Awkward

jhgkp

hellowe live in a flat and we have new neighbours - moved in about 3 months ago and recently noticed they have a dog.at the weekend I went to put out a washing in my allocated area and it had quite a bit of dog poo in it - so I came back into house with my washing and got some newspaper and put in on it as I have no gloves to pick it upI will get gloves tonight and some bags and will put in in their bin - but what else can I do - don't want to up set the new neighbours but I would like to put my washing out without fear of getting dog stuff on my shoes - not noticing it and bringing into the house - we have a young cat - doesn't get out. Also my rope is a bit loose so if I have anything big like sheets the drag across the ground until I use the clothes pole.thank you.ps I hope they do notice the paper and maybe it will make them think - they did say when they moved in they liked have a bit of back yard so their 3 year old could play in - erm awkward

oystercatcher

Firstly, all you need to pick up dog poo is a bag. Put the bag over your hand like a big mitten or glove, pick up the poo, then turn the bag back on itself so the poo is inside and tie the top up and put it in a bin. Clean hands , poo gone.

However, it is totally unacceptable that you have to pick up your neighbour's dogs droppings, especially from near a washing line. To start with I would have a polite word with the neighbour concerned and hope their behaviour changes. If not there could be a battle ahead depending on who owns the flats and what the leasehold details are.

Are you sure it was their dog ? They may deny all knowledge !

Red-Squirrel_2

I wouldn't have picked it up, I'd have knocked on their, said "Hello, I'm about to hang my washing out and there's some dog poo that's needs picking up before I can do it." then smiled brightly and made it clear I expected them to get some bags and come and do it now.

I say this as a dog owner, you can't just leave it in communal areas, they should be picking it up straightaway if its not a private garden.

Pollycat

Red-Squirrel wrote: »

I wouldn't have picked it up, I'd have knocked on their, said "Hello, I'm about to hang my washing out and there's some dog poo that's needs picking up before I can do it." then smiled brightly and made it clear I expected them to get some bags and come and do it now.

I say this as a dog owner, you can't just leave it in communal areas, they should be picking it up straightaway if its not a private garden.

I agree with this.

If it's a communal space, your neighbours need to understand that they have a responsibility to keep it clear of their dog's mess.

I'd tackle this ASAP so they know exactly where they stand.

elsien

Are you sure it's dog poo and not one of the neighbourhood cats?

jhgkp

Hello. Thank you all for your comments. I think they may of taken the hint. I bought some bags after work and picked up all that I had covered in paper but noticed that some that hadn't had paper was not there. I picked up some of the surrounding grass. So do I now leave it a couple of days before I put a wash out, pity today is a nice day for a wash. I put the small bags in a pink bag in their bin so hopefully they noticed this. I didn't want to say anything and cause ill feeling esp. as they just moved. I think it must be a dog as it was quite big - unless they have a tiger.

Red-Squirrel_2

I'm sorry I'm not quite understanding, why would you need to wait to put your washing out? It sounds like its all been picked up, either by you or them.

jhgkp

Red-Squirrel wrote: »

I'm sorry I'm not quite understanding, why would you need to wait to put your washing out? It sounds like its all been picked up, either by you or them.

My OH thought it best to leave it as it can have a wetting with the rain and dry with sun - so any residue is cleaned. The poo was quite squishy/wet.

doglover86

I would really recommend if it's a problem that you actually speak to the neighbour instead of continually hoping that they get the hint as this may come off a bit passive aggressive - if they think that how they are managing the waste isn't causing any problems (when it IS causing you a problem) then putting paper down may not solve it. Speaking to them directly but nicely to say it is a problem for you, explain about the washing line, and maybe just ask them to pick the poo up as soon as it's dropped, not leaving it for later might be a better long term solution as it could allow you to build up more of a relationship with them.

Mojisola

doglover86 wrote: »

Speaking to them directly but nicely to say it is a problem for you, explain about the washing line, and maybe just ask them to pick the poo up as soon as it's dropped

Which is exactly what they'd have to do if they were walking the dog on the street. A responsible dog owner shouldn't need to be asked!