Okay, so our neighbors have a puppy with a bit of a wild side. It chases my cats eats our dogs food. And with several dogs we already have to buy enough dog food. And bites us and tears apart our stuff that is outside, not to mention steals shoes and food dishes. We have already talked to our neighbors about keeping the dog up and although we do like our neighbors very much usually, we don't know what to do since they haven't addressed the problem.
So, now I need your help remember we do like our neighbors and have never had an issue with them before so I need a solution that won't cause a problem with them, and we have tried putting up stuff so it won't get into anything but it always finds a way to get at it, and we are worried that since it already bites everyone and everything that someone or one of our beloved pets will be hurt. Thank you.
You say you like your neighbors. That's all well & good! However, your neighbors are NOT showing you & your family ANY respect whatsoever, regarding their (obviously) untrained & wild puppy. It's great you wish to stay on good terms with your neighbors, but how long will THAT last, when the puppy becomes an UNTRAINED adult dog who can & WILL eventually hurt a child, you, your pets, damage your property etc?
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
Simply tying the puppy/dog up is NOT going to solve the problem. All you have then is an unruly, untrained, and to add to that; a very angry & frustrated dog. If your neighbors wont be responsible, you have to be ! If that means putting up a fence to protect you, your family, your pets, then do so. If it means getting Animal Control involved, then do so. Have you researched the leash laws in your city/state? Many cities now have leash laws, & no dog; puppy or adult, is allowed to be off a leash, unless they are in a fenced yard or kennel.
If being polite about this puppy's behavior hasnt gotten you any results, then you must be firm & tell your neighbor you will not tolerate the puppies behavior any longer. Suggest to your neighbor they look into the leash laws in your area, then suggest a basic obedience class for the pup. Petco for example, has obedience classes every weekend. Or they can buy a book on puppy.dog training. Why in the world would they get a puppy, & not train it? That is so unfair to that pup. Those kind of pups grow into adult dogs who end up at shelters, because they were never trained or house broken.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com This is one time when you cant worry so much about offending your neighbors, & worry more about what can (and usually does) happen when dogs are never trained.
I'm having a hard time understanding this.
Cats belong INSIDE, not outside. If you are irresponsible enough to leave your cat outside, he's going to get chased by things.
Why do you have shoes, food dishes, and food outside? If you bring your dogs outside to feed them, then you bring the left over food and the dishes in when they are done.
No, the puppy shouldn't be out running around, but it sounds like you guys need to be more responsible with YOUR animals as well.
Maybe you could find the name of a good dog trainer and find a subtle way to suggest that they take the puppy for some training. Unfortunately puppies can be a handful and they really do need training or else they can become a nuisance. A few classes in behavior training would make the puppy much easier to be around, with the right training things like chewing and biting will hopefully go away with time. Besides im sure you neighbors are getting tired of the crazy puppy behavior so they would probably appreciate a trainer referral.
Have another talk with them. if they simply refuse to do anything about it, tell them that you are going to get a dog trap from Animal Control & when you trap the dog you just call Animal Control & they will come pick up the dog.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com What about fencing? Every body here has a fence around their property. Both to fence in animals & to fence out animals.
I suggest baby gates. They are decently affordable and keep puppies at bay! I still use baby gates with my dogs because I have cats and it gives the cats their own space and a place to put the cat boxes without the dogs raiding them.
Start with just telling them that if they don't do anything you will call animal control and complaining.
warn your neighbors that if they don't address the problem, you will call animal Control.
try putting up a fence, or if the dog is out put your dogs inside and close the garagee, so it can't get in.
have to talk to them and then your only solution is to train yourself or call animal control
Wow. That's a tough position to be in. It would be difficult to approach them again since it didn't work the first time. Regardless of how much you like your neighbors they need to take care of the problem. For them to do this to you shows a lack of respect for you and your property. Have you actually sat down and discussed it with them? or did you say it casually? It's hard to step out our comfort zones at the risk of offending someone but in order to remain friends you may have to. Good luck to you ... hope it all works out.
