Post by Master Yarak on Mar 26, 2009 6:58:26 GMT -5
Recently a pack of 5-7 large dogs have started showing up in my yard. They come at night when my dog is chained out for his business. He is an inside dog. He is a bit large, about 104#s. So far I have seen them twice. The come right up him. No aggression thank goodness. My fear is that if something starts it will go south in a hurry. They simply pack up on him. I live away from the city and several hundred yards from any neighbor. I am not sure how I can deter them from returning. They haul butt just as soon as I come out the door. Based on previous experience with our county's animal control I can get little to no help from them. I am reluctant to use force. I am 99% certain they are all feral. ANY serious suggestions would be appreciated. Yarak
If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music he hears, however measured or far away
I live in an area where a dog is very likely to be shot if it shows up on a neighbors property doesn’t act like a perfect angel. In addition to my birds I have three horses. If I see a dog wondering on my property and start harassing any of my animals that will be the last thing it does. It is a selfish attitude but my animals are more important than that dog. I don’t care if it is feral or a pet.
My biggest concern around here are the coyotes when I let my JRT out for a bathroom break at night.
Put up a chainlink dog run to protect your dog. Pack boldness and aggression WILL escalate in time. Seen that happen even with highly socialized dogs when I worked animal control. Being chained, your dog can't run to safety. Packed dogs can also threaten human (YOUR) safety.
I'd report the pack to authorities. If no response or remedy from them, I think you'll have to take matters into your own hands.
I too live in a rural area where folks don't tolerate strays, and use lethal means for control. With home foreclosures, many city folk are being forced to get rid of their pets. Some dump them in the 'country' hoping some good-hearted soul will take them in. Very sad for the animal.
Recently a pack of 5-7 large dogs have started showing up in my yard. They come at night when my dog is chained out for his business. He is an inside dog. He is a bit large, about 104#s. So far I have seen them twice. The come right up him. No aggression thank goodness. My fear is that if something starts it will go south in a hurry. They simply pack up on him. I live away from the city and several hundred yards from any neighbor. I am not sure how I can deter them from returning. They haul butt just as soon as I come out the door. Based on previous experience with our county's animal control I can get little to no help from them. I am reluctant to use force. I am 99% certain they are all feral. ANY serious suggestions would be appreciated. Yarak
I like the way you think. Pack mentality in dogs can be a bit scary. Besides, there is no reason to have feral domestics out there muddling up wild genetics.
"We promised the world we'd tame it, what were we hoping for?" -Bloc Party
I like the way you think. Pack mentality in dogs can be a bit scary. Besides, there is no reason to have feral domestics out there muddling up wild genetics.
I've heard and read about coyote hybrids making really good cattle and farm dogs, but the coyotes around where I live make me a little nervous. We're also out in the boonies where everyones got their own 5 acre plot and we happen to be on the outskirt, with the back and west sides butting up to BLM (state) desert land and after that Apache land. Lots of wilderness out there. My bf has lost alot of chickens to loose dogs, and it only takes a couple plinks from the Daisy to keep them away for months! The coyotes were so bad this last winter, we were talking to the local dairy farmer who said in a two week period they killed 23 coyotes and wounded 5 more. They were pulling newborns out of the pens through the fencing in mid daylight!!!! Coyotes had been seen strutting along the sidwalks in the nearest town, and crossing plowed cotton feilds in the middle of the day. I've been told it's because coyote pelts aren't paying enough to make it worth it for the trappers anymore.
Ya gotta protect whats yours out in the boonies......
Post by chad13dnvr (DBH) on Mar 26, 2009 11:37:51 GMT -5
I don't' mean to come across crass hear in any way so take it for what it is. My son has been bitten by dogs twice that were off leash and "roaming" so I have very little tolerance for them. I would shoot them and end the problem. running them off just leaves some other person or persons CHILD at risk.
Post by forestfalcon on Mar 26, 2009 13:10:49 GMT -5
...and now certain cities in Colorado are having such bad problems with the coyote population, they are attacking adult PEOPLE in broad daylight. There's no reason for feral dogs or cats out there. We all know how I feel about outdoor cats, well, it's similar to how I feel about feral animals. Kill 'em. sounds heartless, I know, but so many wild populations, worldwide, suffer because of a feral population of SOMETHING.
"We promised the world we'd tame it, what were we hoping for?" -Bloc Party
Post by Master Yarak on Mar 26, 2009 14:02:05 GMT -5
It seems as distasteful as it may be the consensus so far involves firearms. I have two a side by side 12 gauge and a 20 gauge. A few of the dogs are as large or larger by weight than mine. I am very reluctant to blast them. I would like to think of that as last resort. I also hate to think of them injuring someone else or there animals if I could have done something about it first. So if I go that route what size shot? I have 00 buck for the 12. I doubt they would survive that. Since they are grouped together I don't want to wound any of them. This will not make me happy. How about scattering moth balls or some other deterrent. I have NEVER shot an animal. I have shot at things and am fairly accurate. I love dogs. Killing them...well that's a hard thing to get my mind around. Its the stupid people responsible for them that incur my wrath. Keep the ideas coming maybe they will move on. Thanks everyone. Yarak
If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music he hears, however measured or far away
I feel you Keith on having to kill a dog, but as forestfalcon said something needs to be done with feral populations even if it sounds heartless. 00 buck is way to big. #4 buck is my suggestion. Sorry you have to do this, if I was close, I would kindly take care of this for you.
Post by dirthawker on Mar 26, 2009 15:04:54 GMT -5
I have a rule while out calling coyotes. if the dog comes to me when I whistle then they live if not you die. all feral dogs must die other wise we will have the problem that Guam has.
Your other option is try trapping them and take them to the local animal control office.
....where they will be euthanized...
More often than not.....yes they will be euthanized. But if these dogs are a danger to your animals and you don't have what it take to take them out yourself then this is another option.
I am not for unneccesary killing, but I see everyone's point.
I would use a BB or airsoft gun if you're going to resort to firearms. It would frighten/sting them usually enough to get them to back off.
So far I like Migisi's idea the best; put up a dog run that will protect yours from the pack. Report the pack loose and hopefully the humane society/animal control will take care of them...they may be euthanized, but it will be humane.
I am a dog-lover...if it were me, I would do everything possible to avoid killing them if there were no immediate or obvious threat. There are also animal deterrents for deer and dogs/cats that come in a spray/liquid form that you can buy at most stores (sportsman's warehouse is one). A heavy dosage of that on the borderline of your yard could also help.
Hope it ends well, good luck.
If you dislike someone, walk a mile in their shoes. Then, you are a mile away from them, and you have their shoes. --Jack Handy