Council not doing dividing fence

[nikirushka]

Andrew - I have not told you you are wrong - I agreed with what you said about dislike/fear of dogs:

I am also fully aware of how other people feel - I know people with dog/breed phobias and have even helped one person get over it. I often have people ask me about a particular breed they are worried about, for my thoughts on what that breed is actually like (and I am honest, I give the good and bad). As part of my work I have to be fully aware of how people are feeling, what they are doing and are about to do (and likewise with other dogs) and so on in order to be successful with the clients' dogs. If I didn't appreciate how others might feel about dogs, why would I maintain such control over my dogs out and about and at home, to make sure they don't upset anyone? Why would I bother to go and introduce myself to the new neighbours as and when they arrive, and explain about the dogs? I intend to do that to find out if they have any concerns or fears so I can make any adjustments necessary to keep everyone happy. I don't want to be a source of stress for anyone, I'll have been here 6 years in November and it's always been harmonious and friendly with my neighbours, and I want to keep it that way, for everyones' sakes.

I have fully acknowledged that some people are afraid of dogs, to the point of a full-blown phobia, and explained how I take steps to make sure my dogs can't frighten such people, both at home/in the garden (indoors I have gates set up so that I can answer the door without the dogs being able to reach it). I've also acknowledged that some people are more concerned about certain breeds than others. I know that some people outright do not like dogs - I can see that as we get near them out on walks and again, I will take steps to avoid them and keep my dogs from approaching them. In the same way that I don't like children and don't want them running up to me, I am fully aware that a lot of people don't like dogs and don't want anything to do with them. So I don't let it happen.

Yes, I disagree with your comment about noise and smell - because my dogs are quiet and I keep on top of smell. That's you making an assumption about a large group of dogs - it may be true in some situations but it is not the case here.

Just you talking to your dogs is noise, noise that would remind me that your dogs exist.

Everyone, in any living situation, with or without dogs, is going to make some noise of some sort. It can't be helped.


Mattylad - yes, assumptions. if I had just gotten used to the smell, I would not bother to hose the yard down regularly. I do so because I like the smell no more than anyone else. I clear my large garden twice a day; roughly 90% of their waste is done out on walks; and the dogs don't go to the toilet near the house anyway.

And yet again I have to explain that I HAVE fenced the property, I do not know how many more times I can say it - IT IS FENCED. It is secure. I will be taking steps to make it even more so, as the council will not help. I have NEVER considered it the council's responsibility - I have stated several times that I know it is MY responsibility. I have stated that I replaced the last fence at my own cost because that one was not secure. I was querying whether they would do it as they have done the other boundaries. It's been established that they will not. So, for the last time:

IT IS ALREADY SECURE AND I WILL BE IMPROVING IT.

[nikirushka]

I have a foundation degree in canine behaviour and training. I spent 3 years studying learning theory, training, behaviour and learning the trade both in theory and in practice; I have been tutored by some of the best behaviourists in the country, one of whom specialises in aggression in all forms and is known internationally. I have 9 years' experience of living and working with dogs of all kinds, in various environments, with various problems, all of which has led to me to my field with a speciality in fear aggression in its different forms (although I deal with all issues).

The boom in dog behaviourists has been triggered by two points - firstly, nobody needs to gain any qualifications in order to do it (or basic dog training either); there is no regulatory body so no-one to report a bad egg to. It costs basically nothing to set up and people can charge the earth and be paid it. Secondly, behaviour problems are at an all-time high because basic knowledge of raising and handling dogs, breed traits and behaviour is at an all-time low; people get dogs without looking into what they need, muck them up and then need help correcting their mistakes. Or far more commonly, muck them up, pass them on and then somebody else needs help picking up the pieces.

I would not do what I do if I had not studied it in-depth first, my conscience would not allow me to and I also would not be able to manage such a large group of dogs.

I fail to see the relevance of my dogs and my home to my qualifications, however - they don't need 'masses of land and fields', so long as their physical and mental requirements are met, as mine are. That's the key - I've assessed dogs in both smaller and larger properties with huge behavioural problems because their needs are not being met.

[withreason]

nikirushka, unfortunately some regular posters on here rush to judgement based on their own prejudices and assumptions. It is embarrassing sometimes.

Take notice of what hzatph said.

These people will keep posting just to wind you up, don't take any notice. From one who has experienced this.

[nikirushka]

Thanks withreason. Happens on every forum I suppose!

I have asked for the thread to be locked.

[petal]

EDITED

As for your fence etc, it is your responsibility under the 1973 animals to have control over the whereabouts of your animals, so it would be the responsible thing to do to erect a solid fence.

[hzatph]

Enough said!!!!!

Quite!! We have come well off topic.