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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not want a dog in shared garden?

271 replies

Dotty07 · 25/04/2020 16:16

We have a shared yard at the back of our house that is shared with 2 others neighbours. A new neighbour recently moved in and has a dog. The dog uses the garden space as a toilet, he does now pick up poo after many discussions but the dog pees everywhere and in everything. We can have anything out as he just lets it pee on whatever, including my back door!

AIBU to not want a dog using the back garden at all, it’s very small and the dog is big, is it just me?

OP posts:
Tonemeth · 25/04/2020 21:34

Can you link to the law on that math?

Mummyoflittledragon · 25/04/2020 21:39

Can you not make a nuisance of yourself to the landlord? The stench is going to put prospective buyers off if you do go ahead and move.

Trinovantes · 25/04/2020 21:40

I love dogs, but a shared space is for everyone to use, and if one person is making it impossible for the others to use (by letting their dog piss all over it) then that person is not sharing the space but seizing it.

If you covered the yard in caltrops, or chilli powder, thus making it unpleasant for this man and his dog to use, he would not sit back and say, hey you can use it how you like.

Talk to the owner, his landlord.

Floatyboat · 25/04/2020 21:42

Crazy dog owners out in force today. Clearly that owner sounds selfish and horrible. I've not seen if your a renter or owner. That would determine what to do.

Actionhasmagic · 25/04/2020 21:44

Hmmmm. I have a dog and by your description I wouldn’t let him toilet in a shared paved Small yard I would take him to the street.

SpookyOhs · 25/04/2020 21:46

It’s a slabbed yard. Pee just sits and drys out

Sorry if it's already been suggested, haven't rtft.

We have a paved yard and a dog (not shared) and found the dog wee was just lingering and smelling awful. So we trained him to go on a puppy pad in the corner instead and just clear that up after a few uses (poo straight away obviously!). It's much cleaner and less stinky. A friend of ours had a similar problem and used a small piece of astro turf in the same way.

Waveysnail · 25/04/2020 22:09

I'd bleach the whole area - put warning note through neighbours door about when you are going to do it. You can buy stuff to seal slabs to stop urine penetrating

JigsawsAreCool · 25/04/2020 22:12

We have a shared drying green. I dont use it and out my clothes in my private bit. The dog shits on the grass multiple times a day and it is left for about 3 or 4 days at a time.so can be like 9-12 massive dog shits on grass at any time. It's not a large area either.

tillytown · 25/04/2020 22:33

I don't understand why the same people who argue that cats can pee and poo anywhere they want are now saying a dog can't pee in a shared garden. It makes no sense.

SoloMummy · 25/04/2020 22:39

Is there anyway of dividing the garden, so he has access to the third by his door and you the other 2/3 for you and the other neighbour?

Tonemeth · 25/04/2020 23:45

I'd bleach the whole area - put warning note through neighbours door about when you are going to do it

But....but....THE CHILDREN.

Sounds like a fair idea though.

EveryDayIsADuvetDay · 25/04/2020 23:55

what are the common terms of use over the garden space - does it permit pets?

In my block, leaseholders are allowed pets under the lease terms, but if subletting, there are now restrictions in place to prevent anyone subletting have pets.

If pets are permitted, it would then be down to the terms of the tenancy contract your neighbour has.

I think white vinegar is supposed to deter dogs from peeing in a certain spot.

mathanxiety · 26/04/2020 00:21

Absolutely not, @Cinderella66. My relatives are farmers. I know all about dogs and sheep.

It would be their own few acres.

TabbyM · 26/04/2020 00:24

I feel your pain, can't sit out in ours for the big bare patches etc :(

GreatDryingOut · 26/04/2020 00:37

This is just ugh. YANBU.

purdypuma · 26/04/2020 01:21

Do you know if the properties are leasehold or freehold? If the properties are leasehold then there might be rules terms regarding pets which the landlord has to adhere to. If hes in breach of these then you would need to make contact with the leasehold management company for them to take action with regards to the owner potentially breaching their leasehold conditions etc.
Is the shared yard large enough for the dogs owner to section off a part for the dogs to use? Local councils in our area allow this if pensioners have a bungalow with a shared garden area to the rear.
It may also be worth getting in touch with your local environmental health officer at your local council to check as to what their stance would be with regards to this as potentially him failing to exercise adequate control over his dog in a shared space could be considered anti-social behaviour.
Finally keep a log of any occurrences eg having to clean urine off your properties door etc. Be factual; time, date & length of incident. Councils will normally request that you keep one when there are allegations of anti-social behaviour.

Hope this helps Smile

TheNestedIf · 26/04/2020 02:13

You've tried asking nicely. Now show him the same level of consideration he's showing you. Scatter rat poison* all over the garden. Loads of it. Warn dickhead you've seen vermin and the poison you put down might be harmful to his dog. If he objects, give him the same "Mm-hm." treatment he's giving you and then be unapproachable from then on.

*Obviously don't actually risk poisoning the poor dog. Wheat and some blue/yellow food colouring should do the trick.

Reginabambina · 26/04/2020 03:11

If he’s leaving the pee to stagnate then sure that’s a public health issue? Also worth noting that a right to use a piece of land isn’t the same as a right to take over a piece of land which is what he is effectively doing.

MarieG10 · 26/04/2020 07:27

@Cabinfever10

Just 1 thought for everyone saying that they should walk the dog/ take it out to do its business you do all remember that we are in lockdown so the dog can only be walked once a day

Don't disagree with sentiment, but what law states that? There isn't one. Just another example of people making up CV restrictions. Same as you are only entitled to exercise once a day...rubbish

MarginalGain · 26/04/2020 07:32

Just 1 thought for everyone saying that they should walk the dog/ take it out to do its business you do all remember that we are in lockdown so the dog can only be walked once a day

As above, this is not true.

Floatyboat · 26/04/2020 10:03

Can't dog owners that can't adequately look after pets during lockdown put them in Kennels? Those businesses must be quiet at the moment.

Original poster
Dotty07 · 26/04/2020 11:23

Thanks for the reply’s. My deeds are in storage but I’m going to get them ASAP.
I did think about cleaning down yard weekly and maybe asking LL to share a professional clean so the yard is cleaned properly and then hopefully maintain it.
Sadly the poor dog doesn’t get walked, only out to yard.

OP posts:
Tonemeth · 26/04/2020 13:59

@Floatyboat I dont think this is just about lockdown. It sounds like her neighbour is a bit of a dick. But also, kennels are expensive and money is tight so I doubt many people can afford to put their dog in kennels for 6 weeks.

Original poster
Dotty07 · 26/04/2020 16:09

Another update, neighbour really isn’t happy, i had a tirade of abuse from him as he saw me look out my window in to the yard when he was there! Honestly can’t believe it, I’m a very anxious person and this is putting my anxiety through the roof!

OP posts:
PanamaPattie · 26/04/2020 16:15

What did he say?