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Originally Posted by ColColt
My first thoughts would be that I'd talk with his owner about his behavior and what he's doing when you're out in the year cutting grass. I wouldn't stand for that. I know he's in his own yard but so are you and Charlie and it's reeking havoc with you guys and I'd rectify the situation by going to the owner and speaking with them first. If they ignore you or refuse to correct him, then it's up to you to solve the problem. I think this is a good answer from lessons learned from your Rotty.
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Unfortunately, it is up to me to train Charlie. The pit bull's owner will be of no help, although I will mention the problem to him. I've replaced about 10 pickets in 5 years (about 2 per year) that his dog has broken through. On every repair, I have had to go next door and let the guy know his dog had broken the fence again by charging at me or my rottie, and would he please take his dogs inside for 15 minutes so I could repair the fence.
The owner also takes his dogs out in the front yard to poop...in my front yard. Early this summer I asked him to please clean up after his dogs because I was stepping in their poop in my yard when I mowed. He said his dogs were not pooping in my yard (liar). I told him I had seen them in the act and I'd appreciate him watching the closer and cleaning up. That helped for about one week. Since then I scoop his dogs' poop off my front yard and toss it onto his front yard.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ColColt
You may try walking Charlie up to the fence(on leash) a few feet away, both of you turning your back of the Pit and sit there quietly for a minute or so. If Charlie insist on turning around to vocalize his disdain for the pit, correct him with the leash by turning his head around the other direction. The Pit has to know you and Charlie are not going to succumb to his bluffing and threatening in your own yard and intimidation is not in the quotient. Just a suggestion. I wouldn't make eye contact with the pit and not allow Charlie either. Basically, ignore him and don't talk to him to try and appease him as that won't work.
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I tried your suggestion on our mid-morning outside break today. At least on a first try, it seemed to be very helpful so we'll keep trying it. Charlie ran out to the fence and the pit bull started with barking, growling and banging into the fence. I walked over and Charlie quieted down as soon as I snapped the leash on him. I put him in sit with his back to the fence and told him what a good boy he was. Everytime Charlie tried to turn around to look a the pit bull (who was standing face pushing the fence trying to make eye contact for a stare-down and fight), I quietly told Charlie "No!", turned him back around for "Sit. Wait." and praise. We stayed quietly for about 5 minutes with our backs to the pit bull. The pit did quit barking/charging but never did walk away. Charlie and I walked away first, but quietly...just like a well trained and socialized human-dog team. Thank you so much for the suggestion. We will continue on that path.
Interestingly, the pit bull's pack mate (boxer), also just laid down on the other side of the fence with his back to us. That boxer has never been a problem. Wish his pit bull "roommate" would get a clue.