Why do these people even have a dog?

Question

There is a family who lives behind me who have a German Shepherd. They leave him on a short chain inside a fenced in back yard. The dog barks All day and All night. And when they do come out to the back yard, the kids play just far enough away from the dog so he can't reach them, and the adults constantly yell at the dog for barking! They will say "Shut Up!!" and "Why are you Cowering!" They never play with the dog or talk nice to the dog. And it isn't like they have him for protection, because he is on a short chain inside a fenced in yard. But calling animal control won't matter, the law around here is that a dog must have shelter, food, and water. And he has all of that. But I still feel like he is neglected. Why do people like this even have a dog????

I did end up calling animal control, and I gave them all the details. They told me there was nothing they could do. I will try calling the police about the noise, just to get them out here to look at the dog. I've been talking to my boyfriend about us talking to the owners, and seeing if they would want to give him to us, as we would like to get a German Shepherd some day. But we don't know if that is a good idea, they are not friendly, or logical people. If nothing is done by the time we are ready to move out, I have considered stealing the dog when we leave. It would be quite easy, and they only reason they would notice would be because the barking had stopped. I just fear that they would get another puppy in his place, and treat him the exact same way.

Answer 1

Most likely, this poor dog was an impulse purchase who was never properly trained and now that his puppy cuteness has worn off he is a 'nuisance.'

What kind of relationship do you have with these people? I know if it was me I would despise them- but what I mean is, can you be civil enough to give them some educated observations and then offer to remedy the situation for them if they won't do it? If they won't help the dog to be happier, therefore providing a quieter, calmer atmosphere for EVERYONE in the family, could you tactfully offer to take the dog from them and place it in a better environment? A no-kill shelter or Breed Rescue should take a pure German Shepherd.

This situation sucks for everyone, but most of all for the dog. Laws will state (however wrong they are) that this is not cruelty because the animal's physical needs are being met. But it is definately psychological cruelty, not to mention dangerous for the little brats if the dog loses it one day and mauls them because they run and scream outside his reach. Hopefully, someday, laws will change, but until then, can you be his friend? Can you help him?

I do not envy you, but I wish you luck. And if you are anywhere near NJ and you do succeed in freeing the dog, contact me to see if I can help you with a foster home.

EDIT: Someone suggested PETA. DO NOT GET THEM INVOLVED!!! If they take this dog they will kill it. PETA euthanizes 90% of the dogs they take for 'adoption.' They do not believe in pet ownership AT ALL!!! Please please don't even think about PETA. Call a local no-kill or breed rescue or call me but do not call them!!!

Answer 2

There are literally thousands of dogs who live like this. People see absolutely nothing wrong with it. It is sad and dispicable.They live lonely neglected lives and die lonely and neglected and then the people that owned them actually shed tears and claim how much they loved the dog! Then they go get another one and tie it to the tree too. Feed it crap, no vetting, no attention, just a worn out path in the yard where the dog circles for years hoping someone will love it.
There is nothing you can do about it except for maybe rescuing the dog yourself secretly and having a good home waiting to care for the dog and give him a life he deserves. Yes, its called stealing.. But I think the good deed outweighs the crime.
My sister has a neighbor who kept a dog like this on a chain behind the house his entire life. We took the dog toys and treats and pet him while the owners were away. They never paid any attention to the dog at all. The dog got cancer and they left him out there suffering to the bitter end. We watched helplessly as this dog became more sick. We prayed that he would go soon. When he died a few weeks ago these people buried him right where he dropped and told my sister how much they loved him, what a good dog he was and how sad they were. Makes me sick to my stomach. He is in a better place now and they will get another one to treat the same way. PEOPLE SUCK!

I think MANY people here on Y answers keep their dogs the same way.

Answer 3

In most places, owners can be cited if their dog is barking. Keep a log of how long he barks and when, and then call animal control. Explain that the dog barks a lot, is always outside, and is neglected. Maybe after a few visits from an animal control officer, the owners will decide to give the dog to a better home.

Answer 4

Man, this is really sad! Anyone knows not to put a dog on a short chain. It just makes them mean. Is there any form of an Animal Rescue assn. I would also call the SPCA and tell them. I also would get a ladder and have a deep discussion with your neighbors.
People like this should not have a dog. I have a German Shepherd and she is my best friend. she is lying right beside me right now.

Answer 5

Usually, the law has a required length of chain, too. You might want to call animal control, just to find out, instead of assuming it won't amount to anything.

I know how you feel, though. I had a neighbor behind us, that had a beautiful Samoyed-type dog, chained to the tree. I threw treats over the fence, and started to gain his trust. But he was quiet, unlike your neighbor's dog. Perhaps get to know the dog by providing treats? If you cannot change his living situation, you could at least give him something to look forward to.

Have you tried talking to the neighbors? Not necessarily in person, but writing a note and putting it on their door. That sometimes works. If you're able to take in a dog, you could always offer to purchase the dog from them.

Answer 6

They thought it would be cool to have a puppy, but when he grew up and had behavior issues because they didn't train him, they just put him out with the trash. They know they have to provide shelter, food and water, so they do. They obviously should not have a dog because they do not know how to train it and integrate it into their family, so they ignore it. Poor dog! They should give the dog to someone who cares, but how do you tell them that? They would get offended. Like children, people need to give their dog a direction, rules and boundaries and limitations, just like Cesar Milan says on that show "Dog Whisperer". That dog is frustrated from lack of excersize so it barks all the time. Can't say as I blame the poor thing, it's not his fault.

Answer 7

Some people may feel obligated in keeping a pet. Maybe someone gave it to them. Or maybe they used to love it before the kids. There are alot of household issues that can cause a family to mistreat their pets. I by far don't believe it it right but it does happen. I had pets that I grew up from age 4-17. My siblings and I are all just one year apart. Ages 25-23-22-21 so there was a certain point in our lives where we were all doing our own thing and we could not care for the pets properly anymore. That is when my mother made the decision to give them up for adoption. It was the best thing to do. Everyone wins in the end. But it takes a strong person to make that first step. My mother broke alot of our hearts but deep down inside we all knew it was the best thing for our household.

Answer 8

I'm sorry about the dog's 'bad home' ... and you really do need to call the POLICE and get them to investigate your neighbors on 'animal cruelty charges' ... that 'short chain' (usually 8' or shorter) could be the 'thing' to get them charged with animal cruelty ... also letting the children play in the yard just 'outside' of where the dog can reach. They are 'creating a vicious dog' with their 'neglect' and the dog needs to be 'impounded' and found a GOOD HOME ...

Answer 9

People like that make me want to kill them! They are totally neglecting the dog mentally and emotionally and that is what turns dogs into frusterated biters.
Why don't you try talking to them and tell them you have a family that would love to have the dog and then just give the dog to a German Shepherd Rescue. If all else fails, steal it. I have done that before, off the record, of course.
Poor Dog.

Answer 10

People get a cute puppy , & realize how much work it actually is. Then off to the backyard with the puppy/dog. Your right animal control will do nothing because he does have food, water , & shelter. I'd talk to the dog owners & offer to rehome the dog.