Neighbors Dog Causing Issues in My Yard: AITA for Setting Boundaries?

AITA for setting boundaries with my neighbor's dog? Opinions are divided as I navigate my right to privacy against Duke's roaming habits.

Davy

Published in Interesting
2025-08-20 06:59

Neighbors Dog Causing Issues in My Yard: AITA for Setting Boundaries?

Are you entitled to set boundaries with a neighbor's dog visiting your yard? A Reddit user seeks advice after confronting their neighbor about her golden retriever, Duke, wandering freely into their property.

Despite loving dogs, the constant presence of Duke digging up the garden and leaving surprises has become a concern. The user attempts to address the issue with Emily, the dog owner, who dismisses it as Duke being curious.

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Feeling the need to assert their privacy and space, the user requests Duke not to enter their yard unsupervised. The community is divided in the comments section.

Some support the user's right to enforce boundaries on their property, labeling them as not the asshole (NTA). Others argue that dogs will be dogs and suggest finding a compromise, considering the owner's perspective.

The discussion touches on themes of responsibility, respect for personal space, and effective communication between neighbors. As tensions rise between the user and Emily, Reddit users weigh in on who holds the moral high ground in this furry neighborhood dispute.

Original Post

So, I (33M) recently moved into a new neighborhood. I love dogs, always have.

But my next-door neighbor, let's call her Emily, has a large, energetic golden retriever, Duke. Duke is a good dog, but he tends to roam freely around the neighborhood, including into my yard.

Emily works long hours, and Duke is often left to his own devices. He's friendly, but his constant presence in my yard has started to bother me.

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I've found him digging up my garden, barking at odd hours, and leaving surprises on my lawn. I've tried talking to Emily about it, but she brushed it off, saying Duke is just curious.

I get it, but I don't want Duke in my yard all the time. I value my privacy and space, and I don't want to constantly monitor if Duke is around when I'm outside.

Yesterday, I saw Duke digging up my newly planted flowers, and I snapped. I went over to Emily's house, and politely but firmly told her that I don't want Duke in my yard without supervision.

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She seemed offended and said I was being unreasonable. She pointed out that Duke is just being a dog.

Now she's been avoiding me, and I can feel tension when we pass each other. I get that she loves her dog, but I also have a right to enjoy my property without him intruding.

So, Reddit, am I the a*****e for setting boundaries with Duke's roaming habits?

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