What to do about big dogs running loose in my new neighborhood and scaring me and my 5 lb dog??

I would suggest you alert the authorities of dogs running around un-leashed. You are right: it is dangerous to the dogs becasue they could get hit by cars. It is dangerous to other dogs due to disease and fights. It is dangerous for humans and small children due to aggression. LEASH LAWS ARE THERE FOR A REASON PEOPLE!!!! The dogs' owners will more then likely be given a warning, but if it persists, could get fined or even get their dogs taken away from them.

If this happens again, first off, DON"T FREAK OUT!! Animals can in fact sense fear and dogs will take it as an act of weakenss and could get violent (not a certainty, but a possibility). Stand your ground with calmness and assertiveness. Don't stare directly in their eyes (act of dominance in the dog world). Use your body stance and energy to claim the area around you. Once the dog stops, walk toward it firmly (again, claimly but strongly) and try saying in an assertive voice, tell it to back up or go home. Even if the dog doesn't go home, it should at least back up/leave you alone. Personally, I would never do what the woman told you to do by putting your hand out and saying, "Be Nice". Come on; who is she kidding. I would not put a hand towards the face of a growling dog. Seriously.

I would get in touch with the local animal shelter or animal control group and explain the situation. where I live they give the owners two warnings and the take the dogs because it is not safe for you or for the dogs because they could get hit or injured running around without supervision. Once they take the dogs they cant get them back without paying a fine. Everyone should understand that you never know if your dog will bite someone and if that happens where i live the dog must be boarded 10 days to make sure no signs of rabies appear after that they can get the dog back, but they have a big vet bill where the dog had to be boarded for those 10 days. If a dog attacks someone then they have to be euthanized that is the law where I live. No one should ever have to be afraid to go out into their neighborhood you pay taxes just like they do and you should be able to go out when you want without worrying if you are going to get attacked or if your dog will get attacked from the other dogs. I know you probably don't want to get any one in trouble, but they sure are not thinking of anyone Else's feelings letting their dogs run around like that. It is just not a safe thing to do. Hope this helps.

i completely understand. I live in the mountains and bid dogs run amok. My little guys are always on a leash for their own safety and even though I have owned large dogs my heart stops a little each time one comes galluping up to us. And, I know these big dogs are into so much garbage that their health is in question too.

My advice to you is to fix your fence. Dig down under it about a foot and place 2 x 12 boards so that the big dogs can't dig under and get at your dog in the yard. I do this to keep coyotes out of my yard, but that is another thing altogether.

Then, as the humane society already knows the beach areas are where dogs do run unleashed, your calling won't help. You need to keep your own dog safe and if that means moving to a condo or apartment, you make the call.

Sorry, it is a tough world out there for little guys. Good luck.

First, call your local animal control. There is most likely a leash law and the owners may have to pay a fee or have the dog taken away or both for having a dog running at large. Also, if it happens again, check to see if he has rabies tags because in most states its a violation if the owner does not provide proof of vaccinations. As for the dog growling, I would recommend you pick up your dog and stay still until the dog leaves. Eventually he will become bored and leave but it is the safest thing to stay still unless you are familiar with a dogs psychology. If you can get the owners address for animal control it helps too. But to let the dog continue to roam is not safe for you or anyone including the dog himself and it's irresponsible for the owners and they need to learn to take care of their pet.

Contact animal control or your local police and file a complaint. Any dog, large or small, should not be off leash in public, no matter how well behaved. Furthermore, a dog that growls at other dogs or people definitely should not be running free.

Most cities/counties have leash laws. If you file a complaint, and there is a leash law, they should take it seriously. Especially if the dog may be aggressive, or is found off the leash repeatedly.

I have no idea where you live, but most municipalities require all dogs to be on leashes, period, if they are out. Not many dogs are mean, and dogs have their own hierarchy...the low growls are alpha/omega pack behavior. The dogs know how to handle this far better than we do. But, dogs should not be running loose in the area. Call the animal control people and tell them what is going on.

Call the pound or police. If it is growling for no reason then it may attack someday. Better to be safe than sorry Also tell them how is got into you fenced back yard and started growling at your dog. The dog may start on you if you try to shoo it away from your dog or when you get in between them two to prevent any attack. Its attention may change from you Dog to you

call the town hall or city hall and find out if your town has a leash law. if there is a leash law then call the local animal control and file a complaint about the dog. if there is not a leash law then file a complaint about the dog coming onto YOUR property and intimidating you and your dog. they should tell the dogs owner they need to control their dog and keep it on their property or be within a reasonable distance from their dog

i would get some pepper spray definitely. especially if it is coming onto your property

Do you not have leash laws where you live? If you do, have the dog picked up. Get a squirt gun filled with vinager. No permanent damage to the dog but it will soon leave you alone.

Get spray bottle with a water and ammonia solution. Spray toward face of dog. They will run. Do not use full straight ammonia, it can blind the dog.