Loose dogs - any suggestions?

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nikkiportia

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I rent a small private yard with 2 other ladies. We have no vehiclular (sp?) access. It's about 3-4 acres and very secluded, but in the middle of the village. Along one side runs a footpath, behind a large natural hedge. It is a well used walk for local dog owners and has stud land on either side, as well as our place.

The thing is, we constantly have dogs run through the hedge after rabbits or whatever, and it really is an accident waiting to happen. They just come blundering through the hedge, spooking even the most sedate horse, then run around the paddocks, ignoring their screaming owners! It is quite common, but luckily, it hasn't happened whilst anyone is riding. There are 2 TB's there, one of which is pretty stupid (not mine!) and gets really wound up about them.
There was a spaniel today, running all over the yard like a mad thing! Problem is I can't see the footpath due to the hedge, and by the time I've got there they're long gone. So I've resorted to shouting 'please keep your dog on a lead!' at the top of my voice.
Any ideas on how to educate people that people are riding and handling horses behind the hedges and that they must keep dogs under control?
Do I have to resort to a home made sign on the footpath? I'm not too if sure people would pay much attention. I'm hoping my sisters kids will start riding down there soon, perhaps I should put 'Children riding' on the sign eh?
 
A gun would help lol
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(only joking). Cant you put any cattle fencing up on the other side of the fence (not on the field side, but side closest to footpath) to stop the dogs going through it??. x.
 
LOL
I suppose I could put cattle fencing up, put I would have to do next doors' field as well, as they come in through there too. It would be a hell of a job
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Why can't dog owners be more responsible?????
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You could put up a sign saying 'very nasty dangerous kicking biting dog-hating horses' other side of hedge!!!
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Horses hoof...dogs head...job done...

or batter it with a mallet with horse shoe attached and deny all knowledge
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What about wording it -for your dogs safety please keep on a lead until you pass these horses-they might worry about dogs safety which would help your issues.
 
Contact your local council and parish council, explain the situation and ask them to put up official Keep Dogs on Leads signs. The footpath is their responsibility and dogs shouldnt actually be running loose on it in the first place.
 
As a quick fix, and as you already have it in place, I would run another line of electric tape about 12" off the ground. This is the height we use to defend our chicken pen from foxes and badgers, and it's worked very well (fingers crossed!) Make sure the battery is always strong, or better still connect it to the mains - most dogs I have met will not approach electric fencing after having a hearty zap.
 
Oh dear. Signs might be a good way to start - especially scary ones, like: Caution: land owner reserves right to shoot dogs that trespass onto private property and worry livestock. Owners advised to keep dogs on leash. Of course, I think you'd have to check to legal side of a sign like that (do owners really reserve that right? I don't know myself) but it might make an impact.
 
Great ideas - thanks guys
I'm gonna give the council a bell, although I think there is already a sign up at the start of the path.
Failing that, it's gonna have to be a scary 'dogs will be shot' sign!
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dogs are dogs - if you dont want them in - sort the fencing out - and then put a sign up saying that all stray dogs will be shot - you cant complain about dogs coming in through the fencing if they can get through - regardless of bad dog owners - I know its annoying but its a public footpath so people can let their dogs off and dogs dont know the difference between one bit of land and and another - although I know the owners shoudl but thats not how the world works

I hope you get it resloved x
 
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