GO HOME!!! A Vent

[Snowshoe]

Four days ago he charged me in my own driveway, barking furiously and not in a friendly way. Three days ago he ran across the street to come see me. Just now he charged Oban and I as we returned from a walk. I stepped in front of Oban and roared, GO HOME.

I had time to get ready because we had to walk alongside their fence and the owner STILL did not control his dog or try to catch him and prevent this, even after the dog, a GR, nearly scaled the fence to get at us.

I am always nice to this dog when it's just me. I pet him, I throw his ball for him and give him treats when he brings it back to me. Even on the first two times above I petted him. I am careful not to encourage him from my house though, because, for GOD's SAKE people, he could get hit by a car running across the street to me.

They told me they neutered him because of his aggression issues and now they say they think neutering made him more aggressive. WEll, hello, there is research to show that is the case with some dogs. And yes, they live across the street. And guess what? We count them among some of our really good neighbours, the ones who help us shovel snow and bring food when we're sick and let our dog out when we've had to be away. And they've worked with this dog, classes and training and good walks. He is a danger to others, the owners if they get serious complaints and himself if he runs out on the street. Why won't these intelligent, caring, good people keep that damn dog tied up when he's out front with them?

[barry581]

Some people really don't deserve to have a dog.

[POPTOP]

Why can't they have a tall, secure fenced in area for the dog. Some people just need to start thinking.

[Snowshoe]

They have high, secure fence around their backyard. But they keep bringing him with them when they work in the front, gardening or moving snow. The first time he charged Oban and I, right up at our own house, about two years ago, there was a stint of the dog being on a long line out front but for some reason he's loose again. A previous GR of theirs attacked Oban when he was about 7 months old, had my puppy right down on the ground. I didn't see, OH had him out. Then that same dog took off after another dog, one it knew well, an older Lab girl, and the woman threw herself on top of her GR to prevent it attacking the old Lab. OH was sure the owner herself would be bitten but she wasn't.

I don't know what to do about this. Oban doesn't know he's 11 years old now. He'll defend himself if he has to. I will help him if I have to.

WE looked after their mail and snow blowing while they were away a few days ago. The man was just here with a big brick of good cheddar cheese as a thank you.

[Jollymolly]

Have you had a conversation with the owner. I would do it again. Sounds like they are nice people who have no clue. I really hope nothing happens to you or Oban and that this dog does not get run over.

[Beth C]

Definitely have a conversation. You don't want your dog to become dog aggressive, which could easily happen if he's constantly threatened. It happened to our last lab, Chipper. He was attacked at a vet's office AFTER I told the owner to please restrain his dog, who was not on leash - ugh (I could see the body language, and it wasn't good). The owner told me his dog was fine, then BAM, poor Chipper got nailed. Chipper was never the same afterwards. He was fine with small dogs, but he was very reactive with large dogs. So sad.

[Sandra]

My sympathies. We have a similar problem with our cottage neighbours, who are dear friends. There have been many incidents but the latest is the dog came running into our property and attacked my husband, bit him in the arm (thankfully not serious). They have vowed to keep the dog tied up. Having a dog like that is such a liability.