My neighbors dont like dogs and hate my dog. They want me to get rid of him.?

Question

Unfortunately, he's been rather aggresive with them. I think he knows they dont like him. He's only 6 months old and just a big puppy really. I dont want to fight with my neighbors but they live over my head and complain about everything when it comes to my dog. I keep the area as clean as I can but they still complain of the smell. I'm thinking of giving him up even though my kids will be upset but this constant drama is draining me. Any ideas?

I do walk my dog. 1 hour every day. He's had his shots, gets bathed regularly and is not aggressive with anyone else. He's a good dog and no, I do not want to get rid of him

I didnt say he was dangerous and when I say aggressive I mean he barks at them or growls when they come too near, but hardly with anyone else. He's a Shepard mix.

Answer 1

Being a dog owner myself (my dogs are my children) I couldn't imagine giving them up simply because someone dislikes them.

You are correct when you said your dog knows your neighbors don't like him therefore he's "aggressive." Dogs pick up on those behaviors and react to them. You said you don't want to fight with your neighbors and who would? Why not sit down with them and seriously talk this over? Obviously they are not animal lovers. Make them see in a way they will understand that your dog is a member of your family. Ask them if they would disown a child just because someone complains that s/he is too noisy. Ask for justifiable reasons why they do not like your dog other then the smell. There has to be a bigger reason for this. Most importantly listen and try and come up with a compromise.

Maybe they would be willing to spend time with you and your dog (in a calm and relaxed atmosphere) to see just how lovable he is and what he means to you and your children. They have to be willing to try though. If they are not your dog will be able to sense there is tension and he will continue to react aggresively and that will only add fuel to the fire.

You and your neighbors are stuck unless this is resolved. If you do give your dog up just to pacify them it will only lead to bigger problems. You will regret it and your children will be heartbroken and in turn you will resent your neighbors who you have to see on a regular basis. To me, that's an even worse a place to be then where you now because niether side resolved anything and you're back to square one minus your beloved pet. Not to mention what kind of message your sending your kids.

Answer 2

Perhaps they've had some bad experiences with dogs so they have a bit of a phobia, but they could certainly handle it better than this. Train your dog well so you can keep him under control even if people don't like him, then if they still don't like your dog, tell them they can go take a hike.

I believe in 'dog people' and 'cat people' myself; I was raised with wonderful stories about dogs so it wasn't initially my fear, and I was a quiet child so neither did I run up to dogs and spook them, however dogs have never liked me, will sometimes bark & growl even if I haven't even seen them yet so it's not 'they smell fear'... on the other hand cats that according to the owners are 'always afraid of strangers' will come up to me to be petted, and I also have good report with pretty much any other animals I've been around. I do think it's important dog owners have their animal well-trained, I hate those people who have a dog and it'll growl at me or chase my bicycle and they'll just be standing there 'here doggy, don't do that' while doggy doesn't even turn an ear. But I wouldn't tell people living in my building they couldn't have a dog, that's ridiculous. My neighbor has two dogs and while we have other issues -she's so bossy that she's known to people halfway across town, many local folks as gardeners & plumbers & such won't work for her- the dogs aren't part of the problem.

Answer 3

I also have a shepard mx. She's the same way, she knows when people dont like her and is very protective of me. That doesn't make her aggressive, and I don't think your pup is, either. Have you tried to find out why they don't like him? Some people are afraid of bigger dogs, especially if they look like a typically 'agressive' breed. Some people fear what they have no knowledge of. If he is well maintained, doesn't cause any problems (excessive barking, etc), and is just a family pet, they really can't do anything but complain. However, as mentioned earlier, I wouldn't leave him where they could get anything to him without you watching. Ask if they'd like to meet him, then maybe he'll stop growling at them. He's growling cuz he's unsure of them. If there is any kind of meeting, though, do it on their property, not yours, and of course maintain control, set the mood for him, and always think safety. I would definatly have a serious conversation with them and let them know that you feel bad about the situation and would like to come to a resolve that everyone can live with.

Answer 4

Unless they are in a landlord position the fact that "they want you to get rid of him" is irrelevant. Keep your area clean, keep your dog on leash at all times when in public areas and you might consider canine good citizenship training. This is usually offered by the local ASPCA or at least they can point you in the right direction. I suggest this because it will help you train your dog to be a good neighbor AND that certificate will go a long way with your landlord/property manager if the neighbors start complaining too much. If I were you, I would also have your dog start making friends with other neighbors. This could be essential in not getting kicked out of your apartment.

Answer 5

Don't let your neighbors dictate on what pet you should own. It's not up to them. They could be the kind of neighbors that are just looking for a reason to call the authorities so, keep your dog off their property and clean up your dogs area daily. (your dog will like that, too!) Also, if this is an outside dog, he may bark a lot, so you may want to consider keeping him inside. Be a responsible pet owner and train him and have him neutered.

I have known people that are so vindictive that they will poison the dog. I'm not trying to scare you, I just want to inform you.

If you do decide to get rid of him, don't get another one. That would indicate to me that you are not ready to be a pet owner.

Answer 6

I am assuming that you don't want to give up your dog and don't want to move. If that is the case, you will need to improve things some way. You have already started by making sure that the dog is not an odour problem. Now you have to deal with his bad manners. You are right that he senses aggression on their part and is responding to it. You might consider taking him to obedience classes to improve his behaviour and your control over it. Even if you find you have to move, the dog will be a better companion wherever you take him.

Answer 7

It's hard to say for sure, but if you have an aggressive dog then you should probably give it away or have it put down before someone gets bitten.

You'll be in real trouble then. If you can't control a dangerous dog then perhaps you shouldn't have one.

Answer 8

Please do not listen to the people that are telling you to retaliate, you will only make things worse.

Do not kid yourself when you say he is really just a big puppy, HELLO YOUR DOG IS AGRESSIVE!

You need to get into a training class for you and your dog. You need to train you dog that it is not ok to be agressive towards people unless they are getting pyhsical with you.

Remeber you are responible if anything ever happens with your dog and someone else. You don't want your dog accidently biting anyone or it may turn into a huge lawsuit and also result in the death of your dog.

Answer 9

would you give one of your kids away if they complained. You chose to take a dog into your life and heart. If you give your dog away please dont get another because you obviously are not pet sensible. If you get you dog some training and lots of exercise daily, he wont be as aggressive. If its a male, get it fixed There is a saying that says, "Nothing rides better than a tired horse". Believe me exercise is a huge key to a well adjusted and happy dog, and owner good luck p.s.you could get rid of your neighbor

Answer 10

They sound like the type of people that, if you WERE to get rid of the dog, they'd just decide they hate kids next.

As long as your landlord has no problems with you having the dog, and as long as you try to reasonably keep his area (and himself!) clean, then you are doing what you should be doing to properly care for him.

Just try to keep him away from them, and tell them to stay away from him as well. As far as a "smell", you could always consider some sort of air freshener or Febreeze to keep the "smell" away, but these people would complain about "leftover dog smell" even if you got rid of the dog.

Your best bet? Next time they try to tell you to get rid of him, remind them that the landlord is OK with him, and tell them that since he is YOUR property, and it's YOUR money, they really have NO say whatsoever as to what you spend your money on. Tell them you're not trying to be rude, but you ARE trying to raise your children with respect to ALL creatures, and you would appreciate them trying to set a good example. Remind them of studies done that children that grow up with pets have less occurrences of allergies, they're kinder toward animals, they learn discipline and responsibility, and that you're trying to do the best you can to raise your children properly. As you would never tell THEM how to raise THEIR children, you would appreciate them staying out of your business when it comes to raising YOURS.