I forgot to mention the fence is old....plus, the dog digs. I hope we can replace it in a few years. I put in the concrete bricks to cover the hole....that may do it. I was just reading about soaking coffee filters in ammonia and letting them dry. I may do that and stuff them in the concrete bricks. The fence really needs to be replaced. I like the idea of mouse traps....thanks! I take it they just scare him...he is not likely to get his nose stuck, right? I would rather have a deterrent than actually cause more than just momentary pain.

I have lazy neighbors who have been allowing their two dogs to run freely and poop in my yard. It used to be an empty lot so I kind of get it but sorry, someone lives here now. After 3 years of going out to yell at the dogs or to actually chase them off (when I see them) and shovelling poop back to their yard the damn dogs still come over. I thought when dogs smell the poop they learn thats's where to poop? I must have sent 40 to 50 piles back to their side. The best part was just the other day either someone also returned them a present, in their driveway, or ome of their dogs actually pooped in the middle of their driveway. Karma is a b!tch. Anyway, dog deterrents DO NOT WORK so do not suggest them. Pellets were a waste of $$, ultrasonic repeller did nothing. I'm not wasting any more effort or $$ on solutions that don't work. And I'm not calling animal control. Range wars only make living in your neighborhood stressful. I want to come home to a castle, not to a war. We get along otherwise so why make things stressful? I'm not talking to them, either. They are already aware of the problem and really, I shouldn't have to ask you to clean up after your dog. Why are we all so entiltled to our rights over everyone elses's anymore? There is absolutely no respect left in this world which I think is really the crux of the matter. You can't ask anyone to do anything that they think infringes their rights. Uh sorry, but we didn't fight two world wars and countless others so it would be acceptable for you to be lazy and let your dogs poop all over. I'm done playing the game. I'm fencing the entire side yard on that side now, probably close to 200 feet. Enough is enough. No one else on the street of large yards has a fence out front so that part of it will stand out. But it's the only thing that will work. I know it's not an option for everyone but it is for me and I have no issues with the look of a beautiful 3 rail white vinyl fence with wire mesh running down the side. And landscaping the inside of the fence line will be fun! I will do the right thing and let them know I am doing it(no setback here so it's only fair to warn them). And when they ask why......problem solved. I'm sure the dogs will start going on the other side now; it will be interesting to see how that neighbor, who has 3 small children, swallows that pill.

Thanks for all the support. I've wanted to write back but have been busy with 'life.' Annz, thanks for the info. I went to a small pet shop nearby and asked about the collar. She had them but they were $35.00. I couldn't pay that as I know he wouldn't go for that. I found a similar collar for $8.00 and bought it. Same problem, I couldn't control her pulling. I went to Petco and bought a small chain collar. I seem to have better control but I haven't walked her in the street yet. I've been trying to do some leash training, but she's very distractable and difficult to walk. She is literally bouncing off the walls. I decided to work on just establishing a relationship with her at this point. The training can wait. The owner went away for a week and hired a girl to walk and feed the dogs. He asked if I could fill in as the girl had to go out of town for the last 3 days. I did. I spent the time bringing her to my yard and letting her in my house. I did little training as I want her to settle down and get a feel for me. I bought her toys and treats and she kept herself busy. My observation is a very high-energy dog. Not focused and difficult to get her attention. She is also quite spooky, things scare her easily. I run into this on the street but I saw it in my house and yard. I realize she has been isolated and feel she is getting a bit better in that regard. She buries and digs. Digs, digs. If I give her a treat, she runs out to the yard and buries it immediately. Same with toys. Digs a hole and buries it. She's a carrier. She picks things up and refuses to let them go. Walks around with various things in her mouth. Its cute unless its something you don't want her to have. Seems to not know the most basic words, such as NO! No clue. Her activity level is very high. Its hard to settle her down. Anna, you mention not playing with balls, etc. What do I play with? If I don't throw something there's nothing to do? I bought a Frisbee and she likes chasing that and carrying it around (that took a week before she'd go near it). Now she chases it. I bought a beach ball and try to play soccer with her, (my old dogs used to love playing that). She chases the ball but hasn't learned to knock it back. Anyway, that's the update. The owner is back and I can't find a way to talk with him. He says little and I don't know where he's at. Doesn't answer questions, just shakes his head or says something like, 'I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.' Meantime, she's coming into heat. I know the signs and the old dog has been flirting with her all week. What a nightmare! But he doesn't say anything when I bring that up. Just shakes his head. So, shes been locked in her pen all day, she is very quiet (surprised), as she would cry for me all week when she saw me. Now that he's back, she's quiet. I told him I'd be over later to walk her. He said, 'great.' Jane

annz, cynthia and lily316 What I've been telling you is not a story it is real and it has been killing me for a long time. Its hurts me more when you tell me I'm part of the problem when I've cried and set up nights worried sick but did not know what to do. You don't understand, where we live you don't mess with anyone's things but your own. I have to be very careful because I have a home and family that I have to protect. This person is right beside me. My heart has been so hurt with this that I don't know if I can come back and hear you say its my fault. I understand your hurt because that is what I've been living with only much worse because I have to live beside it and see. Where we live everyone keeps their dogs outside and most chained. I don't like it but that is the way it is. I wish it was not that way. We use to have a dog. We loved her so much. After about 16 years she got sick and died. The vets could not get over how well we took care of her each time we took her for her check up. They always would brag on her. She had regular baths and never without food and good. We did not keep her chained and she was an outside dog but only in the day. We would bring her in the garage in the evening and close the door. If we left for vacation our family came every day to take care of her. We kept a really good very thick bed for her in the garage attached to our home. We would bring her in from time to time. She was our baby. We love animals and take very good care of them. We have a cat that stays in the house with us now. She has never been out. We love her and take the best of care of her. So, we love animals and take them regular to the vet. I'm sorry that you feel that I'm part of the problem. I know you feel for them because I'm just like you. I hope it helps you with your hurt to know when I say we will try to do everything we can for the dogs. There is nothing here to help animals but one animal shelter which in a few days if no one comes to get them they kill them. I know that can be better than living in some cases. I don't think very many people go there to get animals. They were shut down for terrible things they were doing themselves but have now reopened. There is nothing here but the sheriff. It is so different her than other places when it comes to animals. I have family that live in other states and the laws protect their animals as much as people almost. There are so many neighbors all around you but here its not that way I'm the only one beside this owner. If something is done he knows its me. I will come back and let you know.