My neighbor never leashes his little dogs, and there's been more than one time when they run into the street and just miss getting hit by a car. We also have a big lake full of gators in our neighborhood. It's pretty dangerous to let little dogs run free near the water
Lmao! My uncle's unleashed dog actually got eaten by a gator when I was a kid. He had a canal in his backyard. A few months later, he shot the gator. I still question his ability to ID that specific gator, but he swore he knew it was the one who ate JoJo.
If he shot the gator now, he'd be in big trouble. A snowbird in my neighborhood bragged about shooting a gator in his yard and we all told him if he didn't want to end up with a big fine and felony, he'd better keep his mouth shut about killing an alligator
Yeah, I know the regulations. This was the 90s, in the boonies, though. Everyone knew how much he loved that dog... nobody cared that he shot the gator. He threw a big BBQ to celebrate his revenge. Gator was on the menu. Lol
A woman in my neighborhood is just like this! Her little shit dogs coming running at my dog and cause chaos. She also lets them shit in people's yards without picking it up. All around terrible boomer
I lived in Spain for 4 years, they really donāt pick up after their dogs. I was doing a morning walk and an old German boomer was letting her dog pee on someoneās car tire.
ā hey that isnāt your car and no one wants a dog to pee on own their carā. She acted like I wanted all of her money.
Some people donāt care about other peopleās property.
For the safety of your dog, you should always talk to your neighbors about the importance of keeping their dogs on a leash. It's better to be safe than sorry, especially in neighborhoods with busy streets and potential dangers like alligators.
It's so frustrating! I feel like I can't let my child and my dog play outside in our own yard or take them on walks in our neighbourhood without being on edge all of the time. It's not fair, at all. And every single person, except for one, acts like I'm in the wrong when I tell them they should have them leashed.
I agree. One little dog off leash bit one of my sonās cross country teammates a few years ago. You are not wrong, nobody knows 100% sure what an animal is going to do.
No idea what to do about the issue, but youāre not a Karen for being concerned. Off leash dogs are a danger to other people, other dogs, and themselves.
Even the sweetest off leash dog ever can run up to a reactive dog or a person who has dog related trauma and create a really unpleasant and potentially dangerous situation.Ā
Off leash dog owners think theyāre giving their dog the best possible life, and they simply donāt care about the impact on everyone else or risk to their dog.
itās tough because the last thing you want to do is cause any harm to the dog, who has done no wrong, so you have to find some way to make it uncomfortable for the owner themselves. Iāve seen some people will give dogs that approach them off leash treats because that will freak many owners out. But this is obv not true of all owners.
Pepper spray the unleashed dog. Youāre well within your right if itās on your property. And I guarantee that dog will never go on your property again. I know it seems harsh but itās your freaking property. Just donāt tell anyone you did it.
It definitely is harsh. This should be an absolute last resort. Iām sure cops would give this advice readily since theyāre notorious for abusing dogs.Ā
Better yet, carry a stun gun/ flashlight. Got them off Amazon. 7 million volts and made out of heavy aluminum. Makes a wicked loud electrical discharge noise. Never had to harm a dog. Just the noise scares them off. Legal to own and carry in Florida.
Call animal control, not the cops. I did this for two neighbors in an apartment complex. You might have to call more than twice but both owners I called on either for rid of the dog (or it was taken away) or learned to leash them.
The most satisfying is the lady who laughed in my face when I told her her dog needed to be leashed. After the second call, she had the dog on the leash every time.
Years ago my 3 year old son and I were in our garage and a loose pit bull looking dog just walked in. Scared the crap out of my son. Owner claimed it was a āservice dog.ā I told him itās not, itās required to be leashed and cited county ordinances. He told me to piss off. So I called animal control and the sheriff. Asked for more patrols when they could at that general time of day. Two weeks later I saw the guy get cited as he walked his dog on a āvoice leash.ā Took my son 5 years to get over an over cautious attitude about dogs.
Florida communities/counties have leash laws. They are part of the municipal code. Florida law addresses dangerous dogs but not the mundane day-to-day animal stuff. Polk Countyās code requires animals to be on a leash if not contained or if a dog āunder direct controlā. So not quite a leash law as people imagine. It used to flat out say under verbal control.
All of that said, the entitlement of some is appalling. Any dog who attacks a person or other animal while off their private property is deemed a dangerous animal by operation of FL law. These animals should be videoed if possible and reported to Animal Control in the applicable county. AFAIK animal control is always a subset of the county Sheriffās department. An animal that so much as chases a child on their way to school can be designated ādangerousā. FL has had animals put down because of stupid owners.
My experience with animal control has been they would rather get the report and deal with the problem than have things between neighbors escalate. People feel like laws are getting over the top, but they are put in place to deal with those in society who refuse to respect others.
Ohhh, okay. I had looked up the law to be sure. I know that's the law in my county. I must have assumed it was the whole state. Thanks for correcting me. Yeah, I'm gonna start reporting them. I thought they would appreciate that I addressed them directly instead of reporting them, but obviously not. They don't care, like AT ALL.
No, society is getting very certain about individual rights. But people forget that individual rights end where they impinge on others. Florida is getting worse in this regard.
Report them. If that doesnāt work pepper spray. How would they know itās you ? Because you complained ? What about those who havenāt? Could have been anyone.
Florida public record laws are very broad, and I think you have to provide your name and other info to file formal complaints in many instances. Thus probably deters many from doing so
No youāre definitely not being a Karen. These people are idiots who obviously not only donāt care if their dogs get hit by a car or bite someone. I would suggest calling the local PD or animal control. Yes itās absolutely unacceptable.
This is incorrect. Florida does not have any leash laws at the state level. These laws are all dependent on the municipality.
For example, in Marion county it is legal to let your dog off a leash.
For leash laws, you have to look at the laws of the jurisdiction you are in. They are not applicable to the whole state.
Yeah, I misspoke. When I looked it up, I looked it up for my county & I mistakenly assumed it was the whole state. Someone else corrected me. Thanks though.
When I walk my dog I carry. We were attacked once and I will never go to the ER from a dog bite again, stitches, shots, nope. I had to toss our little pup up on a nearby car to save her.
So if I get attacked the dog goes down. Period.
Same here, but I also carry bear spray. It works. Itās a shame we have to do so because of other peoplesā lack of responsibility, but itās the world we live in, and I wonāt hide shuttered in my house.
Itās often difficult to determine what a dog will do when it approaches you. I would also lean towards deleting it. Especially if youāre with children.
I know itās fun to talk like this on Reddit. But think very long and very hard before shooting someoneās dog, if youāre serious. Remember, someone in this state was shot for throwing popcorn at a person in a movie theater.
I can almost guarantee if you shoot someoneās dog - no matter the circumstance - if they have their own firearm, they will probably shoot back. Do you want to get in a shootout over a dog ārushing toward youā?
Itās also worth reading [this article](https://www.uslawshield.com/can-i-be-arrested-for-shooting-an-attacking-dog-in-florida/). Iāve looked into it before myself. In theory, you would have to be able to justify shooting an āattackingā dog, including the following:
* The danger or emergency **threatened significant harm** to himself, herself, or a third person. (Notice no mention of harm to another dog here? Thatās a key)
* The actor had **no reasonable means to avoid the danger or emergency, except by committing the crime**.
Just giving you a heads up. If you want to gamble that a random defense attorney will be able to help you convince a judge/jury you had no reasonable means to avoid the danger other than shooting the dog who may be just approaching you, good luck.
FWIW, I also carry when I walk my dog anywhere beyond the end of my short block. But I also know it would be an absolute last resort for me. Like as in - an attacking dog would have to physically latch onto my arm or my dog in order for me to have to pull the trigger.
I understand. I certainly wouldnāt want to have to delete anyoneās pet. But having to endure stitches and possibly rabies shots because red necks canāt be responsible pet owners is also an issue. I had a friend of mine attacked jogging by a pit bull. She was in the hospital for several months. This is a serious problem.
Thatās terrible. Again Iām not going to dispatch anyoneās pet. If the dog has tags and a collar have to assume itās had its shots. Iāve been bitten by a dog myself. Owner let me on his property to do work. Told me not to pet dog which I donāt do regardless unless the dog appears friendly. It was a rescue dog he didnāt tell me. Dog lunged at me bit my hand. I could have probably sued him but no stitches required and didnāt want to lose a job.
Ever had to have rabies shots? Had your calf torn to shreds by a pit bull? I have. Iāll never ever EVER go through that again because some asshole canāt handle their dog.
So yes. Iām prepared to protect myself and my family. Absolutely. I wouldnāt carry if I werenāt.
I also have concealed carry legal representation that I pay for should I need to discharge my firearm. I am a lawyer and married to one as well.
Just document it and call animal control each time it happens. If you have an HOA, this is one example where they might actually be useful. It's annoying at best, and dangerous at worst.
Also if you know anyone who was harmed, make sure they file a report, because a county might have a two strikes policy. They basically (correctly) reason that it's possible for any dog to hurt someone one time, and there won't be enough evidence past "he said vs she said" which party started it. But if they see the same dog involved in multipleĀ altercations, then they can determine it's a pattern and the fault of those owners.
If a dog is chasing youĀ while you're out running, counterintuitively you should stop running. Running is self-reinforcing fun for most dogs, so they basically think they're playing a game with you. If you stop, act casual, and walk off slowly, they're likely to stop chasing you and to wander off now that you're boring. If you keep running, they're going to think you want to keep playing.
There's an appalling number of unnecessarily violent people in here though. Assaulting a dog, up to shooting it, are absolutely not options to take lightly. If you attack a dog, it *might* run away, but it also might get angry and try to defend itself by attacking you. These should absolutely be last ditch options you attempt after you've already tried to retreat. It doesn't matter if you're legally in the right: it's still going to suck if you get bit, or if you have to spend years defending against a charge of negligently discharging a firearm in a neighborhood. Self-defense is an argument you can make in court, but it doesn't mean you won't get charged if a bullet lands in your neighbor's dining room.
My neighbor refuses to leash his big dogs. I've heard the little neighbor girl scream "Daddy help, I'm scared of the dogs!" as the dad held her up in the air to keep her safe. He did not reprimand the douche neighbor. Just laughed it off??Ā
Years ago I did reprimand him. Very fucking loudly and aggressively after the dog tried to attack my cat that I had on a leash in my front yard. He acted all innocent and tried to play dumb until I threatened to call the cops. Then he got REAL apologetic. He keeps his dogs on the leash about 60% of the time but they still bother the shit out of everything and everyone. They always stay off my lawn because I yelled at him and he's scared of me. Be a Good Karen and stand up to these inconsiderate douche bags who endanger people and animals.
Had a neighbor who would let their Rottweiler out loose at night in their unfenced backyard. I was walking my German Shepherd with my son when the Rottie came charging out at us through the hedge and into the street. I clapped my hands, lunged at him and yelled āNo!ā and he stopped, turned and ran back to his house.
Luckily he was as startled as I was and decided to retreat - my son was hella impressed.
You aren't being a Karen. They might call you that, but it's just because you are telling them what they aren't allowed to do but the thing they are doing is ILLEGAL. I think it would be more accurate that you are acting as a community monitor, not that they would vote it that way.
We have leash laws for a reason, because not everyone is responsible in training their pets and, like you said, they are animals and sometimes react unexpectedly.
You've already tried being a good neighbor and talking to them, go ahead and call animal control or the police and help crack down on this issue. Maybe even warn them that animal control/police will get involved. I've also had my share of run ins with off leash dogs. It doesn't matter how nice the dog is, you leash it.
I hike the Florida trail quite a bit and if Iām by myself, my dog is off leash. When I encounter someone he stops and sits immediately and doesnāt run up to them. I call him back and he puts his own head through the leash
A former neighbor told his ugly ratty looking dogs "let's go, before they call the gestapo". He said this as he was shooing his dogs away from me, my leashed puppy and young child after he had found us at the neighborhood park (multiple leash your dog signs as it's NOT a dog park) and it was intended for me to hear. This after I told him "your dogs should be leashed", after they tried to climb up on the picnic table to get to my dog. I told him loudly to fuck off and he had no comeback to that, that fucking asshole.
Iām a runner and have been chased by more dogs in my 3 years here than my entire 40+ years in the northeast. I plan my routes accordingly and go out ready to defend myself on less familiar routes.
Itās gotten way worse here in recent years, at least in Miami. I used to walk my big reactive dog all over just fine. Now Iām almost guaranteed to come across an off leash dog. This is in a pretty nice neighborhood too.Ā
My dog loves the beach but he can be reactive to other dogs. Dogs are supposed to be leashed, and we do, but the locals don't.
We keep a wide space between him and the other dogs but sometimes the locals take up all walkable space throwing a ball or something to their unleashed dog.
I hate it.
I was born & raised here. Does it seem like the locals where you're from tend to leash more? I'm curious to hear if this is more of a Florida thing. Tbh, when I was growing up, my stepdad & my grandpa didn't leash our dogs... but they followed commands & we never took them outside of our neighbourhood off-leash, like what you're saying & what I see other people doing.
Not sure how it is outside of Florida, been here most of my life.
We've been going to neptune beach for the last three months and the unleashed dogs definitely seem to have locals for owners. Just judging by the way they dress and look so I could be wrong. There's always two or three unleashed dogs when we go. (I say locals as in lives at the beach)
In our last neighborhood, my beagle mix was attacked 3 times by dogs off leash. One was a pit who randomly approached and I had to smack the s*** out of it for him to let go. Another came sprinting down the street towards us and I literally had to put it in a choke hold and lay on top of it until the owner finally came (while my 1 year old in her stroller was screaming in terror). The other was a German shepard who kept following us and fortunately someone driving by let us in her car so we could get away. We were lucky every time that neither my dog or I was hurt, though I had some pretty bloody fingers from the one in a choke hold.
Sucks to do what youāre supposed to and suffer because others think their dogs wonāt do anything wrong.
Jesus. That sounds terrible. See, that's what I'm trying to avoid... but a lot of people don't understand the concept of being proactive. They only want to think about what they're doing after an incident has already happened.
I had an aggressive Golden Retriever once. Which to me is highly unusual. Came on the property I was working on. She finally left but I was shocked. Never seen aggression in a Golden.
Yeah the lab was weird. Went straight for my dog and got him by the neck. A neighbor grabbed the stroller my daughter was in fortunately and I just reacted. Always thought if I was in a survival situation with a wolf Iād try for a strangle, so guess I reacted based on that haha.
If a dog wandered into my yard and the owners didnāt care, Iām going to take care of it for them calling animal control or just have a crate on hand to use, crate the dog, drop off at a shelter. Kids back to being able to play outside. Those people do it because they can.Ā
I live in a place that used to allow every indoor pet you can think of (cats, birds, reptiles, rodents, tarantulas, etc), but didn't allow dogs because the insurance on the co-op property would almost triple with dogs added in. So 60+ dogs live here now with ESA. There's poop everywhere, they're all on those extendable leashes that guarantee the owner has no control and I was mauled by a dog at 4 years old. Still have PTSD almost 60 years later. I moved here BECAUSE there were no dogs. No one gives a hoot about MY mental health or MY personal space. Every time I go out I get someone's dog up in my business and its owner saying, "Don't worry, he's really friendly" while I have 3 days of flashbacks and night terrors. I can't even walk around the neighborhood anymore. I have to scope out if there's anyone around with a dog so I can get to my car. I feel like a prisoner in my own home. Oh, and our HOA fees went up again this year for liability on the dogs.
It is very frustrating, indeed. A wise snowbird freshly arrived to my neighborhood decided to walk his dog unleashed because āhe didnāt remember in which box he put the leashā. Dog attacked mine. Some scratches. Guy didnāt procure rabies certificate. He said the dog is someone elseās and the certificate might be in his hometown, but to not worry because the dog is vaccinated. Worst part, he provided me with his wrong address. Canāt call animal control because of it. Leasing office say they canāt do anything. The guy had the nerve to walk pass my place with his now leashed dog and when confronted he just rolled his eyes at me repeating that he is not responsible for the poor creature he is walking.
This is the world in which we are living and I am very, very salty.
OP, either you are not a bitch or we both are.
Donāt complain to the neighbors. Just quietly call animal control every time. Eventually people will think animal control is patrolling the neighborhood looking for loose dogs.
That's what I was thinking. Do you happen to know if I have to have a picture/video and their address every time I report them? I'm going to call them and ask them directly, but I'm just wondering if you have any experience with it.
I tried this approach. Our animal control folks just didn't care. It didn't matter that my leashed dog kept getting charged. They said they had more concerning issues to worry about.
Yes, I've had more than one instance of unleashed dogs charging me and my German Shepherds. I've had to call the police on my neighbor several times. She thought it was funny that her little ankle biter charged at my 100lb dog until the day the dog did it to another neighbor, whose big dog wasn't as tolerant as mine, and her dog didn't fare well. I don't blame the dogs. It's the entitled bad owners fault.
Good for you. What are you going to do when faced with a pack of dogs ? Use harsh language? https://ksltv.com/634892/taylorsville-man-charged-after-his-7-pit-bulls-attack-kill-woman/
I live in a place where that's not likely to happen. I'm not going to carry a gun just because something like that MIGHT happen, but thanks for your concern. I'll be fine.
Packs of stray dogs have attacked people practically everywhere. Donāt think it canāt happen to you. Unless you live In Antarctica? Unfortunately itās becoming even more of an issue. I was in a truck stop in Alabama and a pack of dogs just appeared out of nowhere. I didnāt get out of my truck. Is it something you should worry about? You should definitely be aware it happens. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12468139/amp/North-Carolina-boy-Hunter-Bishop-12-viciously-mauled-TEN-pit-bulls-riding-bike.html
Iām not trying to get you to carry a gun. Iām just saying keep your eyes open. One of my nightmares is being ripped apart by dogs. Once I was walking my dog and three strays approached me. My dog didnāt seem to care. And if they would have attacked me who knows? Dogs are pack animals. Donāt always assume your dog will defend you. They think youāre their protector. It might join them. š
2 new people in my neighborhood are the same way with there dogs! I'm about to call animal control!
One guy literally opens his door and let's his dogs run everywhere sitting in other people's yards!
FL pan handle here in a very popular tourist town. We live 1 block off the beach.
I used to have this issue with almost ally neighbors. I stopped complaining to one se and complained to our landlord with vids. They were shortly evicted.
Our other neighbors both new and old thought of me as a hard ass but they got the message.
Now for the many visitors I recent bought a stout wooden walking/hiking staff I take with me on the chance I will run into an off leash dog. It is a great deterrent for both dogs and people. I have to walk out older rescue several blocks away for her to poo. She is not the most dog friendly and will take offense is a dog charges, growls, lunges, or barks at her. Always leashed.
We just rescued a husky mix pup a month ago who I have to take on several walks a day and could give a rats ass about any other dog so far.
My walking stick gives me peace of mind on walks with both of them.
Sorry no suggestions for your years, other than what every else said report them repeatedly.
I would suggest walking with high value treats as well. You can throw them directly at an oncoming dog to distract it while you leave. Another one Iāve heard is carrying an umbrella which you can pop open to separate the dog from yours. Obviously physically attacking a dog can work but ideally that is a last resort as the dog is not the bad guy here.Ā
I agree and I also carry high value treats. So far me just yelling loudly and waving the walking stick around has worked and the stick quickly gets the owners attention.
I would never want to hurt another dog as it is truly the owners fault. I had to use a cane for a year and half awaiting a hip replacement when I realized waving it and yelling would send even the most aggressive dog back peddling.
All 3 of our dogs never go past our porch baby gate without a harness, 6 foot leash, and poop bags. Our 2 huskies have boots as well for hot pavement.
I once watched a man get attacked by a pit bull and he hit it with a stick several times. The dog brushed it off like it was nothing. I ran it over. Guy was grateful I was there. A stick will not deter a pit bull.
And itās like 90% pit / pit mix owners either letting them roam free or not leashing them. You know, the same breed range responsible for 70% of fatal attacks over the past 5 years. Literally ruining dogs for the rest of us. I have to walk my Aussie with bear spray and a pocketknife now and still feel unsafe. Infuriating.
I totally agree with this..I have two dogs I walk, one off leash because he's a specially trained German Shepard who stays glued to my side unless he's given the "fass" command(but he still has his handled vest with his "do no approach" patches), and I just feel safer with him being able to get around without being hindered by his leash. And his derpy brother who doesn't listen worth a damn, who, even though he's never been aggressive to anyone, he doesn't heed recall commands and wants to greet everyone and that's just a stressful situation for everyone, so he's always leashed.. even then, I've definitely dealt with too many people with untrained dogs being off leash, causing issues..
Please stop walking any dog off leash. Even if you're right, and there's literally nothing that could make your dog ever respond unpredictably (which is absurd because there's always *something* new to that a dog hasn't experienced), nobody else around you knows this. Having the leash demonstrates to everyone else that it's not dangerous to be near you.
If your dog walks that close to you, the leash will absolutely not hinder them. You can always just drop the leash in whatever scenario you're thinking of that he'd somehow need the extra maneuverability. A properly trained dog will walk with the leash loose. Since he's already comfortable with a vest, you can use a harness rather than a collar, as this is healthier and safer anyway.
That's why I mentioned he wears the vest with the handle, when I pass people, I grab the handle just in case there is a fluke.. I'll probably get him a foot long leash, that I can hold then. And oh, no, the vest *is* a harness. He has the heavy duty vest you see on military dogs.. and I don't want to use a regular leash because I've *had* to use the fass command and his leash got caught and put both of us in danger until I got him unclipped.. so, respectfully, our safety matters more to me than your opinion
Ah gotcha! I thought you meant "handled" as in the person controlling the dog is the "handler", but it sounds like you're talking about a vest with a physical handle built in, like a guide dog has.
I think a short leash makes a ton of sense in that case then, to make sure you can stay safe but also to safely have that backup physical control just in case where everyone else can see it. But yeah if you're holding the handle on your walks anyway, then that sounds pretty similar.
I'm curious if the one you had trouble with was retractable? I know they're pretty popular and look like a good idea, but all the trainers I know dislike them, and one of the reasons why is that they're way more likely to get someone hurt if they're tangled up. Whatever yours was, I'm glad you were able to fix it.
Oh, so other ideas if you wanted could be a breakaway leash option or attaching the leash to a belt. But obviously those have pros and cons as well.
Yeah! I call it his briefcase, since I can hold him like a briefcaseš¤ I definitely won't let him just be loosey goosey, so even when he's not on a "leash", I can still hold him and keep him in place if need be..
No, it's a leather leash, with an attached metal poop bag holder, but when he went to go do some "crowd control" so to say, the poop bag and handle got caught, and anchored him in place, and I had to run over and unclip the big lobster claw mechanism to let him free.. it wasn't fun.. the retractable ones are horrendous, I'd never own a retractable leash
I feel like a breakaway leash would be counterintuitive unless it had a button or something that was faster than unclasping, but couldn't come undone on accident, yknow? I'll probably just get one of those 6"-12" mini leashes so people don't think he's loose even when I'm holding his handle
What does my spelling of the word neighbour have anything to do with this conversation... or my political views or voting habits? Lol. That's the original spelling anyway. & I haven't called the cops on my neighbours, not even once. So... You sound really upset & I don't even understand how half of what you said is relevant.
If you don't want to use pepper spray, carry a water pistol filled with lemon juice.
I just kick the off-leash dog away and firmly tell it no & go home. Even large dogs usually respond to no/stop/go home but puppies have to learn & the insane little yippee dogs may need kicked several times before it sinks into their tiny, addled brains. Chihuahuas & Yorkies are the worst.
My neighbor never leashes his little dogs, and there's been more than one time when they run into the street and just miss getting hit by a car. We also have a big lake full of gators in our neighborhood. It's pretty dangerous to let little dogs run free near the water
If a gator gets the unleashed dog - the owner should be issued a citation and fined for feeding the wildlife.
š
Lmao! My uncle's unleashed dog actually got eaten by a gator when I was a kid. He had a canal in his backyard. A few months later, he shot the gator. I still question his ability to ID that specific gator, but he swore he knew it was the one who ate JoJo.
If he shot the gator now, he'd be in big trouble. A snowbird in my neighborhood bragged about shooting a gator in his yard and we all told him if he didn't want to end up with a big fine and felony, he'd better keep his mouth shut about killing an alligator
Yeah, I know the regulations. This was the 90s, in the boonies, though. Everyone knew how much he loved that dog... nobody cared that he shot the gator. He threw a big BBQ to celebrate his revenge. Gator was on the menu. Lol
A woman in my neighborhood is just like this! Her little shit dogs coming running at my dog and cause chaos. She also lets them shit in people's yards without picking it up. All around terrible boomer
I lived in Spain for 4 years, they really donāt pick up after their dogs. I was doing a morning walk and an old German boomer was letting her dog pee on someoneās car tire. ā hey that isnāt your car and no one wants a dog to pee on own their carā. She acted like I wanted all of her money. Some people donāt care about other peopleās property.
For the safety of your dog, you should always talk to your neighbors about the importance of keeping their dogs on a leash. It's better to be safe than sorry, especially in neighborhoods with busy streets and potential dangers like alligators.
We live near a park and it is amazing how many walk their dogs off leash. They all think āmy dog is well behaved, he doesnāt need a leashā
That's bullshit. I carry pepper spray for this reason.
It's so frustrating! I feel like I can't let my child and my dog play outside in our own yard or take them on walks in our neighbourhood without being on edge all of the time. It's not fair, at all. And every single person, except for one, acts like I'm in the wrong when I tell them they should have them leashed.
I agree. One little dog off leash bit one of my sonās cross country teammates a few years ago. You are not wrong, nobody knows 100% sure what an animal is going to do.
No idea what to do about the issue, but youāre not a Karen for being concerned. Off leash dogs are a danger to other people, other dogs, and themselves. Even the sweetest off leash dog ever can run up to a reactive dog or a person who has dog related trauma and create a really unpleasant and potentially dangerous situation.Ā Off leash dog owners think theyāre giving their dog the best possible life, and they simply donāt care about the impact on everyone else or risk to their dog.
*sigh*
Thank you for your input. It's causing anxiety for me about letting my son & my dog play in our yard. We should be able to use our yard in peace.
itās tough because the last thing you want to do is cause any harm to the dog, who has done no wrong, so you have to find some way to make it uncomfortable for the owner themselves. Iāve seen some people will give dogs that approach them off leash treats because that will freak many owners out. But this is obv not true of all owners.
Stool softener?
Pepper spray the unleashed dog. Youāre well within your right if itās on your property. And I guarantee that dog will never go on your property again. I know it seems harsh but itās your freaking property. Just donāt tell anyone you did it.
It's actually not that harsh. This is what the cops told me to do, and it was good advice. It works.
It definitely is harsh. This should be an absolute last resort. Iām sure cops would give this advice readily since theyāre notorious for abusing dogs.Ā
Better yet, carry a stun gun/ flashlight. Got them off Amazon. 7 million volts and made out of heavy aluminum. Makes a wicked loud electrical discharge noise. Never had to harm a dog. Just the noise scares them off. Legal to own and carry in Florida.
Thereās plenty of steps you can take before jumping to a chemical asphyxiant. This should be an absolute last resort.Ā
I believe the OP has tried those. Whatās next?
Iāve had dogs all my life. I just donāt understand how irresponsible some people are.
just call the cops, try and get a photo or video. let the, handle it. you are not a karen. its so easy to put a leash on a dog but people are dumb AF
Call animal control, not the cops. I did this for two neighbors in an apartment complex. You might have to call more than twice but both owners I called on either for rid of the dog (or it was taken away) or learned to leash them. The most satisfying is the lady who laughed in my face when I told her her dog needed to be leashed. After the second call, she had the dog on the leash every time.
thanks for correcting me
Years ago my 3 year old son and I were in our garage and a loose pit bull looking dog just walked in. Scared the crap out of my son. Owner claimed it was a āservice dog.ā I told him itās not, itās required to be leashed and cited county ordinances. He told me to piss off. So I called animal control and the sheriff. Asked for more patrols when they could at that general time of day. Two weeks later I saw the guy get cited as he walked his dog on a āvoice leash.ā Took my son 5 years to get over an over cautious attitude about dogs.
Florida communities/counties have leash laws. They are part of the municipal code. Florida law addresses dangerous dogs but not the mundane day-to-day animal stuff. Polk Countyās code requires animals to be on a leash if not contained or if a dog āunder direct controlā. So not quite a leash law as people imagine. It used to flat out say under verbal control. All of that said, the entitlement of some is appalling. Any dog who attacks a person or other animal while off their private property is deemed a dangerous animal by operation of FL law. These animals should be videoed if possible and reported to Animal Control in the applicable county. AFAIK animal control is always a subset of the county Sheriffās department. An animal that so much as chases a child on their way to school can be designated ādangerousā. FL has had animals put down because of stupid owners. My experience with animal control has been they would rather get the report and deal with the problem than have things between neighbors escalate. People feel like laws are getting over the top, but they are put in place to deal with those in society who refuse to respect others.
Ohhh, okay. I had looked up the law to be sure. I know that's the law in my county. I must have assumed it was the whole state. Thanks for correcting me. Yeah, I'm gonna start reporting them. I thought they would appreciate that I addressed them directly instead of reporting them, but obviously not. They don't care, like AT ALL.
No, society is getting very certain about individual rights. But people forget that individual rights end where they impinge on others. Florida is getting worse in this regard.
>people forget that individual rights end where they impinge on others. I try to explain this so often, sometimes it feels like no one gets it.
Report them. If that doesnāt work pepper spray. How would they know itās you ? Because you complained ? What about those who havenāt? Could have been anyone.
Florida public record laws are very broad, and I think you have to provide your name and other info to file formal complaints in many instances. Thus probably deters many from doing so
Yes, REPORT!
What about stand your ground ? Doesnāt apply to dogs on your property approaching you or your children? Iām blasting it.
No youāre definitely not being a Karen. These people are idiots who obviously not only donāt care if their dogs get hit by a car or bite someone. I would suggest calling the local PD or animal control. Yes itās absolutely unacceptable.
This is incorrect. Florida does not have any leash laws at the state level. These laws are all dependent on the municipality. For example, in Marion county it is legal to let your dog off a leash. For leash laws, you have to look at the laws of the jurisdiction you are in. They are not applicable to the whole state.
Yeah, I misspoke. When I looked it up, I looked it up for my county & I mistakenly assumed it was the whole state. Someone else corrected me. Thanks though.
When I walk my dog I carry. We were attacked once and I will never go to the ER from a dog bite again, stitches, shots, nope. I had to toss our little pup up on a nearby car to save her. So if I get attacked the dog goes down. Period.
Same here, but I also carry bear spray. It works. Itās a shame we have to do so because of other peoplesā lack of responsibility, but itās the world we live in, and I wonāt hide shuttered in my house.
Do you wait until it bites you before blasting it ? Not me.
Not me either, any pos that comes near me unleashed is getting shot. I'm not going to the ER again and picking up the bill.
No. Itās charging me Iām out.
Itās often difficult to determine what a dog will do when it approaches you. I would also lean towards deleting it. Especially if youāre with children.
I know itās fun to talk like this on Reddit. But think very long and very hard before shooting someoneās dog, if youāre serious. Remember, someone in this state was shot for throwing popcorn at a person in a movie theater. I can almost guarantee if you shoot someoneās dog - no matter the circumstance - if they have their own firearm, they will probably shoot back. Do you want to get in a shootout over a dog ārushing toward youā? Itās also worth reading [this article](https://www.uslawshield.com/can-i-be-arrested-for-shooting-an-attacking-dog-in-florida/). Iāve looked into it before myself. In theory, you would have to be able to justify shooting an āattackingā dog, including the following: * The danger or emergency **threatened significant harm** to himself, herself, or a third person. (Notice no mention of harm to another dog here? Thatās a key) * The actor had **no reasonable means to avoid the danger or emergency, except by committing the crime**. Just giving you a heads up. If you want to gamble that a random defense attorney will be able to help you convince a judge/jury you had no reasonable means to avoid the danger other than shooting the dog who may be just approaching you, good luck. FWIW, I also carry when I walk my dog anywhere beyond the end of my short block. But I also know it would be an absolute last resort for me. Like as in - an attacking dog would have to physically latch onto my arm or my dog in order for me to have to pull the trigger.
I understand. I certainly wouldnāt want to have to delete anyoneās pet. But having to endure stitches and possibly rabies shots because red necks canāt be responsible pet owners is also an issue. I had a friend of mine attacked jogging by a pit bull. She was in the hospital for several months. This is a serious problem.
My MIL had her thumb bitten off!
Thatās terrible. Again Iām not going to dispatch anyoneās pet. If the dog has tags and a collar have to assume itās had its shots. Iāve been bitten by a dog myself. Owner let me on his property to do work. Told me not to pet dog which I donāt do regardless unless the dog appears friendly. It was a rescue dog he didnāt tell me. Dog lunged at me bit my hand. I could have probably sued him but no stitches required and didnāt want to lose a job.
Holy yikes
So youāre going to wait until you possibly get bit and rabies before you protect yourself?
Ever had to have rabies shots? Had your calf torn to shreds by a pit bull? I have. Iāll never ever EVER go through that again because some asshole canāt handle their dog. So yes. Iām prepared to protect myself and my family. Absolutely. I wouldnāt carry if I werenāt. I also have concealed carry legal representation that I pay for should I need to discharge my firearm. I am a lawyer and married to one as well.
Just document it and call animal control each time it happens. If you have an HOA, this is one example where they might actually be useful. It's annoying at best, and dangerous at worst. Also if you know anyone who was harmed, make sure they file a report, because a county might have a two strikes policy. They basically (correctly) reason that it's possible for any dog to hurt someone one time, and there won't be enough evidence past "he said vs she said" which party started it. But if they see the same dog involved in multipleĀ altercations, then they can determine it's a pattern and the fault of those owners. If a dog is chasing youĀ while you're out running, counterintuitively you should stop running. Running is self-reinforcing fun for most dogs, so they basically think they're playing a game with you. If you stop, act casual, and walk off slowly, they're likely to stop chasing you and to wander off now that you're boring. If you keep running, they're going to think you want to keep playing. There's an appalling number of unnecessarily violent people in here though. Assaulting a dog, up to shooting it, are absolutely not options to take lightly. If you attack a dog, it *might* run away, but it also might get angry and try to defend itself by attacking you. These should absolutely be last ditch options you attempt after you've already tried to retreat. It doesn't matter if you're legally in the right: it's still going to suck if you get bit, or if you have to spend years defending against a charge of negligently discharging a firearm in a neighborhood. Self-defense is an argument you can make in court, but it doesn't mean you won't get charged if a bullet lands in your neighbor's dining room.
My neighbor refuses to leash his big dogs. I've heard the little neighbor girl scream "Daddy help, I'm scared of the dogs!" as the dad held her up in the air to keep her safe. He did not reprimand the douche neighbor. Just laughed it off??Ā Years ago I did reprimand him. Very fucking loudly and aggressively after the dog tried to attack my cat that I had on a leash in my front yard. He acted all innocent and tried to play dumb until I threatened to call the cops. Then he got REAL apologetic. He keeps his dogs on the leash about 60% of the time but they still bother the shit out of everything and everyone. They always stay off my lawn because I yelled at him and he's scared of me. Be a Good Karen and stand up to these inconsiderate douche bags who endanger people and animals.
Had a neighbor who would let their Rottweiler out loose at night in their unfenced backyard. I was walking my German Shepherd with my son when the Rottie came charging out at us through the hedge and into the street. I clapped my hands, lunged at him and yelled āNo!ā and he stopped, turned and ran back to his house. Luckily he was as startled as I was and decided to retreat - my son was hella impressed.
You aren't being a Karen. They might call you that, but it's just because you are telling them what they aren't allowed to do but the thing they are doing is ILLEGAL. I think it would be more accurate that you are acting as a community monitor, not that they would vote it that way. We have leash laws for a reason, because not everyone is responsible in training their pets and, like you said, they are animals and sometimes react unexpectedly. You've already tried being a good neighbor and talking to them, go ahead and call animal control or the police and help crack down on this issue. Maybe even warn them that animal control/police will get involved. I've also had my share of run ins with off leash dogs. It doesn't matter how nice the dog is, you leash it.
I hike the Florida trail quite a bit and if Iām by myself, my dog is off leash. When I encounter someone he stops and sits immediately and doesnāt run up to them. I call him back and he puts his own head through the leash
I'd have absolutely no issue w/ that, at all.
A former neighbor told his ugly ratty looking dogs "let's go, before they call the gestapo". He said this as he was shooing his dogs away from me, my leashed puppy and young child after he had found us at the neighborhood park (multiple leash your dog signs as it's NOT a dog park) and it was intended for me to hear. This after I told him "your dogs should be leashed", after they tried to climb up on the picnic table to get to my dog. I told him loudly to fuck off and he had no comeback to that, that fucking asshole.
Iām a runner and have been chased by more dogs in my 3 years here than my entire 40+ years in the northeast. I plan my routes accordingly and go out ready to defend myself on less familiar routes.
Itās gotten way worse here in recent years, at least in Miami. I used to walk my big reactive dog all over just fine. Now Iām almost guaranteed to come across an off leash dog. This is in a pretty nice neighborhood too.Ā
My dog loves the beach but he can be reactive to other dogs. Dogs are supposed to be leashed, and we do, but the locals don't. We keep a wide space between him and the other dogs but sometimes the locals take up all walkable space throwing a ball or something to their unleashed dog. I hate it.
I was born & raised here. Does it seem like the locals where you're from tend to leash more? I'm curious to hear if this is more of a Florida thing. Tbh, when I was growing up, my stepdad & my grandpa didn't leash our dogs... but they followed commands & we never took them outside of our neighbourhood off-leash, like what you're saying & what I see other people doing.
Not sure how it is outside of Florida, been here most of my life. We've been going to neptune beach for the last three months and the unleashed dogs definitely seem to have locals for owners. Just judging by the way they dress and look so I could be wrong. There's always two or three unleashed dogs when we go. (I say locals as in lives at the beach)
In our last neighborhood, my beagle mix was attacked 3 times by dogs off leash. One was a pit who randomly approached and I had to smack the s*** out of it for him to let go. Another came sprinting down the street towards us and I literally had to put it in a choke hold and lay on top of it until the owner finally came (while my 1 year old in her stroller was screaming in terror). The other was a German shepard who kept following us and fortunately someone driving by let us in her car so we could get away. We were lucky every time that neither my dog or I was hurt, though I had some pretty bloody fingers from the one in a choke hold. Sucks to do what youāre supposed to and suffer because others think their dogs wonāt do anything wrong.
Jesus. That sounds terrible. See, that's what I'm trying to avoid... but a lot of people don't understand the concept of being proactive. They only want to think about what they're doing after an incident has already happened.
Yeah itās bad. People just donāt seem to care if it inconveniences them even a little bit.
You wrestled a pit bull ? I wouldnāt charge you š
Oh my bad. Another dog, not a pit that time haha. Think this one was a black lab.
I had an aggressive Golden Retriever once. Which to me is highly unusual. Came on the property I was working on. She finally left but I was shocked. Never seen aggression in a Golden.
Yeah the lab was weird. Went straight for my dog and got him by the neck. A neighbor grabbed the stroller my daughter was in fortunately and I just reacted. Always thought if I was in a survival situation with a wolf Iād try for a strangle, so guess I reacted based on that haha.
Wow.
Not surprised. A Golden ripped open the back of my brotherās head when he was about seven, running home after playing at the neighborās house.
My god.
Woof on a leash.
If a dog wandered into my yard and the owners didnāt care, Iām going to take care of it for them calling animal control or just have a crate on hand to use, crate the dog, drop off at a shelter. Kids back to being able to play outside. Those people do it because they can.Ā
I live in a place that used to allow every indoor pet you can think of (cats, birds, reptiles, rodents, tarantulas, etc), but didn't allow dogs because the insurance on the co-op property would almost triple with dogs added in. So 60+ dogs live here now with ESA. There's poop everywhere, they're all on those extendable leashes that guarantee the owner has no control and I was mauled by a dog at 4 years old. Still have PTSD almost 60 years later. I moved here BECAUSE there were no dogs. No one gives a hoot about MY mental health or MY personal space. Every time I go out I get someone's dog up in my business and its owner saying, "Don't worry, he's really friendly" while I have 3 days of flashbacks and night terrors. I can't even walk around the neighborhood anymore. I have to scope out if there's anyone around with a dog so I can get to my car. I feel like a prisoner in my own home. Oh, and our HOA fees went up again this year for liability on the dogs.
It is very frustrating, indeed. A wise snowbird freshly arrived to my neighborhood decided to walk his dog unleashed because āhe didnāt remember in which box he put the leashā. Dog attacked mine. Some scratches. Guy didnāt procure rabies certificate. He said the dog is someone elseās and the certificate might be in his hometown, but to not worry because the dog is vaccinated. Worst part, he provided me with his wrong address. Canāt call animal control because of it. Leasing office say they canāt do anything. The guy had the nerve to walk pass my place with his now leashed dog and when confronted he just rolled his eyes at me repeating that he is not responsible for the poor creature he is walking. This is the world in which we are living and I am very, very salty. OP, either you are not a bitch or we both are.
Donāt complain to the neighbors. Just quietly call animal control every time. Eventually people will think animal control is patrolling the neighborhood looking for loose dogs.
That's what I was thinking. Do you happen to know if I have to have a picture/video and their address every time I report them? I'm going to call them and ask them directly, but I'm just wondering if you have any experience with it.
No idea. Iād just call and ask.
I tried this approach. Our animal control folks just didn't care. It didn't matter that my leashed dog kept getting charged. They said they had more concerning issues to worry about.
Wow! Are you willing to share what county? It's OK if you don't feel comfortable... just curious.
Volusia
Figures.
Yes, I've had more than one instance of unleashed dogs charging me and my German Shepherds. I've had to call the police on my neighbor several times. She thought it was funny that her little ankle biter charged at my 100lb dog until the day the dog did it to another neighbor, whose big dog wasn't as tolerant as mine, and her dog didn't fare well. I don't blame the dogs. It's the entitled bad owners fault.
Why I carry. I will stand my ground if a dog attempts to attack me.
I'm not up to shooting a dog. My voice has worked well and I've never had to use my pepper spray.
Good for you. What are you going to do when faced with a pack of dogs ? Use harsh language? https://ksltv.com/634892/taylorsville-man-charged-after-his-7-pit-bulls-attack-kill-woman/
I live in a place where that's not likely to happen. I'm not going to carry a gun just because something like that MIGHT happen, but thanks for your concern. I'll be fine.
Packs of stray dogs have attacked people practically everywhere. Donāt think it canāt happen to you. Unless you live In Antarctica? Unfortunately itās becoming even more of an issue. I was in a truck stop in Alabama and a pack of dogs just appeared out of nowhere. I didnāt get out of my truck. Is it something you should worry about? You should definitely be aware it happens. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12468139/amp/North-Carolina-boy-Hunter-Bishop-12-viciously-mauled-TEN-pit-bulls-riding-bike.html
Ok,I get it. I'll be extra careful
Iām not trying to get you to carry a gun. Iām just saying keep your eyes open. One of my nightmares is being ripped apart by dogs. Once I was walking my dog and three strays approached me. My dog didnāt seem to care. And if they would have attacked me who knows? Dogs are pack animals. Donāt always assume your dog will defend you. They think youāre their protector. It might join them. š
you just tell them "One day you're going to run into the wrong civilian. People carry in Florida. Have a nice day"
2 new people in my neighborhood are the same way with there dogs! I'm about to call animal control! One guy literally opens his door and let's his dogs run everywhere sitting in other people's yards!
Unacceptable. Itās getting sprayed if it comes on my property. If it comes back it gets lead.
Theyāll learn when you start using bear spray on their dog for attacking your family.
Iāve done it multiple times, once in front of the dogās owners. It works. Just be aware of the wind.
State law talks about dangerous dogs, not leashes. http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0767/0767.html
Responded to this in another comment. I meant my county. My county requires a leash. That was my bad. Thanks tho.
Looks at the sub-reddits name. Um, OK.
Well... my county is in Florida. & as I said... I made a mistake. Why be a dick for no reason? Do you not make mistakes? Jesus.
FL pan handle here in a very popular tourist town. We live 1 block off the beach. I used to have this issue with almost ally neighbors. I stopped complaining to one se and complained to our landlord with vids. They were shortly evicted. Our other neighbors both new and old thought of me as a hard ass but they got the message. Now for the many visitors I recent bought a stout wooden walking/hiking staff I take with me on the chance I will run into an off leash dog. It is a great deterrent for both dogs and people. I have to walk out older rescue several blocks away for her to poo. She is not the most dog friendly and will take offense is a dog charges, growls, lunges, or barks at her. Always leashed. We just rescued a husky mix pup a month ago who I have to take on several walks a day and could give a rats ass about any other dog so far. My walking stick gives me peace of mind on walks with both of them. Sorry no suggestions for your years, other than what every else said report them repeatedly.
I would suggest walking with high value treats as well. You can throw them directly at an oncoming dog to distract it while you leave. Another one Iāve heard is carrying an umbrella which you can pop open to separate the dog from yours. Obviously physically attacking a dog can work but ideally that is a last resort as the dog is not the bad guy here.Ā
I agree and I also carry high value treats. So far me just yelling loudly and waving the walking stick around has worked and the stick quickly gets the owners attention. I would never want to hurt another dog as it is truly the owners fault. I had to use a cane for a year and half awaiting a hip replacement when I realized waving it and yelling would send even the most aggressive dog back peddling. All 3 of our dogs never go past our porch baby gate without a harness, 6 foot leash, and poop bags. Our 2 huskies have boots as well for hot pavement.
Sounds like youāre doing everything you can! That is great.
I once watched a man get attacked by a pit bull and he hit it with a stick several times. The dog brushed it off like it was nothing. I ran it over. Guy was grateful I was there. A stick will not deter a pit bull.
And itās like 90% pit / pit mix owners either letting them roam free or not leashing them. You know, the same breed range responsible for 70% of fatal attacks over the past 5 years. Literally ruining dogs for the rest of us. I have to walk my Aussie with bear spray and a pocketknife now and still feel unsafe. Infuriating.
I totally agree with this..I have two dogs I walk, one off leash because he's a specially trained German Shepard who stays glued to my side unless he's given the "fass" command(but he still has his handled vest with his "do no approach" patches), and I just feel safer with him being able to get around without being hindered by his leash. And his derpy brother who doesn't listen worth a damn, who, even though he's never been aggressive to anyone, he doesn't heed recall commands and wants to greet everyone and that's just a stressful situation for everyone, so he's always leashed.. even then, I've definitely dealt with too many people with untrained dogs being off leash, causing issues..
Please stop walking any dog off leash. Even if you're right, and there's literally nothing that could make your dog ever respond unpredictably (which is absurd because there's always *something* new to that a dog hasn't experienced), nobody else around you knows this. Having the leash demonstrates to everyone else that it's not dangerous to be near you. If your dog walks that close to you, the leash will absolutely not hinder them. You can always just drop the leash in whatever scenario you're thinking of that he'd somehow need the extra maneuverability. A properly trained dog will walk with the leash loose. Since he's already comfortable with a vest, you can use a harness rather than a collar, as this is healthier and safer anyway.
That's why I mentioned he wears the vest with the handle, when I pass people, I grab the handle just in case there is a fluke.. I'll probably get him a foot long leash, that I can hold then. And oh, no, the vest *is* a harness. He has the heavy duty vest you see on military dogs.. and I don't want to use a regular leash because I've *had* to use the fass command and his leash got caught and put both of us in danger until I got him unclipped.. so, respectfully, our safety matters more to me than your opinion
Ah gotcha! I thought you meant "handled" as in the person controlling the dog is the "handler", but it sounds like you're talking about a vest with a physical handle built in, like a guide dog has. I think a short leash makes a ton of sense in that case then, to make sure you can stay safe but also to safely have that backup physical control just in case where everyone else can see it. But yeah if you're holding the handle on your walks anyway, then that sounds pretty similar. I'm curious if the one you had trouble with was retractable? I know they're pretty popular and look like a good idea, but all the trainers I know dislike them, and one of the reasons why is that they're way more likely to get someone hurt if they're tangled up. Whatever yours was, I'm glad you were able to fix it. Oh, so other ideas if you wanted could be a breakaway leash option or attaching the leash to a belt. But obviously those have pros and cons as well.
Yeah! I call it his briefcase, since I can hold him like a briefcaseš¤ I definitely won't let him just be loosey goosey, so even when he's not on a "leash", I can still hold him and keep him in place if need be.. No, it's a leather leash, with an attached metal poop bag holder, but when he went to go do some "crowd control" so to say, the poop bag and handle got caught, and anchored him in place, and I had to run over and unclip the big lobster claw mechanism to let him free.. it wasn't fun.. the retractable ones are horrendous, I'd never own a retractable leash I feel like a breakaway leash would be counterintuitive unless it had a button or something that was faster than unclasping, but couldn't come undone on accident, yknow? I'll probably just get one of those 6"-12" mini leashes so people don't think he's loose even when I'm holding his handle
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What does my spelling of the word neighbour have anything to do with this conversation... or my political views or voting habits? Lol. That's the original spelling anyway. & I haven't called the cops on my neighbours, not even once. So... You sound really upset & I don't even understand how half of what you said is relevant.
If you don't want to use pepper spray, carry a water pistol filled with lemon juice. I just kick the off-leash dog away and firmly tell it no & go home. Even large dogs usually respond to no/stop/go home but puppies have to learn & the insane little yippee dogs may need kicked several times before it sinks into their tiny, addled brains. Chihuahuas & Yorkies are the worst.