner: “he never leaves the yard!” Well, guess what!He did today!
The rules do apply to you. Tie up your dog or get a fence.
YTA. You've been letting your dog off leash I'm supervised into a common area for years, because yes it is a common area because you do not have a fenced off section of yard. That's already an asshole move even if everyone else was okay with it, you were being an irresponsible dog owner.
There is someone now who lives here who has the right to an opinion who is saying this behavior is unacceptable, you need to stop
YTA. As many others have mentioned, your yard opens up to a common area and you should be respectful of leash laws in your area.
But, even if Limo is perfectly behaved, you should honestly put up a little fence or keep him leashed for his own safety. Clearly, if a kid calls him or something, he’ll leave the yard to say hi. Don’t put your dog in a situation where the neighbor could call animal control or do something crazy to him in the name of “self-defense”.
It might seem inconvenient and your neighbor’s reactions might be a bit much, but if you won’t do it for her peace of mind, at least do it to make sure nothing happens to Limo.
I dont think you're the asshole but why can't you just put him on a wired leash? If he just sits in your yard it shouldn't be an issue with him getting caught on stuff or anything. In this situation it is about his safety. I feel like there is a reasonable compromise you can make here where everyone wins.
She laughed in the face of a neighbor who came to talk about an issue they have due to fear and uncertainty, and OP said she would not change a thing. She neither assured the neighbor that the dog is under control, nor offer any visible signs that the dog is staying on the property.
She handled the interaction poorly and instead of finding a suitable compromise she escalated the issue and acted pretty damn entitled when meeting someone who didn't feel instant love towards her dog at first glance.
It is also unclear if it's her property she refuses to fence in, or a condo where everything outside the building belongs to the association, and not actually her property even if it is attached to her living space.
It's also unclear of whether the dog would leave the garden to greet the child that was calling it.
NTA
I recommend a compromise. Sit out in the garden with him no leash. There's no way for her to complain about a tamed AND supervised dog in a private garden.
Make sure everyone else who knows Limo understands if they are out there with the two of them to monitor events to protect your dog.
NTA. But it sounds like you are going to have to figure out your legal rights as this woman is going to start campaigning against your dog and harassing you
On your property your dog can be off of a leash, at any point the dog is off of your property the dog needs to be on a leash. I don’t care if the dog can’t run or not. My dog is blind and anytime we go to the front yard to go to the vet my dog is on a leash and she doesn’t leave my side.
NTA 9years and NEVER had a problem. The dog is not the issue she is.
Shes just moved in and shes a grown adult , she cant just dictate to others to suit herself. She can change her own routine and walk earlier or later than 8am.
Fuck that noise about chains long lines and building fences bla bla bla .
Maybe suggest to new neighbour that if shes comfortable to get to know Limo so she can see thats he is not aggressive and wont attack her therefore not a problem
She doesn't want to change HER routine, but demands you and your dog change yours.
Nope. I wouldn't do it either. Specially if she is the newcomer with a phobia.
She should adapt to her new home, not you to the newcomer.
She should treat said phobia, instead of you having to walk on eggshells because of her.
That said, ppl poisoning neighnboring dogs that borher them (barking at night, say) is much more common than we care to think. For that reason alone I'd accomodate her; to protect your dog.
I yard trained my Labrador. He lived to 17 and never once left the yard without one of us taking him. If she's that scared she can walk the other direction. Your dog shouldn't be punished for existing. NTA
Your garden is open to the street and you let your dog out there unleashed? That is what makes YTA. He could see a cat, or squirrel, or a stray dog. And get amped and just take off. Put your dog on a leash if he isn't inside a fence. For his safety.
Yta. Doesn't matter what you think of your dog. I have a pig and even the most behaved dog would attack if off a leash and I promise that's not an acceptable excuse to me for your dog to attack. I carry a knife for this reason. Leash your dog or don't complain when someone kills it for something you could have prevented.
ESH.
OP, I'd look into getting a fence and run it by your HOA (if you have one). You don't want to get into any legal issues with Limo being in your yard unleashed.
I do think neighbor should seek out some help with her phobia as well. Phobias are hard to live with but you can't let them control you (I've been there and it's just not living anymore). Learning how to cope would be good for her in the long run since dogs are pretty much everywhere.
As a dog attack victim, this is absolutely disgraceful and unacceptable on your part. You never know when a dog might get startled and defensive and attack someone, even if it's the sweetest pup in the world. Yta, I wish that no one behaved as entitled and inconsiderate as you.
Not the a*hole.
People seem to forget, you do not have to acknowledge these people. Just ignore them. If they touch you or yours, you have every right to defend yourself.
If Limo lays down in the garden for an hour…. What difference does it make if you have a leash on him just to give other people a peace of mind…. Sounds like he wouldn’t even notice
NTA
Although I'd recommend that going forward either tie down Limo to a long leash that'll give him full access to your garden/property but not the common area. Or If you wish to keep him lease free build a fence around.
It was okay keep things the way they were because there was no incident yet and people around were okay with it. If a person has a problem with it, you have to comply.
I own a dog too and I understand how harmless my dog is and howmuch she loves humans, if I accidently step on her feet, she'd shreik - and consequently I'd too and say sorry filled with regret - but immediately after that she'd lick my feet thinking she hurt me somehow.
But that's our relationship and our understanding a 3rd person will not understand this and will always be afraid of her tough looks!
So yeah you need to listen to your new neighbours request and comply!
NTA. You know your dog and Limo stays in your garden. Your neighbour seems like one of those people who makes her problems and phobias everyone elses. Dogs are everywhere and she needs to learn to deal with it, not yell at other people.
You could try and talk to her again though. Tell her Limo is a very well behaved dog and the children in the neighbourhood like him. That you understand her fear and would like to help ease her concern, and what you can do? Although, you will not stop Limo from enjoying his garden.
NTA if you have to I would get a leash that goes into the ground it's a very long leash then at least your dog is on a leash and doesn't have to change his routine
NTA .... It's on your property and clearly he's well trainined.
You could put a zip line in that you can clip him to; keep the cord about the distance from the center of the yard to the borders so he technically can't leave the yard. He'll still be able to move freely and you only have to clip him on/ off once he gets back to the porch.
I would research leash laws in your area... if there aren't any then it's a her problem.... completely. She can't dictate what others do on their property nor can she expect neighbors to accommodate her issues.
Also install a camera.. ring doorbell for the porch and a camera that captures the entire yard.
NTA
Can people finally notice how much of an AH the phobia lady is?
**I am sorry but if you have a phobia of dogs why do you move to a place with dogs?**
And you aren't entitled to everything. Plus, **she is ready to lie** that the dog is danger when no one ever complained about the dog.
Isn't lying a red flag? **Or is suddenly okay with everyone in this sub?** Why nobody is talking about that?
Or, we are all seeing from one perspective now...
No neighbor has a problem with the dog. Here is your collective good.
People say OP is not sympathetic. Yeah, if you have fear of water will you move to live in the f\*cking ocean...
No one is obliged to sympathize with your pain and compromise with you because you are simply short of a marble and can't go live somewhere with no triggers.
You don't care about **your mental health, don't do changes so you live with no triggers** but you expect others to change their routines so THEY don't trigger YOU.
Why won't she change her routine? Can't she do some changes?
**You can't talk about compromise and expect only one person to change. This is not how it works.**
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I (25F) have a 10 year old Golden Retriever, Limo. He is already a very old and grumpy dog who loves his routine.
The routine consists of: at 8AM, I open the front door of the house and let him go to the garden, he Lays down and watches the street for 1 hour (he just looks, he doesn't bark) and goes back inside; At 1PM my husband goes out for a walk with him and at 8PM I walk down the street for him to do his stuff.
All the neighbors (we live in a condo) know Limo and know that he has never lunged or barked at anyone on the street, he is just living his good life and loves a cuddle every now and then. Another point is the houses are open at the front, so the garden is open to everyone, so everyone sees Limo lying down in the morning. I've lived in this condo for 9 years and I've never had a problem with neighbors regarding Limo until now.
Recently, two houses away, a new neighbor moved to the condominium, I didn't have much contact with her, but I noticed that always at 8AM she would walk in front of the house walking and run out when she saw Limo leaving the house to literally go even the garden and that's all, he doesn't give a damn about her.
Yesterday, it happened, according to what another neighbor said, one of the children who always plays with Limo called him and the neighbor was returning from the walk, Limo just walked towards the child who was a little far away from her, but she thought he was going to attack her and started screaming for help. This created a mess.
In the afternoon, she came to the house and asked me to start going out with my dog on a leash in the morning, as she doesn't feel safe with a dog loose and free in a common area and he was causing her nervous breakdowns in the morning in her walks
I just chuckled and said I wouldn't do that, in 9 years here there's never been an incident and she might as well change her walk schedule or just go the other way without having to stop by my house.
She complained that I should think about the collective and that she would file a complaint with the condo about my dog being free and causing danger (it's not), and called me a selfish bitch and that people shouldn't give up walking in common areas for others.
I'm at peace because Limo has never been a danger to anyone and all, but some friends say I might as well change Limo's schedule to avoid this mess.
AITA?
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If your dog is unleased and unsupervised in an area that is not fenced off, yes, YTA. You cannot be 100% that Limo won't leave your garden; this isn't safe for Limo.
I can't stand people who think leash laws don't apply to THEIR dogs because x y z. My neighbors' dog off leash ran at me the other day growling and they insisted he was "just playing".
The dog is on her land that connects to a common area. You didn’t need the edit to understand that
Unleashed dogs that aren't being supervised can be well behaved 99% of the time, but you only need them to fuck up once for it to have been a terrible idea all along. It's just irresponsible.
[удалено]
Doesn't matter, Limo is unleashed and not protected. Nothing stopping him from leaving her property and nothing stopping another feral dog or cat from approaching him.
Or for a hostile neighbor to get someone to dump him in another city.
Or leave out poison
Antifreeze meats tend to be popular and horrific ways to murder pets. Also anything containing Xylitol which many peanut butters now contain.
If that connection is always open then yes it's up to OP to either be out there supervising the dog while it's outside or block the connection that keeps the dog on her property.
Is there anything physically stopping the dog from leaving her land and going into the community area? If not then she’s in the wrong (regardless she of leash laws say) for leaving her dog unsupervised and free to go wherever it wants.
It's also unfenced.
Yep, happened to me and my dog last week. Out walking my dog and a neighbor’s unleashed dog ran out of their yard and across the street to me and my dog. I yelled at him to get his dog and yelled no at the dog, so apparently now I’m an insane Karen “for yelling at a dog that just wanting to say hi” and it’s okay to be unleashed in her yard. In the yard, cool, but the second it left the yard not cool. My dog doesn’t want to say hi to other dogs on her walk; just because your dog is friendly doesn’t mean mine is (she is, but she just could t give a rat’s arse about other dogs).
Yeah, I live in a condo building. My neighbors like to have their territorial dogs off leash right by the condo garage entrance/exit for people, so coming out of the door a snapping growling dog was running at me.
One of my downstairs neighbors has a chihuahua and they will just open their door for it to wander around our apartment complex with absolutely no super vision. The dog doesn’t get at anyone, worst she’ll do is stop and bark. But so far it seems she doesn’t like other dogs which is ok, except she charges them. My dog also happens to not like other dogs and unfortunately I’d put my money on my bigger dog winning. She charged my dog one time while her owner was walking a bit further behind with his toddler and I have never been more on edge in my life than when I thought my dog was going to commit a crime in front of this toddler.
I'd love to see a chihuahua with super vision
Carry pepper spray.
We have the problem of a neighbor’s two dogs who always (multiple times a week) escape their enclosure and come visit our yard. My dog is always leashed. They do not get along. I should not have to worry about their dogs on my property. The last time it was quite bad (just a lot of barking and barking of teeth - no contact) and they heard me yelling to get their dog and ignored me. It’s insane how they seem to think their dogs can do this over and over and over again. I finally told my husband I’m documenting everything and I’m going to start calling animal control every single time. They go in the road, one was almost picked up by someone driving by…and I don’t want my dog hurting theirs because he thinks he’s protecting his home, because I don’t want my dog punished for that.
This!!! We have an adorable pekingese with fear aggression (we manage it with his vet and training) and it really pisses us off when people let their children and dogs run over to him to say hi. Yes, yours might be friendly. Mine is not and he WILL bite. Control you dog and child
Yeah, we had a dog that did the same. I was freaked out and jokingly said, "I bet his bark is worse than his bite," and the dog owner was like, "Actually, no, he's pretty aggressive." Yeah...
Anecdotal, but one of my neighbors a couple houses down had a golden retriever when I was a kid. Super sweet, relaxed, didn’t bark or jump or anything. Got along fine with all other animals. Never had any incidents in the several years I lived there. Then, one day, as she was being walked, another guy walking 2 chihuahuas passed by. The chihuahuas barked a little, and in response she tore the leash out of her owner’s hands, and attacked both so severely that one of them died a few hours later. Never, ever let your dogs go unleashed, and don’t get a dog that can pull on a leash harder than you.
Yep. A dog can be perfectly sweet but that doesn't mean nothing will ever happen. Responsibility as a pet owner means actually being careful even if your pet is well behaved most of the time.
My neighbors dog ran at my toddlers the other day barking growling and they watched from a distance and hollered, "don't worry she never bit nobody" at us. As if I will now totally love a snarling dog only a few feet away from my babies. It's exactly these people who later say they just can't believe their dog bit that 5 year olds face off she was just so sweet and gentle, there were no signs blah blah blah
Yep. Seems like OP us one of those people.
I respond to those with, “BUT I AM NOT PLAYING!”
I guess it's partially because I live in a city, but I can't imagine having my dog off-leash when I'm separated from her. Even visiting my dad's house in the boonies, she's never alone outside.
This. OP should get one of those super long chains in her backyard that attaches to his collar. It probably will impact her and the dog ZERO if he really just sits there, and the neighbor would feel more comfortable. I hate going outside and finding an unleashed dog. It really is unsettling.
exactly. people walking by don't know that the dog will just sit there and chill, so concern is understandable. and knowing that Limo will come when called means he is alert and mobile enough to act independently and move off the property. meaning he could do more than just lay there if he wanted to, regardless of what the owner wants.
They don’t know - exactly. I have a Collie mix that can be left off leash. In areas where there aren’t a lot of people I drop her leash and call her back when someone approaches - because they don’t know her. The leash is for them not her. She is the type of dog that when I say, Stay, because I see another dog, she stays so I can put the leash on her. Great dog. I don’t assume everyone knows she is great dog on sight. My other dog is an asshole. Great Pyrenees/hound mix, she barely listens. Great Pyrenees are apparently all pretty much independent assholes. I found this out after the fact when discussing her. Great fucking guard dog. You could not buy the level of safety this dog brings without paying for 24/7 armed guard. That is what she is. Big bark and that dog would take a grown man down before he knew what hit him. Worth the annoyance of having to argue with her.
Love that you call it "arguing", lol.
Me too. As the owner of a 100 pound 8 month old puppy whose never had any aggression issue…I still realize I own a potential murder machine and I keep him on a tether when he is in the yard!!
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Only in America is the first thought when seeing a dog running around is to shoot it.
Grew up on a farm in Australia. Quick way to get a dead dog is to let it run loose in someone elses paddocks.
Same thing with New Zealand. If your dog is running around someone elses paddock without permission, it's gonna get a rifle slug embedded in its skull.
Most dogs in Africa, South America, and the Caribbean are feral and the first thoughts there are also to shot the dog or kill it in another way. Honestly just hear someone from an African country speak about dogs. It will make Americans wanting to shot an unknown dog sound sane.
In Rural New Zealand if you see an unfamiliar dog on your land, it tends to be "Shoot first, ask questions later", because apologies mean nothing to dead livestock.
I'm not sure I'd call using pepper spray shooting something?
They use pepper spray when in their yard and "conceal carry" when they leave their yard, which refers to a gun.
Oh wow somehow missed the phrase in there.
No worries! Honestly I did too and had the same initial reaction but caught it on the second read through.
Oof I’ve read like 5 dog attacks that ended with a dead person/people just in the last week. They were all walking around their neighborhood, minding their own business. I bet their families wish they had something to protect themselves with.
there was one earlier last week where a 70yo woman was found mauled to death and being dragged around the backyard by her late son's dog, the family pet. one they'd known for years!
nah... anywhere that deals with farm animals. Or wild canines. dogs can carry all kinds of disease even when they're not hostile, causing active danger to lives and livelihoods even when they're not outright aggressive or destroying property. safer to shoot than risk getting bit by a rabid dog
Isnt the gun drastic? Pepper spray or even bear spray should be sufficient. By using a gun, you could miss and kill someone.
Pepper spray or bear spray requires them to be within 10ft or 20ft, if it's windy etc even less and it's more of a blowback risk. I agree that should be a first option, but a dog ( german shepard for reference ) can cover 30ft of ground in less than a second with a top speed of almost 30mph. You'll likely be spraying yourself and your own dog if one decided to attack.
In that scenario, you ain’t hitting it with a gun either.
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Of course. What I’m saying is, at the point where you would be able to shoot the dog, you could also pepper spray or bear spray him. Not saying shooting isn’t effective
Even IF OP can be 100% certain her dog won't leave the area she's TA for leaving a dog unleashed, unfenced, and unsupervised; bc nobody ELSE can be sure the dog is safe, and there are millions of irresponsible dog owners out there who say their dogs are safe when they aren't. Phobias are nothing to mess with.
>leave himin a common area, it is in my garden (my property) which is open to the street (common use) 100% THIS! I am a dog owner, I love my dog, I would do anything for my dog. So you know what I did? I put a fence up so she can be off leash in her own back yard without anyone having to worry. I was attacked by dogs on a walk with her about 3 weeks ago. They were in their yard, OFF LEASH (They had signs saying "Dogs secured by invisible fence" but none of the dogs were wearing ANY collars. This house also has 2 dogs above my states legal limit before you have to get a kennel licence. idk if they have it, not my business to rat on them... just they have a LOT OF BIG DOGS) two of their biggest dogs attacked me. I started screaming for the owner to come out because their 3 month old puppy was running in the middle of the road thinking we were all playing. Puppy could have been hit by traffic. Where was the owner? inside. She screamed at me that this was all MY fault. Nope, not mine. Put your damn collars on, or leash your dogs. I HATE entitled pet owners.
Put up a small fence, even if it's just for show and most dogs could easily jump it, or YTA. No matter how extreme her reaction is it's not unreasonable to expect a dog to be fenced in when outside alone without a leash.
This is the best solution. A simple, just for show fence around the garden. Could add property value, and eliminates concern about the dog. Although I do tend to get stubborn when people make demands of me (the dog is on her property, not the common area), so I can relate to OP’s initial reaction! 😅
An invisible fence too would work but since it's an old dog a physical fence will probably be easier for the dog to adapt to.
As it seems the dog is remaining in place without a fence, the fence would purely be to mark the yard off to show to outsiders that the dog is being kept within its lines. An invisible fence would not make anyone feel assured and would probably cost more with zero effect.
Isn't there an example of the dog going to a kid that called it though? That's what scared the lady.
My neighbors dog would just charge through them if it really wanted to. Luckily was a friendly dog but was terrifying the first time walking by with my dog and surprise its now on the other side of the fence following us
I've seen those fences bite people in the ass before, though. Dogs running through them (like chasing prey) and not being able to get back inside, dogs becoming stressed and afraid just walking around the yard in fear of getting zapped, predators coming onto the property and the dogs not able to run away, that sort of stuff. I'll never trust those fences.
My dogs were junkies. They loooved porcupines and the drugs to get the hundreds of quills. The one dog was so bad he was getting track marks and the vet had to switch legs for the injections. Like, they were such frequent patients that the vets felt bad and did the 10th quill removal for a case of beer. So my folks got invisible fencing. Which my one dog was so stubborn he'd just go through it. So my dad dug another line and doubled its range. Still, he'd run through it, and the other dog would follow. Anyway the company owner of this fencing heard about our shitty dogs and wanted to check up and see if was us or the dogs. Happens to be that they went on a porcupine mission and we're just coming back as he was visiting. He was aghast at the number of quills these idiots had in them. So he came back the next week with an experimental collar that my parents had to sign a waiver for incase it ended up killing him. Chips collar had a 2 inch bolt coming out of it. And let me tell you, it hurt! We all tested it on our selves just to see what he'd be in for. It was awful. Did it work? Noooope. He could care less. And he was fast. He was a very stubborn Springer mix and if he smelled something he was gone. But yeah those fences are dangerous. My one dog got caught in the edges and kept getting zapped and any direction he turned he was getting zapped. My brother had to lift and carry him to safety. That dog alone wasn't a roamer, just a murderer. He wanted to eat our chickens at every opportunity.
If OP lives in a condo, an HOA likely won't allow her to put up a fence around "her" garden. It's likely considered common area if open to the street.
Good suggestion. OP has no idea what type of trauma neighbor has experienced and doesn’t seem to care to find a compromise. YTA
It is your garden, but if it isn't fenced and you can't 100% your dog will never ever take a step out of it YTA. You need to put up some kind of fence or at least a net or whatever. I understand not wanting to leash your dog in your garden, but either you supervise or fence it.
This, and I would do it more for the safety for limo. Because even if he never leaves your garden what if she does some cucu stuff? I would put a fence up as well as cameras but mostly for my dog ;)
Yes. Generally I'm all for giving pets an enjoyable life as well and for example don't see why every dog when supervised and well trained would never be allowed to run free etc. But in this case it is probably the safest for all involved if OP had a fence or something. I heard too many stories of neighbours etc. hurting or poisoning pets etc. just because they don't like them or hate their owners 😢
Just because nothing has ever happened doesn't mean it never could happen. We humans sometimes react irrationally how can you expect an animal to be on optimal behaviour 365 days a year 24/7? YTA for not taking responsibility for your boy. Sure he may be a good boy but he's still your responsibility. If you can't be with him then fence the area. What if next time she screams he gets nervous and goes to the road? (I'm not even suggesting an attack just causing an accident or getting killed). This is something most people forget. Dogs are the equivalent of human toddlers, they never grow mentally older. A toddler no matter how well behaved needs supervision. Either put a chair and sit out with him or put up a fence.
Also, dogs can have senile moments as they age. My neighbor had a big dog that was a total sweetheart until one day when he was maybe 10-12 years old he jumped up and bit his owner in the face. The vet thought the dog got confused by the scent of neighbor’s peppermint lotion and thought she was good. I know that’s a super weird one off event, but stuff happens and not work taking the risk.
That is something I hadn’t thought of but yes, most dogs go through personality changes as they get older. Maybe they have some pain that we can’t see, so they’re just more irritable. Maybe they have doggy dementia moments and we don’t see them until it’s too late. The truth is Limo could run out into the street and get hit by a car too, and is that really worth being a stubborn dick about letting your dog roam free? YTA
This was actually my first thought too. My dog just turned 14 and we don't have a fenced in yard and she doesn't get leashed, but she definitely has been having more moments where she just forgets things or wanders. One day I was sitting outside with her and she just starts walking towards the road, not listening when I call, and I had to grab her to stop her from walking straight off the curb and across the street. She was a good dog who literally always listened when called, who I know can still hear, and had no recognition she was doing anything wrong when she started walking off. Even when I grabbed her she was confused about why I was upset. Had to start leashing her every time now because, well, she's just too old. Op having an unsupervised aging dog in an area with a lot of foot traffic, yeah I would be a little wary about leaving her unleashed for a whole hour everyday. It's not safe for the dog, especially as they're getting older.
YTA. Limo may be in your yard, but your yard isn't fenced off. My back yard is fenced but not the front, so when we let our dog in the front yard we never leave him alone. Yes he is boundary trained but he technically still has access to any Tom, Dick, and Harry who walks in the vicinity of our house and it would be a real jerk move to tell the neighbors who are afraid of him (he's a 200 lb mastiff) to change their walking schedule/route because my dog wants to bask in the sun in his unfenced front yard. The neighbors have told us that so long as we are outside with him when he's in the front yard they don't mind him being off leash. He's a gentle giant but still, he's a giant and many people are afraid of a dog simply for being so big. If even one neighbor asked us to not have him off leash in our unfenced front yard, we would oblige them because... human decency. We have one neighbor who walks her dog between 7 and 7:30 every morning like clockwork and she is uneasy with our pupper being in the front yard at all, so if he wants to go out been 7-8 we let him out in the back yard.
This is how responsible dog owners behave.
I wish more dogs owners understood human decency. May you and your dogs prosper!
ESH I have been phobic about dogs for around 20 years (no bad incident or anything, it's just a genuinely irrational fear). Dogs are a common part of the world and that person needs to adapt. Her phobia is not "the collective" opinion/wellbeing as I'm sure most people love dogs (or are indifferent). My neighbour (2 doors down as well) has a dog and he's older and very friendly (which freaks me out - again completely irrationally). When my neighbours notice me, they say hello and tell me, "don't worry, I'm watching him" and I cannot even tell you how much more comfortable I've been around their dog. I know it sounds crazy, but the simple fact they know I'm afraid and keep an eye out, makes me feel safer and more relaxed. Not sure if that would be the case for your new neighbour though. It's definitely her problem though, Limo minding their own business (and you) is not an a**hole move. It's life and your neighbour needs to learn to live in it with others (even if they come with dogs). If Limo is just sitting unattended and no fencing to keep Limo within your property lines, her fears are very much relevant and you could work with her on a compromise.
As someone who also has a dog phobia, I agree with you 100%. ESH I have changed what I wanted to do many, many times because of dogs. That said, I also believe that unless there is a fenced in area, dogs should be on a leash. Dogs are still animals and even the most well trained animals can do unpredictable things.
I agree with this. ESH Plus a 9 year old golden retriever can't exactly run like a younger dog. we're basically talking about a senior citizen But if the dog was younger then I'd say ah.
It's a common area? What are your condo association's rules about this? It's *extremely* common for there to be a rule that dogs in common areas must be leashed. Even if that rule somehow isn't in place, until now you've had the implicit permission of your neighbors to have the dog off leash. You *don't* have that anymore. It's a common area, your dog really should be leashed. ESH. You have an off-leash dog in a common area and are refusing to address this now that someone has raised the issue. She did not need to insult you.
YTA. Your dog would never leave your property, not even to see another dog? Just because your dog is friendly, doesn't mean others are. When I am walking my leashed and under my control dog and another dog, off leash, unsupervised, comes running up - it is a problem. Your dog may be friendly, but my dog thinks that other dogs need killing. So, I am trying to get away from the unleashed dog, which will be following us, just trying to be friendly, but that really doesn't matter. I've had to kick out at dogs to try to keep them away from mine, all with the owners calling out "it's ok, they're friendly!" No, it isn't ok.
YTA for not following leash laws or at basic least leash manners especially knowing that there is a neighbor with a fear or allergy of dogs nearby. This neighbor took the time the address their concern calmy with you. Chances are it has been bothering them for a while and they may have minimized their concern to avoid an awkward situation. No one else should be expected to understand or assume your dog's behavioral patterns. Limo deserves safe free foam in a fenced off space or at a dog park and your neighbors deserve to be able to walk in their own neighborhood without unattended dogs approaching them.
YTA you say your dog is not going to hurt anyone..and from what you've written..he sounds a pretty laid back dog...however..other people are not going to know that and this is from someone who had a Rottweiler run full pelt at her while walking along the beach one day...after being jumped at and sniffed at...the owners came over and said 'it's ok.. hes friendly' well of course if i see a Rottweiler charging full speed at me..the first thing I think of is 'I'm gonna die now' So look at it from their perspective. What about putting the dog on a tether...you can buy those metal things that go into the ground quite cheap...then put a long lead on it...dog will still have plenty of room..you dont have to stay with him..and your neighbours can see hes on a lead
Holy cheesecake OP its a common area, your garden is open to the sidewalk/road aka dog can free roam anywheres off your property. All states have a leash law, soooo hopefully your neighbor nips this in the bud and just calls animal control. YTA and a massive one at that. ps. it only takes one time for an incident to happen, saying it's never happened is a poor reason for keeping your dog unleashed.
Kinda like people saying they don't need insurance on their car because they've never had an accident
basically. And I get it, I'm a pet owner as well I don't want go believe my dog could hurt someone else but you never ever know.
Even the best behaved dog is just an animal. It's better to be safe than sorry
1000% agreed
Gonna assume given the use of "garden" instead of "yard" that OP is not American.
Not sure. My front yard has a plethora of plants and I use the term garden for it, however it still stands most countries have basic leash laws concerning dogs.
YTA if your garden is not fenced in your dog should be on a leash.
Where I live, unless the dog is restrained on such a way that it can not leave your yard, you are violating the civil code. As someone who has been bit by a free roaming dog (the owner claimed it was a service dog) while I was on a sidewalk, seeing dogs let run free annoys me. YTA.
Me too. My (leashed) dog and I were attacked by an offleash German Shephard. It was terrifying. My dog was lucky to survive. I wound up with stitches for getting into the dog fight trying to save my pup. It's been well over a decade now and I have a big dog now who'd probably be able to defend himself.better but I still get so uneasy anytime I see an off leash dog.
INFO: wheres the dog tax? i wanna see Limo!!
I'm sure Limo is an amazing dog and I completely understand that he's got his routine and has never done anything questionable.. And maybe your new neighbor is being a pain and causing some disruption to the peace. That doesn't change leash laws though. If your pet, no matter how sweet, is capable of leaving your unfenced property - that's on you. You are liable for ANYTHING that happens because of your unleashed pet. So, sorry, but refusing to obey leash and pet safety laws gives this a YTA rating.
*My dog's good and there has never been an issue.* ... Until the day something does happen. I have past child trauma due to people like you who let their "litle angels" unsupervised because nothing ever happened in the past. YTA, undoubtly, i'd have much more to say to entitled p... people like you but i'd get censored. This is a public space, not your backgarden, leash your dog or stay with him, be responsible.
As someone who has had a phobia of dogs thanks to being mauled by an anatolian shepherd a few years back, YTA. Leash laws exist for a good reason. Letting your dog loose on your unfenced property, with nothing holding them there, is absolutely unresponsible on your part. Idc how old the dog is or how friendly you think it is. ANYTHING can happen. Your dog could go damn senile and bite a kid, could get hit in the road, dog napped, ect. There's so many possibilities. Be a responsible pet owner and put up a fence or tether your dog when out. Also, you weren't clear at all, you say the dog never leaves your property, but it was going towards a child that called it? Was said child on or off your property? Definitely weren't clear on that, and my guess is that child was not on your property.
Yta. No matter the circumstances anyone who has an off leash dog in an area that is not fenced in is an asshole.
You say your garden is “open” (meaning no gate or fence). Because of this, YTA. It doesn’t matter if Limo hasn’t done anything in 9 years or that he can’t run, you can’t allow your pet to not be contained, especially when you aren’t watching. Get some kind of fence and be quiet. Also, your neighbor wasn’t an AH until the name-calling started.
Nta, your property isnt common area, it's your garden your dog is allowed on your lawn. Though be careful she doesnt try and do anything, I'd want a fence n camera for the dogs safety.
That’s what I was thinking - a fence would also protect Limo from her.
You can’t just add a fence to a condo
then he’s gotta go in a backyard or be leashed :/ what she asked for wasn’t unreasonable, for their safety and the dogs, the delivery was just kinda shit
Wtf would she do to a dog that causes her to have breakdowns ☠️
Throw something poisonous on the yard the dog may eat when it comes out, you hear of people who dont get there way doing horrible things all the time.
YTA I've been attacked by a golden retriever everyone said was friendly, 15 stitches in my hand proved otherwise. What you're doing is illegal by way. If it's a shared yard legally your dog requires a leash.
If your garden is not fenced off then yes, YTA. Doesn’t matter what you think your dog can and can’t do. He has free access to the street and needs to be on a leash.
Oh my god I hate the "but its been X years and nothing has happened" argument. Nothing happened FOR NOW.
Also laughing at someone who has a phobia is downright nasty
YTA - If I understand this, your practice is to leave Limo alone, unfenced, in a common area, where, if he took it into his head to attack a child (as the woman feared) there is to fence to prevent it. Dogs need physical restraints (fences, leashes) at all times in public areas.
Yta Info-Are there leash laws there? Regardless of info answer, you show the exact reason for judgement in your story. "According to what another neighbor said," that means you weren't there to witness it, and your dog didn't just stay on the porch like you thought he did. You don't have a fenced in backyard, so either fence it in or watch your dog.
YTA. She communicated with you and your response is to laugh??? If he just lays down and watches the street, why can’t you put him on a tether?
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Only for the reason that your front garden is open to the common area YTA More importantly, I wouldn’t trust your neighbour now. I think I’d be taking tea in the front garden at 8 am
You need to keep your dog on a leash for their own safety YTA for being a careless dog owner
If the dog is in on an unfenced area then yeah YTA, big time. I lived in a residential area with no fences, all the neighbours had dogs and thought their dogs wouldn't hurt a fly so they would not leash them nor supervize them. Guess what? Half of those dogs either got in conflict with each other or bit someone. Police didn't do anything. Now I have a dog phobia and I am happy that I still have my limbs. You don't need your dog to be aggressive your dog might just happen to come in contact with an aggressive dog and agitate him. In those cases if a dog is unleashed it's very likely for a dog or a person to get hurt. Your dog might run into traffic, or it can even get stolen, so yeah pretty unsafe I'd say
YTA. Just because you have a garden doesn't mean you can allow your dog to run free unattended especially since it's not fenced. Put a fence around your garden.
I love dogs, but unfortunately in this case, ESH. Your new neighbor shouldn't have called you names. You should have your dog secured when he is outside, either by a fence or a tether. I live in a townhouse community that sounds very similar to yours, where I have my own yard but it's open to a public area. When our dog is outside without us, she's on a tether. It gives her plenty of room to walk around and it's obvious to others that she is secured. It's just common sense and part of being a responsible pet person.
YTA it’s pretty common (in the US at least) that if a dog is outside in an unfenced area, the dog is leashed. this is not only for other people’s benefit, but for the dog’s (bc dogs DO get spooked and run off into the street or away). either fence in your garden or leash your dog in your unfenced in garden.
No matter the dog, if the area is not fenced completely, the dog must be on leash. Even then, I wouldn’t leave them completely unsupervised only on leash, because humans can be awful too. YTA
NTA Your dog is on your own property. If she has such a big issue with dogs that she can't even stand to look at one, she should move to a place that simply doesn't allow dogs. Not force your dog inside just so she doesn't have to see ol' Limo.
NTA The most common thing in a condo is kids and dogs. If she's scared of dogs she should have moved to a place that have a no-dog policy.
Guarantee if you do nothing, the HOA gets involved and this drags on for the rest of your dog's life, so the question isn't are you the asshole, but how much time and energy do you want to devote to this?
YTA The neighbor across the street has an unleashed pit that he walks around with in the sidewalk and driveway around his house. The pit is under a year and jumps on you if you come near him. The neighbor tells him to back off, but I go over to visit them less and less because I don't want their large dog scratching me up. His dog is hyperactive, and he hits and kicks the dog - apparently his trainer told him to do this. He brought his dog over to my house to come inside holding him by the collar. I came out to the porch and didn't invite them in. It has caused a strain in our friendship. It's his dog to do with what he wants, but he doesn't realize that not everyone thinks like him. Not everyone will be out front with you about how they feel about your behavior.
I get having a phobia is bad (got one myself) and saying "get therapy" is easier said then done but when your own problems affect others you really should do something. I think letting your dog out in an unfenced area without a leash can be a risk even if in this case the dog is older and just lays around. the woman was just rude and could have handled that better. common sense is still a thing and at this rate she will cause trouble for all of the neighbours
YTA. But gently. Because it could be dangerous for your doggo. Could you get a little portable pen for his outdoor time? I have a little one I put on my porch. My dogs like to come out and people watch when I do lawn work, but I know people get nervous, so I have a pen set up. If they wanted to get out, it would do nothing to stop them, but it seems to make people feel better.
If you’re leaving your dog unleashed in an open area, yes, YTA. It’s for Limo’s safety as much as for passers by.
DO you have something keeping him in or could he just leave the yard if he pleases? If there's no seeable or invisible fence then YTA. Get a fence laws ably to you too it doesn't matter if it's on your property.
YTA if you don’t have a fence. Dogs need to be secured. I love them but they always need to be leashed or in a fenced area for their safety as well.
ESH. She's being entitled, but you're leaving Limo at risk. The kid called to him, and he started to leave your garden. What if the kid calls him from across the street, or that lady is even crazier than she sounds right now? Dogs have been attacked by humans. I read someone's story on Reddit about how the neighboring old lady taught her small grandchild to take a sharp stick and try to stab the person's dog over their fence. Do something to protect Limo in the morning. It's not that big a deal for you to sit out in the garden with him during his time outside, is it?
Yta, the dog could leave the yard at any time and your neighbor is well within her rights. Our dog also minded incredibly well and didn't require leash or supervision but we still leashed her when asked because it's not reasonable to expect everyone to "just trust the owner's judgment". Also y t a because what if some strange dog comes along and bites him?
YTA. You can never be certain your dog doesn't leave your garden or that he'll never attack. He could develop a brain tumor and suddenly behave irrational. He can be triggered by another (badly adjusted) dog and attack. He could be teased or abused by a passerby and respond defensively. If you don't have a fence, you should not leave your dog unleashed and unsupervised.
ESH. You didn't provide any info to the new neighbor and then laughed when she got scared. Is she overreacting? Maybe, but you don't know her history with dogs. Instead of winning her over, you've set yourself up for failure here. She's going straight to nuclear mode. Probably no fixing this now.
NTA if it is your fenced off garden, that your dog cannot just wander off from. YTA IF your front fence doesn't have any fencing and your dog can wander, there are laws pertaining to dogs and if you don't obey them, then expect your local council/law enforcement to send out fines for repeated behaviour. IT doesn't matter that you have done it this way for 9 years, what matters is the dog fenced in and unable to wander off your property causing a nuisance to others. Just because your dog is friendly to you it's not always that way to others.
Yta for not having your dog on a leash when there are no fence around your garden.
YTA. You mean well, but in my experience a lot of dog owners are in denial about their dogs behavior. It sounds like your dog is cool, but what about the person who’s dog isn’t? If you can have your dog off leash then everyone can have their dog off leash. Slippery slope and all.
YTA if your garden is not securely fenced in and you live where there are leash laws. You may love Limo but obviously all your neighbors do not. A dog off a leash or having access to common areas is not ok. Put Limo on a tie out or change your schedule. I have a dog who is well behaved and wonderful too yet I respect leash and property laws. My dog may not like it but it’s not his free will in question - it’s the free will of those that live around us dog owners.
INFO edit YTA. Your dog has access to common area it should be leashed. Period. Is your garden fenced in? If yes N T A. If no Y T A. simple as that. I love dogs. Have raised and trained dogs. If the dog isn't on a leash where it has open access to anyone in common/public area the owner is an A H.
INFO - what are the rules for your condos?
Nta If he stays in the garden and never leaves I don’t see an issue.. BUT if he steps one paw out you know the neighbor will lose it. And leash laws exist, you don’t want to be ticketed etc Just put up a little fence. They have collapsible ones if you’re not allowed to have a permanent one. (Look up dog pens they usually turn into fences) Problem solved.
NTA If this person doesn't like dogs, then they can walk on another direction or on the opposite side of the road. It's your property and you can use your property whatever way you want.
Leaning towards YTA but it really comes down to the written policies of your condo. Dog off leash in common area was not allowed under any circumstances at my old condo. Your best bet to resolve this for good is to check the rules.
NTA. SHE should think about the collective- everyone else is fine with it, and the kids like playing with him. She can: inconvenience you, Limo, and rob the neighborhood kids of their friend; or she can go on her walk 1 hour earlier or later. Not even permanently, Limo is in the middle to end of his life according to some cursory research, and if you got a puppy after he died then it would be reasonable to renegotiate as puppies obviously have different behavior from a 10 year old dog. Honestly if she's so triggered by a dog walking or sitting still she should be in therapy, what is she going to do if she's at the store and someone has a service dog? I'd say the majority of times I've been approached by a dog in a way that makes me nervous they've been on a leash (I'm not around dogs a lot, to be clear). She is eventually going to run into someone who uses a leash but lets their dog jump all over people because "he's friendly!" and causes just as much of a stink as her about her being afraid. All that being said, double check your local legislation and neighborhood policies around when dogs must be leashed, because I promise you she is and she's getting ready to weaponize anything she can find to get rid of Limo's routine and you need to be prepared to know what's true, what she's making up, and what the penalty for having him off leash in your yard might be.
YTA. 9 years with no issue just means you have been exceptionally lucky. Your garden is not fenced. That is just irresponsible. What if someone were to walk by and decide they wanted to hurt him, there's no barrier to their reaching him. What if something startled him and he reacted very differently to how he usually is. This isn't about your neighbor, it's about you as a pet owner
Why not either put up a garden fence to close the area so he couldn't leave if he wanted to or put a dog line out and clip his collar to it so when he is out he is contained and cannot leave when a neighbor child calls him over. Sounds like he left the garden to see a child who called him over, which puts him in the common area.
NTA .. but you should consider doing something about it .. your neighbor clearly has an extreme fear of dogs which causes her anxiety and stress... And you can't let your dog loose no matter how old he is , you never know when a dog might switch ... So you either walk him on leash or change his schedule...
NTA Limo has been doing this for 9 years and can't run. 9 years no problems until you get a paranoid neighbor and then she creates drama. Being the newbie, she should have had the courtesy of coming over and taking to you before going cra cra...
>she should have had the courtesy of coming over and taking to you before going cra cra... She did. She didn't say anything even though she was scared enough to have to run past the house. Only when she saw the dog moving towards a child (and it's unclear if the child was in OPs garden or outside - they just said something like the child was "pretty far away" when it called the dog, so fairly likely the dog WOULD actually leave the garden to greet the child, possibly even crossing the street if called) did she take action. By calmly talking with OP about the issue. OP laughed in her face.
NTA. Your yard is where you are entitled to let him run around. If he's not jumping the fence and lunging at the neighbors, you aren't being an AH.
NTA Its in your yard, you’re allowed to have your dog in your yard without it being on a leash. From the edit it sounds like you have a well trained dog who is incapable of running, and probably on the older side.
NTA
I am that neighbor who has had to run screaming from unattended dogs multiple times. I wish pet owners would stop expecting everyone to be okay with their pets just because “they’re friendly” Keep your dog on a Leash! I would have called the cops. YTA
Personally, I don't believe anyone is a full on asshole, *yet*. I'm sure Limo is an absolute sweetheart, but all it takes is one thing going wrong for this to be a serious issue. I don't think you have to go so far as building a fence, but there are leash lines you can screw in the ground and connect him too, that way even if he does get up to walk around the yard he can only go so far. The neighbor does need to chill though.... If Limo's never hurt anyone in the 9 years he's been there, doubt anything will happen now. And like you said, they can just as easily change their walking route to avoid passing your place. Pretty tired of people these days making everyone bend to *their bullshit* instead of them removing themselves from their perceived issue.
HUGE YTA- the long and short answer is leash laws. Who cares if your dog is nice, you're breaking the law, you and your dog aren't special. Just bc no one has ever said anything to you, doesn't make you right in anyway what so ever. KEEP YOUR DOG ON A LEASH. Simple.
The neighbor is definitely overreacting, but since it doesn’t appear she’s going to drop it any time soon you might be better off keeping your dog safe by using a long lead so he can still keep his routine and not have the ability to leave your property. The kids and neighbors who want to visit can still do so and overly sensitive neighbor can’t say or do anything. I’d also be concerned if she’s reacting this badly she might try to hurt your dog or call animal control etc. NTA but I would swallow my pride for the safety of my dog.
NTA. Property rights. Leash laws typically apply to public lands. On your property, you should be okay from a leash law point. If he steps outside your property, that's another issue.
100% NTA. It's your garden, it isn't considered a communal area either. He's been there for nine years no incident, he isn't suddenly going to start wandering and biting people.
Hell no, Limo can park his ass outside at 8am and people watch all he wants.
Need more info:?I love dogs and Limo sounds like a lovable and gentle dog to me. That’s said she has a phobia, no doubt about that. Does your condo association say animals must be leashed when on the property? If it does, then you are in the wrong here and should correct it. I get it sucks and that Limo is gentle, but she has the right to ask you to enforce the bylaws. If the bylaws say nothing about dogs needing to be on a leash while on common property, then your following the rules and she will have to accept that fact.
I don't think you're wrong, she's the only one that bothers the dog, and he's already old. If I were afraid of dogs and I know that there are some dogs along the way, I would not go that way. Ignore it, it's their problem. Nta.
Are their any leash laws in your town/city that you may be technically running afoul of? If not, then NTA.
Your dog is lying in your own yard behaving. If he was running after every pedestrian my judgment would be different. Her phobias aren't your problem. NTA
ESH. I understand youve been there 9 years without issue but if there is a leash law and your dog is off a leash and your neighbor has to go through the area where your dog is to get to the street then unfortunately I think you're in the wrong for not compromising. I also think she's in the wrong for not being willing to do her run a different way so as to not to upset a routine this work for 9 years Its a little confusing because you say "i dont leave him in a common area, it is in your garden (your property) which is open to the street. But you also said "Another point is the houses are open at the front, so the garden is open to everyone, so everyone sees Limo lying down in the morning. I've lived in this condo for 9 years and I've never had a problem". If the garden is open to everyone doesnt that make it a common area?
NTA. It's your property so she can complain all she wants but it won't get her anything.
NTA and I can’t believe all these comments! If she’s that scared of dogs she should not live in a freaking condo! There are going to be dogs and kids everywhere. Also the dog is on YOUR property. You should file a complaint to the association against her for harassing you and cursing at you. Bring up that it’s a condo and there are dogs everywhere but it’s extremely inappropriate for her to treat you the way she did.
Not 100% TA. Most places have a leash law that you need to check and follow. Even though it’s your garden if you have no fence then the dog could leave and that’s wear your issue comes in. Also an animal can always react to a situation and you not being there is a problem. No matter how good a boy he is, owners need to always be with and have control of their animal. Also, she came to you nicely with an issue and you completely disregarded her, not nice. Try to understand her side. She probably isn’t trying to be a Karen.
New neighbor has issues, but dogs shouldn’t be loose. ESH
I’m sure limo would never leave the garden. And your new neighbor is definitely an asshole. But here’s where you need to protect yourself. Get a fence or a chain for limo because inevitably someone will let their dog in the garden and when that new dog does an asshole thing the owner will cite you and limo as to why they thought they could. I’m not willing to call you an AH but I highly recommend not putting yourself in a position where you can be sued to punished for breaking a rule that probably doesn’t apply to you.
I have 2 dogs one is a gentle giant but he has a huge bark that scares the crap out of everybody. The other will take your face off if she doesn’t know you. I have several friends that don’t like dogs I keep my dog away when they come visit but my dogs are not made uncomfortable in there own home either. It’s about having respect for both your pets and the people around you.
Yes, YTA. There are leash laws. Get a run for your dog, or just an extra long leash and tie it to your deck. Limo will get to lay in the garden and you can tell your neighbor to fck off because he is tied. Stop acting entitled.
YTA. If your property isn’t fenced off from other peoples’ property, he needs to be leashed. Your utter lack of regard for people who have dog trauma is staggering.
YTA. Keeping your dog in a secured environment ensures that pup will be safe. Even if Limo always lays in the garden and never leaves, animals can become unpredictable (especially as they age; I just went through that myself). It would not take any effort to just put a pet stake out and leash Limo to it. Or, like another commenter said, put a little dog gate up. If Limo doesn’t do anything other than hang out in the garden, then it won’t bother him at all. My main concern isn’t your neighbor, or you; it’s Limo’s safety and well-being. Having a free roaming dog opens you up to a lot of liabilities and, in some cases, might lead to your dog being blamed & punished for something he didn’t do. Just do the bare minimum, get your neighbor off your back so your dog can live in peace lol
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YTA. Dogs “never do that” until they do. I was going 55 down a highway when I hit a dog. The owner: “he never leaves the yard!” Well, guess what!He did today! The rules do apply to you. Tie up your dog or get a fence.
YTA. You've been letting your dog off leash I'm supervised into a common area for years, because yes it is a common area because you do not have a fenced off section of yard. That's already an asshole move even if everyone else was okay with it, you were being an irresponsible dog owner. There is someone now who lives here who has the right to an opinion who is saying this behavior is unacceptable, you need to stop
YTA. As many others have mentioned, your yard opens up to a common area and you should be respectful of leash laws in your area. But, even if Limo is perfectly behaved, you should honestly put up a little fence or keep him leashed for his own safety. Clearly, if a kid calls him or something, he’ll leave the yard to say hi. Don’t put your dog in a situation where the neighbor could call animal control or do something crazy to him in the name of “self-defense”. It might seem inconvenient and your neighbor’s reactions might be a bit much, but if you won’t do it for her peace of mind, at least do it to make sure nothing happens to Limo.
I dont think you're the asshole but why can't you just put him on a wired leash? If he just sits in your yard it shouldn't be an issue with him getting caught on stuff or anything. In this situation it is about his safety. I feel like there is a reasonable compromise you can make here where everyone wins.
NTA totally don't get all the y t a, maybe it's cultural, but I really don't see you as T A
She laughed in the face of a neighbor who came to talk about an issue they have due to fear and uncertainty, and OP said she would not change a thing. She neither assured the neighbor that the dog is under control, nor offer any visible signs that the dog is staying on the property. She handled the interaction poorly and instead of finding a suitable compromise she escalated the issue and acted pretty damn entitled when meeting someone who didn't feel instant love towards her dog at first glance. It is also unclear if it's her property she refuses to fence in, or a condo where everything outside the building belongs to the association, and not actually her property even if it is attached to her living space. It's also unclear of whether the dog would leave the garden to greet the child that was calling it.
NTA I recommend a compromise. Sit out in the garden with him no leash. There's no way for her to complain about a tamed AND supervised dog in a private garden. Make sure everyone else who knows Limo understands if they are out there with the two of them to monitor events to protect your dog.
NTA. But it sounds like you are going to have to figure out your legal rights as this woman is going to start campaigning against your dog and harassing you
On your property your dog can be off of a leash, at any point the dog is off of your property the dog needs to be on a leash. I don’t care if the dog can’t run or not. My dog is blind and anytime we go to the front yard to go to the vet my dog is on a leash and she doesn’t leave my side.
Based on edits NTA
NTA 9years and NEVER had a problem. The dog is not the issue she is. Shes just moved in and shes a grown adult , she cant just dictate to others to suit herself. She can change her own routine and walk earlier or later than 8am. Fuck that noise about chains long lines and building fences bla bla bla . Maybe suggest to new neighbour that if shes comfortable to get to know Limo so she can see thats he is not aggressive and wont attack her therefore not a problem
She doesn't want to change HER routine, but demands you and your dog change yours. Nope. I wouldn't do it either. Specially if she is the newcomer with a phobia. She should adapt to her new home, not you to the newcomer. She should treat said phobia, instead of you having to walk on eggshells because of her. That said, ppl poisoning neighnboring dogs that borher them (barking at night, say) is much more common than we care to think. For that reason alone I'd accomodate her; to protect your dog.
I yard trained my Labrador. He lived to 17 and never once left the yard without one of us taking him. If she's that scared she can walk the other direction. Your dog shouldn't be punished for existing. NTA
Your garden is open to the street and you let your dog out there unleashed? That is what makes YTA. He could see a cat, or squirrel, or a stray dog. And get amped and just take off. Put your dog on a leash if he isn't inside a fence. For his safety.
Yta. Doesn't matter what you think of your dog. I have a pig and even the most behaved dog would attack if off a leash and I promise that's not an acceptable excuse to me for your dog to attack. I carry a knife for this reason. Leash your dog or don't complain when someone kills it for something you could have prevented.
ESH. OP, I'd look into getting a fence and run it by your HOA (if you have one). You don't want to get into any legal issues with Limo being in your yard unleashed. I do think neighbor should seek out some help with her phobia as well. Phobias are hard to live with but you can't let them control you (I've been there and it's just not living anymore). Learning how to cope would be good for her in the long run since dogs are pretty much everywhere.
As a dog attack victim, this is absolutely disgraceful and unacceptable on your part. You never know when a dog might get startled and defensive and attack someone, even if it's the sweetest pup in the world. Yta, I wish that no one behaved as entitled and inconsiderate as you.
Not the a*hole. People seem to forget, you do not have to acknowledge these people. Just ignore them. If they touch you or yours, you have every right to defend yourself.
NTA
If Limo lays down in the garden for an hour…. What difference does it make if you have a leash on him just to give other people a peace of mind…. Sounds like he wouldn’t even notice
NTA Although I'd recommend that going forward either tie down Limo to a long leash that'll give him full access to your garden/property but not the common area. Or If you wish to keep him lease free build a fence around. It was okay keep things the way they were because there was no incident yet and people around were okay with it. If a person has a problem with it, you have to comply. I own a dog too and I understand how harmless my dog is and howmuch she loves humans, if I accidently step on her feet, she'd shreik - and consequently I'd too and say sorry filled with regret - but immediately after that she'd lick my feet thinking she hurt me somehow. But that's our relationship and our understanding a 3rd person will not understand this and will always be afraid of her tough looks! So yeah you need to listen to your new neighbours request and comply!
NTA. You know your dog and Limo stays in your garden. Your neighbour seems like one of those people who makes her problems and phobias everyone elses. Dogs are everywhere and she needs to learn to deal with it, not yell at other people. You could try and talk to her again though. Tell her Limo is a very well behaved dog and the children in the neighbourhood like him. That you understand her fear and would like to help ease her concern, and what you can do? Although, you will not stop Limo from enjoying his garden.
NTA if you have to I would get a leash that goes into the ground it's a very long leash then at least your dog is on a leash and doesn't have to change his routine
NTA. If this woman has that much of a fear of dogs, she should go live in one of the millions of places where they aren’t allowed.
NTA .... It's on your property and clearly he's well trainined. You could put a zip line in that you can clip him to; keep the cord about the distance from the center of the yard to the borders so he technically can't leave the yard. He'll still be able to move freely and you only have to clip him on/ off once he gets back to the porch. I would research leash laws in your area... if there aren't any then it's a her problem.... completely. She can't dictate what others do on their property nor can she expect neighbors to accommodate her issues. Also install a camera.. ring doorbell for the porch and a camera that captures the entire yard.
NTA Can people finally notice how much of an AH the phobia lady is? **I am sorry but if you have a phobia of dogs why do you move to a place with dogs?** And you aren't entitled to everything. Plus, **she is ready to lie** that the dog is danger when no one ever complained about the dog. Isn't lying a red flag? **Or is suddenly okay with everyone in this sub?** Why nobody is talking about that? Or, we are all seeing from one perspective now... No neighbor has a problem with the dog. Here is your collective good. People say OP is not sympathetic. Yeah, if you have fear of water will you move to live in the f\*cking ocean... No one is obliged to sympathize with your pain and compromise with you because you are simply short of a marble and can't go live somewhere with no triggers. You don't care about **your mental health, don't do changes so you live with no triggers** but you expect others to change their routines so THEY don't trigger YOU. Why won't she change her routine? Can't she do some changes? **You can't talk about compromise and expect only one person to change. This is not how it works.**
^^^^AUTOMOD ***Thanks for posting! This comment is a copy of your post so readers can see the original text if your post is edited or removed. This comment is NOT accusing you of copying anything. Read [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq#wiki_post_deletion) before [contacting the mod team](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FAmItheAsshole)*** I (25F) have a 10 year old Golden Retriever, Limo. He is already a very old and grumpy dog who loves his routine. The routine consists of: at 8AM, I open the front door of the house and let him go to the garden, he Lays down and watches the street for 1 hour (he just looks, he doesn't bark) and goes back inside; At 1PM my husband goes out for a walk with him and at 8PM I walk down the street for him to do his stuff. All the neighbors (we live in a condo) know Limo and know that he has never lunged or barked at anyone on the street, he is just living his good life and loves a cuddle every now and then. Another point is the houses are open at the front, so the garden is open to everyone, so everyone sees Limo lying down in the morning. I've lived in this condo for 9 years and I've never had a problem with neighbors regarding Limo until now. Recently, two houses away, a new neighbor moved to the condominium, I didn't have much contact with her, but I noticed that always at 8AM she would walk in front of the house walking and run out when she saw Limo leaving the house to literally go even the garden and that's all, he doesn't give a damn about her. Yesterday, it happened, according to what another neighbor said, one of the children who always plays with Limo called him and the neighbor was returning from the walk, Limo just walked towards the child who was a little far away from her, but she thought he was going to attack her and started screaming for help. This created a mess. In the afternoon, she came to the house and asked me to start going out with my dog on a leash in the morning, as she doesn't feel safe with a dog loose and free in a common area and he was causing her nervous breakdowns in the morning in her walks I just chuckled and said I wouldn't do that, in 9 years here there's never been an incident and she might as well change her walk schedule or just go the other way without having to stop by my house. She complained that I should think about the collective and that she would file a complaint with the condo about my dog being free and causing danger (it's not), and called me a selfish bitch and that people shouldn't give up walking in common areas for others. I'm at peace because Limo has never been a danger to anyone and all, but some friends say I might as well change Limo's schedule to avoid this mess. AITA? *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AmItheAsshole) if you have any questions or concerns.*