Respect yards by keeping dogs away

Dear Cathy: In regard to your response to Howard in Oceanside, New York, you said you have never seen a plant die from dogs peeing on it? How about female dogs peeing on your lawn creating burn spots of dead grass? Never? I am with Howard. I work very hard on my lawn and property.

People walking their dogs have no respect for others.

I have had three Great Danes, two German shepherds and three cocker spaniels. They all have been trained to “make” in the street when they were taken for their daily walks. Your dog should relieve itself on your own property, not your neighbors’ property. (I have been a dog owner for over 40 years.) — Bonnie, Kings Park, New York

Dear Bonnie: I agree with you that pet owners should respect their neighbors’ yards and said so in my response to Howard. People can train their dogs by not allowing them to stop and sniff at their neighbors’ yards and walking their dogs instead to public locations, like a park or common space.

I also agreed that people who love their plants and lawns should be able to expect their dog-owning neighbors to avoid their yards. Sadly, people are usually defensive on both sides of this issue and there is often discord between neighbors.

So, can dog urine kill a plant or make a brown spot? It can, but a number of factors must be in play for dog urine to actually kill the plant or create a brown spot in the yard. For example, when you fertilize your yard, you are putting nitrogen into the soil.

Regardless, neighbors have every right to ask dog owners (in a kind way) to walk their dogs someplace else. People with pets should be respectful of their neighbors and not let their dogs pee or poop in their neighbors’ yards. Trust me, dog owners, it can be done, and it’s the best way to keep the peace with your neighbor.