West Seattle Blog...

WSB Forum » Open Discussion

1. Elizagrace
   Member Profile

   *Disclaimer: I am not trying to start a dog war so troll somewhere else if you are*

   We live on Lincoln park - on a dead end that is a very popular entrance for walkers into the park. We love the location, our house neighbors and our walking neighbors who we feel like we get to know through their love for the park.
   However there are a handful of people who take the "leash your pet" law as a mere suggestion rather than the rule/law.

   Recently - over the past year - there have been some extreme offenders who let their dogs to far off leash they are out of sight and on our porch -in our yard - trampling through our veggie garden. I have on more than one occasion asked the owner directly to put their dogs on a leash - twice it was friendly and they said that they would - yet still no action.
   This last week their two huge dogs came bounding up my stairs and nearly into our house (lovely warm afternoon with an open door as I was in the garden).

   This time I yelled in complete frustration towards the direction of the owner who was not in sight to get their dogs off my property and on a leash.

   What can I do, what are the next steps I should take, or is this just the price we pay for living on the park - suggestions please.

   Posted 10 months ago #         

2. KBear
   Member Profile

   Let the dogs into the house, shut the door, and tell the owner that Animal Control is on the way to pick up the dogs and issue 2 off-leash citations.

   Posted 10 months ago #         

3. DP
   Member Profile

   

   This dog owner is the type of person who believes the rest of the world thinks their dogs are as cute as they do. When someone expresses an opinion to the contrary (e.g., No, I DON'T like it when your big, stinky dog jumps on me or comes bounding up my stairs) this information is like static on their mental radio receiver. They can see your lips move, but they don't even register what you're saying to them.

   I hope you DO pursue this with Animal Control Eliza. Call and see if you can get them to do a stake-out by your property.

   Posted 10 months ago #         

4. metrognome
   Member Profile

   it is partly the price you pay for where you live; when I lived on Beach Dr around the bend from Alki, I had cars turning around in my parking area all the time.

   However, I think there are things you can do. If a fence is an option, that might solve the problem. If not, have a sign made for your property informing people that off-leash dogs will be reported to Animal Control. Second, contact the Parks Dept to see if they are willing to put up any signage (not that signs will help ... but it makes ticketing easier.) Third, contact Animal Control to see if they will send folks over either randomly or when you call. And, document everything (incl. pics and video if possible) so when you do approach agencies you can provide specifics.

   You can also try things like SuperSoakers (or hoses) or air horns to scare the dog away, but that might lead to a confrontation with the owner who is already ignoring the law.

   Posted 10 months ago #         

5. Elizagrace
   Member Profile

   Thanks folks! I have thought about taking them into the house but since we have a cat she might commit suicide by jumping out the window to avoid dogs as she is the true "scardy cat".

   I have considered just keeping animal control of speed dial and alerting them to the off leash dogs each time. I hate being a tattle tale but I am losing my patience.

   We have thought about a fence - we are starting by planting some more bushes on the property line to make a nature fence first...

   I really like the supersoaker idea - my husband would love that (maybe even a bit too much).

   Thank you for all the direction - I so much appreciate it. Happy sunny Friday!!

   Posted 10 months ago #         

6. KBear
   Member Profile

   People who ignore the leash law are no better than those who don't scoop. They make the rest of us dog owners look bad. Don't worry about tattling on them.

   Posted 10 months ago #         

7. Elizagrace
   Member Profile

   Thanks KBear - I just tattled. I called animal control and talked to a very nice gentleman about the issue and he took all the relevant info and said that they would adjust the "patrols" in Lincoln park.
   I mentioned the super soaker idea and he laughed/chuckled and said that I could do what I have to to defend my property. :) (But added the caveat that I would have to bear that it might anger the owner). phsst - I tattled, I am buying a super soaker so I say, in true childish form: "whatevs".

   Bring on the super soakers!!

   Posted 10 months ago #         

8. mehud7
   Member Profile

   

   I walked through Lincoln Park just yesterday and was also irritated by the folks that think the "no dogs on beaches" signs somehow don't apply to their dogs. I also noticed all of the new signs alerting people to the possibility of resting baby seals on beaches that are particularly vulnerable to dogs. I was thinking also of alerting Animal Control but thought that they probably get ten calls a day on the same issue. I will call them next time. Yes, I do like dogs- at least they have an excuse in that they can't read the signs.

   Posted 10 months ago #         

9. HunterG
   Member Profile

   

   I don't mind the dogs on the beach, I do mind the off leash dogs, especially when I have to dodge big craps in the middle of the north path to the beach.

   What about a large-ish sign that reads:
   "You are on private property, off-leash dogs will be reported to animal control"

   Or...get a honey badger to chase them away. The Honey Badger is Badass... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r7wHMg5Yjg

   Posted 10 months ago #         

10. hammerhead
    Member Profile

    

    metrognome it is not the price she pays for living where she lives, it is a nice day and she have the right to leave her doors open with out worrying about dogs coming in her house.

    I like the idea of locking the dogs in your house, it is YOUR property you can do what you want. I understand about the cat. Then called Seattle animal control.

    I would be happy to come and sit and have a "nice" conversation with those irresponsible people who allow there dogs to run free.

    Image if one chased your cat inside your house. No way.. Super soaker cute idea:)

    Good luck.

    Posted 10 months ago #         

11. thee
    Member Profile

    

    man, it's so funny... just the other day i was thinking; "how long has it been since there's been a stroke-inducing thread on WSB regarding off leash dogs?!"

    let's get it on, West Seattle!!!

    Posted 10 months ago #         

12. mehud7
    Member Profile

    

    Hunter G- I wasn't clear. There were many dogs on the beach. About half were off -leash although I believe the no dogs on the beach signs are for all dogs.

    Posted 10 months ago #         

13. velo_nut
    Member Profile

    

    Own a gun? I have a solution.

    Posted 10 months ago #         

14. JanS
    Member Profile

    

    velo..do you say these things because you believe that's an answer? or to just rile people up? or are you just a silly person?

    Posted 10 months ago #         

15. JoB
    Member Profile

    there is a sprinkler meant to deter deer that is motion activated...

    could be used to deter even two legged critters from entering your yard

    Posted 10 months ago #         

16. 2 Much Whine
    Member Profile

    

    I vote for the honey badger.

    Posted 10 months ago #         

17. DP
    Member Profile

    

    I'm sure spritzing a hot dog with cool water will be an excellent deterrent.

    

    Posted 10 months ago #         

18. DP
    Member Profile

    

    The horror . . .

          The HORROR!!!

     
     
     

    Posted 10 months ago #         

19. DP
    Member Profile

    

    I can't bear to watch any more of this. Y'all should be ashamed of yourselves for advocating this kind of cruelty.

    

    Posted 10 months ago #         

20. velo_nut
    Member Profile

    

    All of the above.

    Posted 9 months ago #         

21. JoB
    Member Profile

    DP..

    works better when you surprise them with a high volume stream of water

    Posted 9 months ago #         

22. velo_nut
    Member Profile

    

    Or a 9mm

    Posted 9 months ago #         

23. DP
    Member Profile

    

    velo, I've got a pretty flexible sense of humor, but it doesn't stretch to the point of threatening an innocent human or animal with physical harm. In my last post, I wasn't actually advocating spraying a dog with water as a deterrent. I was merely pointing out that it probably wouldn't work if someone did do that, because dogs enjoy water. Especially on hot days.

    I'm assuming you were in jest with your comments as well. That's cool, but please knock it off with the gun stuff, will ya? You're creeping me out.

    (And probably not just me either.)

    Thanks.

    Respectfully,

    –David

    Posted 9 months ago #         

24. Ken
    Member Profile

    

    Scarecrow Motion-Activated Sprinkler
    http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000071NUS/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=10550510739&ref=pd_sl_1hj2f364nd_b

    Posted 9 months ago #         

25. velo_nut
    Member Profile

    

    Meh. I Dont own a gun. Just in my imagination. Y'all take font on a screen too seriously

    Posted 9 months ago #         

26. squareeyes
    Member Profile

    

    My sister mentioned that she would love to use bloodmeal in her garden but that it's too stinky. She also mentioned that dogs love to roll in it. So...if you can stand the smell in your yard for awhile, spread bloodmeal somewhere in your yard where it won't bother you too much, the off-leash dogs will roll in it, get stinky, and reward their wonderful owners. Perhaps, after a few walks down your alley, they might eventually get the message that if they leash up their dog it won't need a bath quite so often.

    Posted 9 months ago #         

27. JanS
    Member Profile

    

    velo..I suggest you share your "warped" sense of humor on another forum, since we're just too sensitive to violence. At least we walk the talk !

    Posted 9 months ago #         

28. velo_nut
    Member Profile

    

    I really don't understand what you mean, "walk the talk".

    And as for me sharing my "warped" sense of humor else where?

    No.

    Posted 9 months ago #         

29. JanS
    Member Profile

    

    walk the talk...we out here who don't believe in violence in any form do not post jokes about it, esp. not gun violence :)

    Have a great week !

    Posted 9 months ago #         

30. velo_nut
    Member Profile

    

    Thanks for your 2 cents

    Posted 9 months ago #         

31. lucky chick
    Member Profile

    Velo, you're cracking me up today (too bad it's only me). Namaste, peace out, and goddess bless-
    LC

    Posted 9 months ago #         

32. velo_nut
    Member Profile

    

    Rock on!

    Posted 9 months ago #         

33. funkietoo
    Member Profile

    The bloodmeal idea is hysterical!!!

    I hear that dogs like to roll in deer poop too! Might be a little more difficult to ascertain, but if you could get the off leash dogs to roll in the deer poop, then the bloodmeal...oh my, what a vision....and smell!

    Posted 9 months ago #         

34. KBear
    Member Profile

    Dogs that roll in deer poop must smell pretty funkietoo.

    Posted 9 months ago #         

35. Bostonman
    Member Profile

    Hmmm Velo might be onto something here. I wouldn't have to worry about a cat in my house but I do have an 8 month old baby crawling around. If I felt the dog was aggresive and was going to take a bite of my daughter I do and would use my concealed carry weapon.

    If you are absolutly opposed to violence though then I think closing the door and keeping the dog in the house is a great idea. Get the dog into a room alone without the cat and call the police. If the owner gives you are hard time charge him with tresspasing. Then he gets a nice ticket and maybe learns his lesson. Sometimes unfortunatly it takes something drastic to make an impression.

    Posted 9 months ago #         

36. squareeyes
    Member Profile

    

    Perhaps you could post a sign that says "If your off-leash dog enters this property it will be confined and turned over to Animal Control." You could charge a nice cash fee for the return of the dog for "damages".

    Posted 9 months ago #         

37. Elizagrace
    Member Profile

    DP - you just made my morning! It is the spanish inquisition style of punishment - "not the fluffy chair!!!"

    We have armed ourselves with some super soakers and will keep you posted - I do like the idea of making them stinky dogs as long as it doesn't punish all who live down wind from us in the process.

    There is a clearly posted sign about off leash dogs and when the park ends the road being private property - sadly the dogs to not pay any attention. Wouldn't it be nice if they just saw those signs and thought to themselves - "better not head there, this is not my space and where is my leash? - silly non-rule following owner of mine."

    Posted 9 months ago #         

38. todd_
    Member Profile

    I've complained to Animal Control as well. They are way understaffed or there are too many irresponsible pet owners.

    Posted 9 months ago #         

39. metrognome
    Member Profile

    Elizagrace -- a little white vinegar in the water should do the trick. It doesn't taste good but won't hurt them. Actually, it may not work with German Shepherds and German Shorthairs because they were weaned on sauerkraut ...

    Posted 9 months ago #         

RSS feed for this topic

Reply

You must log in to post.