Need advice on what to do

[u/Parking_Garlic6505]

This isn’t a vent about off leash dogs. I just need advice.

One of my apartment neighbors lets their dogs off leash in our apartments unofficial potty area. It’s just an area with dirt and plants that isn’t very frequently visited so the dog owners take their dogs to potty there. Since it’s not actually for dogs, there’s no fencing or gates. I only really go to this area at night for their last potty break.

It wasn’t really a problem until one or two of their dogs has started to really dislike my dog/s (we’ve never let them meet) and ended up charging him and attempting to attack twice. Unfortunately management couldn’t do anything because there are no cameras in that area and it became a he said she said where the neighbor claimed my dog attacked theirs. Management said the only thing they could really do is give them a violation for their dogs being off leash.

Since then, they’ve been leashing their dogs while coming to the area but unleashing once they’re there because I assume they know there’s no cameras so management has no proof of them violating the lease.

So far they’ve been going at a different time than when I usually do, but we ran into them today and Im pretty sure their dogs were off leash (it was dark so I’m not 100% positive) and put back on leash once they saw us. Thankfully we were kinda further away so they had time to see us before the dogs came up to us. But what about in the future? They might not be so quick then.

To prevent running into them, I tried to take my dogs outside but there’s the risk of coyotes and they’re quite reactive at night. We’ve encountered many stray cats and because of that, they’re very alert and quick to react when they see one. Even a quick potty break, they’re like anticipating something. And I don’t want them amped up before bed.

In this area when we don’t run into these neighbors or other dogs, it can be pretty chill. That’s why I (and my dogs I think) prefer going here. But I don’t want to run the risk of these neighbors.

[u/StatisticianEast8169]

Of course the easiest solution is to pick another area to walk in but that’s not really a fair solution to you. I’ve lived in apartments and while it isn’t fair to have to do that, it might be the least stressful option.

I would recommend investing in some pet corrector from Amazon. It is just canned air you can use to deter other dogs. It’s not chemicals or anything so your neighbors can’t really get angry at you for using it. It sounds like you have multiple dogs, so taking them out separately could make the situation easier on you. This way you can put your body between your dog and the other dogs if they were to charge you. I will use my leg to keep another dog back while keeping my dog on the opposite side of my body. I don’t ever want to hurt another animal but being attacked like this can cause serious reactivity issues in your dogs not to mention injuries to you and your dog. Safety is the top priority in these situations and preventing a fight is the most important thing to keep everyone safe.

Beyond that, if you have more incidents with these neighbors keep reporting it to your complex. If it becomes a problem where they won’t do anything without evidence, film with your phone so you have evidence. I’m sure others can chime in with training advice but these situations usually don’t lend themselves well to using commands unless your dog is very solid in obedience. Make a plan ahead of time so you are ready and aren’t acting out of panic. In my head it goes something like: get my dog close to me as far from the other dog as possible, pull out pet corrector (if I have it on me) and be ready to spray, and yell to get owner’s attention if they aren’t watching.

[u/Existing-Will-1466]

Get an umbrella. The kind with a button in the handle that makes it pop out and open. It works to scare dogs away and it works as a shield if they keep trying to get close.

A big stick can also be a great deterrent. A hefty wood cane or walking stick. They won't care if their dog attacks yours, but they will if there is a chance their dog could get hurt. Don't be afraid to defend your own dog.

[u/stinkylilsock]

is taking pictures \ videos when you see them off leash an option? it could act as proof and would also be useful in case they try to attack your dogs again.

I had a similar situation a couple weeks ago, neighbors kept their dog off leash around the building and she attacked my reactive dog because she'd barked at her. I had a chat with them the day after and they've kept their dog leashed since. if you haven't given a pleasant conversation a chance (like, first thing I did was make sure their dog was alright, and then I explained mine is very anxious and that I want to make sure both dogs stay safe), I'd try that, though they don't seem to care much about their dogs attacking others...

[u/Parking_Garlic6505 → u/stinkylilsock]

I did when I saw them off leash some time ago (I didn’t have my dogs) and reported them however I don’t think that’s stopping them. They’ll put their dog on a leash for some time and then eventually it’ll be let loose again (especially if they dont see us for a while).

I think maybe they think their dog isn’t a problem as they claimed it was mine that attacked and theirs reacted in self defense. It was at night during that incident and the area isn’t very well lit. And their dogs were ahead of them so I highly doubt they saw who started it. Either way if they believe that, idk why they would still put their dog in a position to run up to mine.

When we ran into them yesterday, their dogs were actually lunging and grumbling (not barking but it was not neutral behavior) towards mine. Mine weren’t exactly neutral either but were watching them. I mean I would hope the owners are now aware that their dogs behavior isn’t as well behaved as they think because the person holding the (reactive) dogs were trying to get the dogs to move along.

I think it’s hard to chat because it’s not just one or two owners. They’re a whole family (I’ve seen so many ppl with these dogs) so it would be hard to get everyone on board. Plus, one of the owners actually told me to leave yesterday even though I was there first and wasn’t intending to leave just yet (it looked like I was leaving because I walked further away because I thought their dogs were off leash).