on Sat, 31 Mar 2007 17:18:17 GMT, wrote:

Yes...I do want to be direct...but I want to choose my words
carefully...I want to make my wishes clear but not derogatory or
inflammatory to them or the dog...I was thinking of different various
situations and "if this comes up, say this" or "if that comes up, say
this"....I want to make my position low key, but firm..polite, yet not
timid...HOW something is said, I think, can make all the difference in
the world. They come to visit when we're there and sometimes the big
old dawg comes with them...I was thinking of saying something like
"Josie's a good dog, and welcome here anytime on a leash, OR with you
guys."
Yes, Lynne...I agree...I need to speak up...but my main concern is
saying the right thing the right way....the husband looks as if he can
get kind of bent out of shape (he likes to think of himself as a
kingpin)...the wife looks to be ok....

You've already blown at least one PERFECT opportunity to say something.
The longer you let the problem annoy you, the harder it's going to be to
address and resolve.

Just go over there, and politely say, "listen, we have a problem we need
to discuss." Then tell them what their dog has been doing and that you
will appreciate them keeping him off of your property unless he is with
them and on a leash. Then thank them. It's that simple.

If they are good neighbors, as you say, they probably have no idea their
dog is annoying you (since you haven't said anything) and will be
embarrassed. If they don't care that their dog annoys you, you'll find
out soon enough.

--
Lynne