Trip to the vet after another encounter with neighbour's dog. WWYD?

[apricot72]

Our nearest neighbour is a farmer with a variety of dogs, one of which is a particularly horrible terrier (Patterdale I think). I have never disliked a dog in my life until we moved here a few year ago. It is an aggressive little sod which has repeatedly gone for my 2 dogs (collies) when we walk past.

Unfortunately the track to our house goes through the farm so we have to drive through every day. Although we can walk straight from our house into fields and beyond, there are lots of walks which involve going along the track through the farm. Every time I walk or run through I am stressed. Quite often the dog is not out but if it is it will rush out, bark v aggressively, start circling us and unless the farmer spots it and catches it (it has zero recall as far as I can tell), it will usually launch itself on my dogs - usually onto my younger dog who will stand her ground and is generally more defensive, whereas the older dog will hide between my legs or wriggle out of her collar and run away.

My dogs are always on a lead at this point which in some ways might be making things worse as the terrier seems to realise they're easier targets. Yesterday we had an encounter and the terrier was literally attached to my dog's shoulder as the farmer tried to pull it off. Cue, a trip to the out of hours vet with 1 deep wound to the shoulder requiring stitches under sedation. This is the first serious wound we've had but there have been plenty of cuts and small bite wounds. Now I'm sure my dog might have been biting back but frankly I don't blame her and she was on a lead, under control and not at fault.

I know this is unacceptable behaviour from the terrier. There is a public right of way through the farm as well so it's not like it's only us affected. But it's really awkward as getting on the wrong side of the farmer would make life v difficult (only neighbour, small rural community etc etc). But I'm really furious that my dog has had to go through this and I know we need to say something (I've nominated my husband). It's also making my dogs much more fearful of other dogs when they are the softest, gentlest dogs you could ever meet. But is there anything I can do to lessen the chances of this dog going for us? I tend to try to back off whilst pulling my dogs away, should I walk forward more confidently and shout at it? Carry a water spray? Tasar?!

Sorry for the essay. Needed to get that off my chest! Wise words much appreciated.

I would carry a water spray or other such like.

If the dog is only being aggressive when you are walking through their property, it's probably feeling pretty territorial. How old is the dog?

It's quite old I think, greying round the muzzle, been around since we moved here about 6 years ago. It's territorial alright! Water pistol or is ther another water repellent method?

I don't know, I've never had to use one. But I would certainly be using something or other.

Has the farmer given any explanation as to why the dog is behaving this way?

I think the farmer sees his dog as being perfectly within its rights to defend its territory. He does sort of apologise for it. We are on exchanging pleasantries terms but I have always been too wimpy to challenge him about said dog. However as I'm shortly about to get a bill for several hundred pounds from the vet, I may just toughen up!

I think really give him the vets bill, he sounds like the sort of guy who doesn't see it as a problem but he might if it effects him financially.
Totally out of order and inconsiderate

Do you think you could talk to your neighbour along the friendly lines of "your dog really doens't like mine, is there anything we can do so it doesn't come to vet bills again?"

Perhaps you could ask for his phone number so he knows you're going to be coming past and get his dog in/under control? I know it doesn't really solve the true problem but at least it will save your dog pain and you £££

Mmm I think if I presented him with the bill that would be the end of neighbourly relations. Though it is tempting. The phone number option is a good idea, and maybe a good non confrontational way to start negotiations - at least we can then diplomatically inform him of yesterday's outcome as he won't know about the gaping hole in my dog's shoulder.

Just to clarify are you on a public right of way when walking through his farm ? Hope your dog is ok and greying muzzles don't necessarily indicate old age ,my Patterdale X is only 3 and he has always had a greying muzzle .

Yes, there is a public bridleway along the track which passes his farm buildings and which leads to our house. The farmhouse and yard sit just off the track and little dog sits in the yard but rushes out onto the track. But it's not used very frequently (apart from by us). I'm pretty sure one of the locals who does use it has been bitten.
It was Liara who asked about the age - not sure if age makes a dog more or less likely to be aggressive.
p.s. I'm sure most Patterdales are lovely, unfortunately my dogs are now not well disposed towards any small dogs.

I would report it to the dog warden....you may not get anywhere....but you are worried about relations, but he clearly isn't, ...there is defending territory and then downright dangerous.

I asked about age as teenage dogs can be pretty boisterous - but 6 yo+ is not a teen by any definition!

I would give him the vet bill, he can't let his dog run around being aggressive without any consequences, also get some of this stuff

www.bite-back.net/

Thanks for all the advice. I know we need to talk to him about it, probably before we start spraying things at his dog (have you used that stuff Rikalaily, does it really work without harming the dog?). My husband and I are quite mild mannered so confronting him is not something we relish.

Not sure if dog wardens exist round here. I will investigate!

I haven't used it but it was recommended on a pet forum I post on by some people that have. It doesn't harm them, just confuses them for a few seconds by overloading their sense of smell I think.

I have to agree with others who've suggested presenting him with the vet bill. I'm sure if the shoe was on the other foot he'd be straight round to you with the bill. Time to toughen up... Are you really going up have to phone him each time you want to use the walkway... He needs to control his dog and presenting him with the bill might just make him realise how out of hand the situation has got. It's fortunate you're in the position you can afford it, if you couldn't you'd have no choice but to present him with the bill. You can manage this without a fall out. Explain that this incident is distressing to you and has cost you financially and you want to let him know how this incident has affected you and is he willing to contribute. If he's a reasonable man I'm sure he'll see your side. Good luck

you actually should be outraged - your dog was attacked while under control.

I am constantly aghast at the UK's lax rules with regards to dogs attacking people (its apparently OK in there own territory - thats completely fucked up to start with) and the blasé attitude of many when it comes to their dogs aggression - you need to get mad!!!! Its outrageous - you are on a public footpath, dog out of control.....he probably thinks its fine because his dog is small!!!! Why should you bear the financial cost and stress of his poor animal management?

and I hate to say it, if you don't do anything about it, you are saying its fine - I accept the situation, which you just shouldn't.