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Welcome to the Home Insemination Kit advice column, where our team of “experts” tackles your questions about life, love, pets, and other puzzling issues.
This week’s dilemma: How do you approach your neighbor about their dog’s frequent bathroom breaks in your yard?
Dear Home Insemination Kit,
My neighbors moved in about five years ago, and while they’re generally pleasant people, they don’t have a fence—just like us. Their dog has taken quite a liking to my lawn, leaving its mess in my front, back, and even side yards at least two or three times a week. It feels like they don’t even acknowledge it, let alone clean it up. I’m at my wit’s end—I’m a cat person for a reason! How should I confront them? We’ve been pretty passive in our previous mentions, but I’m ready to be more direct.
Response:
Sounds like you’ve got a real mess on your hands! It raises the question: do they just let their dog roam around freely? Or do they walk it on a leash and ignore where it goes? Regardless, there’s no question that the mess doesn’t belong on your property, and it’s definitely their responsibility to clean it up.
Next time you see them, consider saying something like, “We’ve noticed that Fido seems to think our yard is his personal restroom! While we appreciate the compliment, could you please make sure to clean up after him?” If they react defensively, you can add, “It’s nothing personal; it just doesn’t belong here. Thanks for understanding!”
If you want to take a more direct approach, you might consider bagging up the mess, tying it up, and leaving it on their front step. Some neighbors even skip the bag and simply place the waste outside their door. This sends a clear message that you’re not going to tolerate their dog’s behavior.
Good luck dealing with this situation, and I’m sorry you’re having to handle such an unpleasant issue. Not everyone is cut out to be a responsible dog owner, just like not everyone is meant to be a parent.
For more insights, check out this blog post on home insemination, or visit Make a Mom for expert advice on self insemination and pregnancy. Additionally, WomensHealth.gov is a great resource for all things related to pregnancy and home insemination.