Fencing With Neighbors

Dear Dog Lady,

I have an older dog and she's great. She usually does her duty in the backyard and sits in the front yard to rest. We have another older dog next door to us, and every day I find dog doodoo on the grass on that side of my house. I know my dog is not doing it because she always goes in the back, and I never see my neighbor picking up doodoo on her front yard. It seems as if her dog trained itself to poop on my side! Therefore, I am always picking it up. Anything I can put on the grass to deter this dog from pooping on my property? Please help.

Nancy, Topeka, KS

Nancy, nothing fancy about this answer: The dog did not train itself to go on your side of the yard. Your neighbor has obviously given the OK for her dog to squat there. You do not need to put anything on the grass to deter the pooper, but you need to walk on the grass right over to your neighbor’s house and have a little chat.

Please, don’t be a grumpy guss when you confront this neighbor. You must maintain your composure and humorous spirit while you send a very firm message that you don’t like picking up the poop of another dog. You should suggest politely to your neighbor that perhaps her darling is littering your lawn. It’s a perfectly sensible complaint.

You should give your neighbor every opportunity to explain. Do not be adamant about your own dog’s innocence. Even sweet, old, well-trained dogs can sometimes be indiscreet. You merely want to put your neighbor on notice about the dumps on your property. She will get the message if you’re reasonable.

Posted by Dog Lady at November 1, 2005 08:02 PM