when (the old 'new' GF) moved into her place down off of MillBrook she had the same deal.

Massive dog (if not two) living behind her place, rotten old fence, --which I reinforced like crazy with boards and plywood and such.

The dog gave it up when he relized that there were no loose boards anymore, --there were already trees and such along that back area.

Her side neighbor had two dogs that barked incessantly, --and the neighbor was convinced that a third had been poisoned by yet ANOTHER neighbor who was sick of the barking.

The reality of it is: The dogs are there to bark and be menacing to ward off burgulars (or worse.)
--So they're not going to reduce these behaviors too much.

As for the constantly barking dogs, --learning the dogs name and telling them to quiet down sometimes works. (they also hate the sound of marbles getting rattled in a can.)

Police reports will result in the dogs having to be taken inside (where they are not a disturbance,)
-further concerns are that you are working with dogs that are more 'weapons,' than just 'dogs,' --so the rules of handling them are a lot more severe, (like they have to be on leashes in public, have to be tagged with visible tags (etc,)
-and once they actually come into your yard, you will have to defend yourself, (the best thing to do is call animal control.
But if a pit attacks, if the thing is that freaked, you're looking at probably dispatching (shooting) it before it will back off (especially if to the point of biting.)
By then you're looking at severe injuries and definite lawsuits and hospitalization.

They're a great breed and can be really sweet lovable goofballs, --but if you make them mean and use them as protection to that extreme, you've created a medium sized monster, and it has to be seen as that.

Another help may be to raise the fence higher, or put up stuff that the dog can't see over.
---Electrifying the fense (when you don't have any dogs yourself,) can be taken as your trying to control someone elses pet, --and when that means causing potential trauma of any sort, ---you're getting on shakey grounds (totally innapropriate would be BB or Airsoft use, -that's shooting somebody elses pet,)

I'd just make the fence higher.
(the neighbor with the constantly barking dogs at old new GF's house??? built a cinderblock wall that was something like 12 to 15 feet high...
-it was way quieter, and she didn't have to even look at the dogs, the neighbor, -any of it.

Based upon your depiction of how the conversation went, however
It doesn't sound like Mr. Neighbor is going to go much farther with this 'nicely.'

Try making the fence higher, ---it may just take care of things,

But if this thing DOES break into your yard, and starts to become aggressive?

Without breaking into a dead run, get into the house,
do NOT interract with it (the broom idea is just stupid.)
-and video tape (if possible,) the dogs behavior.
-But I repeat,
unless you're carrying a sidearm and can aim (and are prepared for the charges for discharging within city limits,)
Don't mess with it if it comes into your yard.

Find out the dogs names and in a commanding voice tell them to be quiet. We have two dogs that aren't barkers, but our neighbors have a poodle that barks all the time. His name is baby and all I need to do is yell "Baby, quiet!" and the dog stops barking.

Try it! He can't get mad for you yelling at his dogs.

I did that where I live last year (Clovis) after being drivin darn near MAD by their barking little ankle biters, and within three days, my neighbors dogs shut up fast! Must've been that fine involved. Their barking was non-stop 24-7, even if NOBODY was outside.

My sister recently bought a house on the Northside and had the EXACT same problem YOU are having JoeJoe, broken fence, pit bulls trying to bite / eat her three year old, mean and nasty alcoholic old man neighbor who did try to get violent with her (not a good vibe for a single mom!).

She called the cops out and they took her neighbors dogs away. Turns out that if you live in the City of Fresno, there is a limit to how many large dogs someone can have, and it sounds like your neighbor is one dog over that limit already.

The solution is easier than you may think: MANY local laws regulate this type of thing. Look into it and be well!

-s

That is a great idea to have some sort of treat. Especially if you are going to go try and meet them. My pit will do anything for ham. I mean anything. If you can get to where you meet the dogs face to face, make them work for some small treat. That'll help raise your status in their crazy world.

Call the cops, maybe?

Or...

Determine if the dog's actually vicious or just rambunctious. With a lot of breeds, the two look the same. Can you get within 5 feet of the dog? Can you pet him?

I doubt the old guy gives them much attention, from the sounds of things. Maybe that's what they need. If the dog IS menacing, then you need to call the police, honestly. You've tried to work it out, the owner won't listen, you need an intermediary.

Here's another idea. Get a bag of rawhide chews or bones. Something that'll take a dog of that size awhile. When you go out and the dog starts in, toss one over the fence. Dog goes and gets it, and is distracted with his treat. Try different kinds of treats till you find one that does the trick.

Or call the cops. I'd call the cops.

Anyway, as a real suggestion since people take things way too serious around here check this out.

http://dvice.com/archives/2008/08/animal_repeller.php

It wasn't a serious suggestion. You would have to be the stupid one if you were to ever believe that and do something like that. Get over yourself and stop trying to be the human Wikipedia of pit bulls to everyone. Case closed.

Yes. Puppy porn. Got her foot in her mouth and showing all she has to the world. I sure do love that dog!!

One thing I left out: Be sure that your neighbor introduces you to his dogs and supervises. Friendly banter between you two will help put everyone at ease together.

Famous Guest:
"It's a ridiculous situation that doesn't deserve such a rational response."

Yes, let's all be irrational. That helps.

Joey, I'm glad that you are opting for the opportunity to make your community better as well as your own backyard. Hopefully, your neighbor will reciprocate. Good luck and let us know how it goes!!

c.

Commoner, this is all fine if you're dealing with your own dog or your spouse's pet, but shouldn't be expected of a neighbor. She shouldn't have to put up with all of this just to feel comfortable in her own home. Shouldn't have to be a dog expert to feel safe at home.

It's a ridiculous situation that doesn't deserve such a rational response. She should take it up MORE with her neighbor and call the cops or something. This guy needs to cooperate and do something about it.

Thanks Commoner for the advice.
I will definately try that as it seems to be the only humane solution i've gotten.
Not that i dont appreciate the other reponses because i certainly do.
Now, was it intentional that you posted a puppy porn shot?
beautiful dog by the way, just saw more than i really wanted to ;)

I suggest getting the small animal electric
fence kit; we picked one up at Lowe's for about $60.00. Put the hot wire on the top of the fence line. The wire will submit a low voltage electrical shock in short intervals. When the dogs jump up to peer and hang over the fence with their paws and touch the wire, they will get the message. I have three dogs and we use it to keep them from fence fighting with adjoining neighbors dogs. We can't go out in the yard without their dogs barking at the fence when they hear us. This in turn has our dogs running over to the fence and barking as they run up and down the fence line. A couple of shocks to get their attention and they will stay away. I would never do anything to harm an animal, but there has to be some control. We in fact have touched the wire to make sure it is not to strong and it is just enough to do the trick.

Good-luck and Try It!

Let it bite you? That is really the dumbest thing I've ever heard in my life. Honestly.

As an owner of a pit bull, I can tell you that their behavior is easily misread by all of us. If the guy hasn't done anything to curb their barking and showing off (that's really what they are doing), they will continue to do so until they realize that you truly don't care.

How do we get to this point? You have to go meet them. BUT!!!! Do not do this over the fence. Right now, they see that as their territory. However, if you come in through the front, you are being allowed in by their pack leader. They get this. Hopefully, the owner will allow this.

Pit bulls were originally bred as fighting dogs--not bred to be hostile to humans. Can they be loud and annoying? You bet. But that is how they show off. Do they have the smelliest gas in the world? ABSOLUTELY!! Will they lick you until you absolutely can't stand it and want to scream? Yes they will.

I know we've all seen Cesar take people through his pack of pirates. It is scary for most. But, all of them learn to show the dogs who is boss. Yes, the lady at the SPCA is right. You have to step up and not be scared and show them that you are one to be respected. I doubt that swatting them with a broom will do much, though.

Bad training can be overcome. It ain't easy. But it is possible. Depends on how much you are willing to do. Because you and your daughter's happiness depends on it, I'm sure you are willing to do what is necessary.

Meet the dogs by yourself. Don't bring your daughter. Don't bring your dog. It won't take long before you will be able to tell them to shut the hell up and they will.

c.

would affect other nearby dogs, but i don't think it's THAT powerful. That said, I hope it works for you. It might make them stop for a second or just make them angry. No telling, but it's worth a shot and COULD be a possible solution or temporary solution to make the situation more bearable.

Try to keep yours inside (if they go inside) or as far away as possible.

Just point it at the offending dogs and see what happens. Try to get close and let them know who is causing it! I have a feeling it takes a little extra to affect really big or mean dogs. As a teenager I remember driving out to the country and playing with it and horses didn't seem to like it very much! I also remember it working on some bigger dogs but I can't promise it'll work like magic. Make sure to put a really good battery in there!

for all the great advice. I think my best bet would be that high pitched device.
BUT what about my dog and all the other sweet little doggies in the hood?
Would it hurt them?
I dont wanna hurt anyones dog.
Not even the pit bull.
And in no way would i allow myself to be bitten by a dog. any dog.
I have this weird thing about not liking pain and stuff.

what a terrible situation.

i think storm's got some good advice. know your rights, file a complaint. it's a little slow, and lame i guess, but it's probably the easiest, safest, and legal way to handle the situation.

i certainly wouldn't go swatting @ a barking pit bull w/a broom. and no way in hell am i letting him bite me, even just slightly. (what the heck is a slight bite from a pit?)

another good possible solution was that high pitched noise deal, if it works. it's harmless, and could give you a little peace in your yard.

For a very long time we lived next to a pit bull who was pinned up in a small area next to our house. Wood fence. We ran into a lot of the same issues you have. This dog didn't have a place to be looking over a fence and see us, instead it was angry every single time we opened the back door to step out. The fence became old, and worn and leaned. The dog would attack the fence trying to get to us. Looking back, it was probably a bit of the Guerrilla thing where it's more of a show of aggression than anything else. But Guerrilla's are smart. I have read enough on dog breeds to know that pit's are highly instinctual and act on instincts a lot, I would keep the fear you have. I used to have a Johnson's American Bulldog, for as smart as she was I knew behind the eyes was a bred attack dog, guard dog and hunter. These kinds of dogs seem to fall outside of the typical domesticated dog social structure. Be vigilant and stay weary. Considering all the variables I would consider the back yard unsafe and dangerous.

Diablo

Moving means he wins. He should respect Joey's concerns, especially about the safety of herself and her daughter. I've had pits in the past and I raised them to be gentle and they never attacked anyone. This guy has taught them to be aggressive and I don't blame Joey for being concerned.

I found this on Fresno's site, it may help.

http://www.fresno.gov/Government/DepartmentDirectory/Police/Neighborhood...

Because excessive noise can be harmful to the health and welfare of citizens, the City of Fresno prohibits excessive and annoying noise within City limits. The City's Noise Ordinance (Fresno Municipal Code, Section 8-503(a)) defines noise and regulates it by type, land-use zone, and time of day. Events or actions may be prohibited if they cause a noise disturbance.

Fresno City Municipal Code, Section 8-503. Keeping of Dogs
(a) No person shall keep or maintain, or cause or permit to be kept or maintained, upon any premises, any dog which by habitual and continual barking, howling, or whining shall disturb the peace and comfort of any neighborhood or interfere with the reasonable and comfortable enjoyment of life or property by any person.

(b) No person shall keep or maintain, or cause or permit to be kept or maintained, any dog owned by him or in his possession or under his control which habitually commits a nuisance upon the property of any other person.

(c) No person shall keep or maintain, or cause to be kept or maintained, any unconfined dog which habitually attacks, or barks at passing pedestrians, vehicles, or other users of the public sidewalks, streets and highways.

(d) No person shall keep or maintain, or cause to be kept or maintained, any vicious dog in the City of Fresno unless safely secured.

Noise Disturbance Examples

Animal Noise

Animal noise includes but is not limited to: continuously barking dogs, and excessively noisy birds or small animals.

File a complaint with the city for harassment. Say by allowing his dog to bother you and make you feel threatened, you therefore feel harassed.

Or better yet, 'accidently' walk to close to the dog and let it bite you, then he will have a whole other world of problems to deal with. Just a slight bite, nothing serious. It's sad when people think because they have a yard they can do anything they want, regardless of any neighbors privacy or respect.

And pit bulls? Cmon.

I have a similar problem. The dogs would actually break through the fence from time to time and roam my backyard. I reinforced the fence with sheets of plywood and made it so they can't see into my yard. That pretty much stopped the barking and growling. If they can't see into your yard they won't bark and growl as much. The other solutions require more confrontations and may cause a backlash worse than the original problem.
Aside from that, from what you have said, I would recommend moving if at all possible.

I can't say if this method would work in your situation! So if these guys pounce on you or something don't blame me!

A BB gun will calm them down!

hmm that's not really funny, but something drastic could be necessary.

They do make those "pet trainers" that emit really high-pitched sounds that only certain animals can hear. One of those worked pretty well to get my cat to stop clawing at my door at night.

You just push a button and it makes this high-pitched sound they can't stand. They're useful if you like to go for walks where big strays might be running around. It obviously doesn't discriminate so try to keep your pets away or inside if you use it. But it also doesn't seem to really hurt the pets. I imagine it's like microphone feedback to them.

Sorry if this sounds cruel, but it sounds like a really crappy situation and something you should not have to deal with. And to me it seems a lot better than putting on an electric collar or something. AND this is to get these dogs to leave you alone and stop being so aggressive, as their owner won't take care of it and because you feel like your loved ones are in real danger.

http://www.seenontvproducts.net/pettrainer/Pet%20Trainer.jpg