I have recently (3 weeks) moved from a large smallholding to a semi detched property. I used to keep my horses at home and my two dogs (rottweiler and a JR) lived outside, sleeping in the porch in the evenings. Since I have had my dogs, I have always had a full time job. They are used to being left during the day.

My main criteria when purchasing my property is that my dogs had adequate room to exercise as beforehand they had 2 acres to roam around in. They now have a rear garden of 7 metres by 3 and a longish drive. They have a large dog kennel placed in the rear garden and they sleep indoors in the evening.

I have been at the property 3 weeks now. My neighbour has already complained saying that they bark at passers by (which is something they have always done) but bearing in mind I live at a dead end I may get a handful of people walking past in the course of a day. he also suggested I board the main gate so they cant see out which may stop them barking so much. I have been at home and have seen that they do bark as pedestrians (especially those with dogs) but not for NO REASON.

I am starting to think that perhaps it is not fair to keep my dogs. I work during the day (always have done) but given they now have much less space I am starting to think it's not very fair on them. They are exercised in the evening when I get home, and on weekends, and seem happy within themselves, but I am very guilt ridden (or have been since the neighbour complained).

Would blocking their view out work??? I would have though not being able to see out would be worse...surely they would get bored?

My biggest concern is for my Rottweiler, who unfortunately does not get on well with other dogs (he was attacked by another rottie belonging to some gypsies on my property twice about a year ago) and is very unpredictable with people he doesn't know. Therefore trying to rehome him will not be easy, and it will play on my mind where he is. I have had him for 4 years, and the JR for 2. I love my dogs to bits, and the thought of having to give them up upsets me, but am I being fair on them, expecting them to adapt?

I would be very appreciative of any comments you may have and I am very unsure of a way forward at the moment.

Thank you

Hi,
Blocking the gate and making it solid may well help - and certainly you have nothing to lose trying it. Can they reach the main gate? I ask this because there have been cases where passers-by who have been scared by barking dogs have been able to complain to the Council (because people have a right to use the footpath in safety) and the dog-owner has been forced to secure the offending dogs. So make sure there is at least 6' clear between the dogs and the right of way. As you say yourself, the Rott is unpredictable - having him loose and unattended is simply asking for trouble, IMO. Also, if your dogs are loose when you are out, there is also the very real risk that they might escape or get stolen.