Dogs in Flathead valley area (Kalispell: neighborhood, live in, fence)

[wawagners]

My husband and I are thinking about moving to Kalispell We breed English Mastiffs and American Bulldogs. We live in Texas and the fleas are HORRIBLE Are there a lot if any fleas in Montana. Also are there any rules/regulations on dogs/kennels in or around Kalispell. We are a very small kennel only two to three litters a year. Would be very greatful for any information. Thanks

[rickers]

You wont have fleas here unless they come here with the dogs. They can't live here on their own in the grass or dirt like in southern areas. I have heard they exist in animal dens like gophers and such but I know my dog has never had a flea in her life. What are rules anyway ? ! I don't think we have any laws or rules here either, at least a LOT of people here don't think we have any rules ! Just joking but it's easy to find out about regulations, just email the town and the county and they will be happy to tell you. If you are in town there will be a requirement for shots and dog tags and maybe a restriction on the number of animals you can keep. In my town they impose a limit of three pets per house. Not enforced of coarse !

[seven of nine]

I agree and was delighted to find no fleas on my dogs either since my move to Montana, I have heard to watch for ticks but that is common sense. I still am using up my advantage but I think it is a waste of money. Be careful of frostbite on your dogs, long things tend to snap off at 30 below

[wawagners]

Thank ya'll for the info. Do you know if you live out of the city limits if there is still a restriction on the number of dogs you own. We own 10 large and giant breed dogs.

[bigtrees]

Something to be aware of: Since we don't have a lot of dog rules, you gotta be really careful that your dogs don't bother you neighbors (primarily by chasing wildlife). Animals that have been known to habitually misbehave have been shot on site.

I'm not saying this to be negative, but it's something to think about. The rules aren't what is important. What is important is that you raise your animals in a way that is compatible with your neighborhood and you'll be fine.

[rickers]

I had a neighbor who had let his dog get into the neighboring horse boarding pasture and when he went to get the dog the horses surrounded him and one bit the crap out of the guys shoulder !

[wawagners]

We live out in the country here in Texas and people will do the same thing. Shoot a dog no matter what it's doing. Our dogs are our babies, we never let them out to roam free. Here we have them in a 6 or 7ft game proof fence and same when we get to move up there. They are also inside most of the time so I would say we would not bother anyone. That's great, thank ya'll again for the help.

[magoomafoo]

Fox holes are notorious for fleas and dogs just love to dig up a good fox hole (been there). Other than that, I have had no problem with fleas. As far as dog ordinances go, each town adopts their own ordinances. Yes, dogs do get shot for chasing wildlife. They get shot for chasing cattle/horses too. Kind of ironic that it is legal to shoot the neighbors dog or coyotes for chasing your cattle but if a wolf kills and eats your cattle and you try to protect your investment, you will find yourself in federal court.

[jimj]

My neighbor who is a serious animal lover says that she'd never shoot a dog for chasing her horses (her kids she says) rather she'd shoot the owners. Her opinion is why shoot a dog for being a dog? It's no different that a kid runing loose, it's the parents/owners fault not the dogs.

[Bbrad]

Unfortunately, it's illegal to shoot the owners. I had an acquaintance who had to put a horse down after dogs chased it through a fence. I think most people would rather shoot an unruly dog before it gets to that point.