Welcome to the Home Insemination Kit advice column, where our team of “experts” tackles all your burning questions about family, relationships, and everything in between.
This week, we address a pressing issue: How do you kindly inform your neighbor that their dog’s mess has become a problem in your yard?
Dear Home Insemination Kit,
My neighbors, who have lived next door for five years, are generally pleasant folks and seem to maintain their property well. However, they don’t have a fence (nor do we), and their dog has made it a habit to relieve itself in my yard—front, back, and even on the side—multiple times a week. They seem oblivious to the situation, showing no signs of cleaning up after their pet. As a dedicated cat person, I’m at my wit’s end. How do I bring this up to them? We’ve lightly mentioned it before, but I’m ready for a more direct approach.
It sounds like you’ve been navigating quite the mess! As someone without a fenced yard who also has a dog, I wonder if they simply allow their pet to roam freely or if they just don’t care to keep an eye on it. Regardless, it’s unacceptable for their dog’s droppings to be decorating your lawn, and they should take responsibility for cleaning it up.
When you next talk to them, consider saying something like, “I’ve noticed that your dog seems to favor our yard as a bathroom. While I appreciate their taste, could you please make sure to clean up after them?” If they react defensively, you could follow up with, “This isn’t personal; it’s just about maintaining our shared space. Thanks for understanding!”
Another tactic, inspired by a previous neighbor of mine, is to bag the waste and leave it on their doorstep. For a bolder move, you could simply scoop up the mess and place it outside their door. They’ll get the hint quickly: you’re done tolerating their dog’s mess. If they wish to keep good neighborly relations, hopefully, they’ll step up as responsible pet owners.
Good luck, and I’m sorry you’re dealing with this situation. Not everyone is cut out to be a good pet owner, just like not everyone is suited for parenthood.
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Summary:
If your neighbor’s dog is using your yard as a bathroom, it’s time to confront them directly about the issue. Approach them kindly, express your concerns, and suggest they clean up after their pet. If needed, you can leave the dog waste on their doorstep to drive the point home. For additional resources on family matters and home insemination, explore various linked articles throughout this piece.