Neighbor thinks Mugsy is a Pitt bull

[angray]

Mugys and I were outside playing today. He wasn't on a leash or chain because he listens well and will stay in our yard. The neighbor was out doing yard work, and she must've seen Mugsy playing. She is not a very friendly person. I waved to her and she acted like she didn't see me. Mugsy didn't go out of the yard once, and didn't bark at her at any point while he was outside. He rarely barks.

After I took him in, I went to get the mail, and I overheard her talking to another neighbor about us and Mugsy. She was saying that she can't believe that we would move into this nice neighborhood and bring a pittbull with us. Then she continued to rant about if he ever comes into her yard, blah, blah, blah.

I was furious, and I told my husband who was furious too. We make it a point to never let Mugsy go into the neighbors' yard for anything. He knows his boundries, and he doesn't leave. We also don't have him outside without one of us being there too. I wanted to punch this woman in the face. Apparently she is giving us a bad name in our new neighborhood because she is too ignorant to know the difference between a pittbull and a boxer. Would you do anything about this? I'm nervous that she may create problems down the road concerning Mugsy, like blaming him for things that he never did. We do have a few dogs that roam in the neighborhood - they are never on chains and often do their business in other people's yards, plus they will take things that are laying outside like gardening tools, etc. How would you handle this situation? She doesn't know that I overheard, and isn't very friendly, so I'm not sure that approaching her would be the right thing to do.

Has anyone else had a similar situation? Any advice would be helpful and appreciated.

 

[RVsBoxer]

This makes me very angry. I can't believe how ignorant people can be. She probably doesn't have anything better to do with herself than to start trouble with other neighbors. If I were you I would try and get friendly with the other neighbors around and casually mention that your dog is most definitely not a pitbull and wouldn't hurt a fly. He is also obedient and would not go into other people's yards. That way if the ****** neighbor says anything to them again they can set her straight and make her feel silly. In the meantime I would continue to wave at her here or there to show her you are most definitely above her maturity level. Other than that don't stess about it too much - surely all your neighbors can't be as ignorant and troublesome.

Good luck <still shaking head at how rude people can be>

 

[RVsBoxer]

Oh and another thing - even if he were a pitbull who cares? If your dog is not bothering or hurting anybody and is not acting viscious I don't see what she can complain about. Gosh people these days...

 

[Rocky&Violet]

Your Neighbor's an ignorant Busy-Body

People like her make me realize how sad and lonely some people are; so lonely that they can't stand seeing someone with a loving pet be happy. I wouldn't worry too much about her and stand proud of your dog, whether he's a boxer, a pit bull or a chihuaha. I've noticed that I've started getting weird looks with my Rocky because he's so fierce-looking but he's really a gentle sweetheart and any pet-knowledgeable person will know that a dog, no matter what it's size, is never aggressive unless his owner is inept.

Pitt bulls are actually great dogs that have a wonderful sense of duty, loyalty, and intelligence. So, really, this neighbor was paying a compliment to your boxer, I would say. As long as your dog is not doing anything wrong, you shouldn't allow this snake of a lady to intimidate you. Stay strong and stand by your pet as he would stand by you.

 

[craZ4HERKIE]

I'm very sorry that you are going through this....it always seems that there is a nosy old bat in most neighborhoods!I'm sure that you will become friendly with some of your other neighbors and they will be able to make their own opinions of you and your boxer.Ya'll are obviuosly "fresh meat" in the neighborhood, and she has nothing better to do with herself right now.Just give it a little time and I am sure you will run across some fellow dog lovers in the neighborhood who will appreciate you and will appreciate the fact that your boxer is very well behaved.Good luck!

Jessica, Herkie & Kuma

 

[Little 1]

I had a similar situation with my two boxers, i overheard my neighbor commenting on them "if i ever see them in my yard i'll throw a knife at them" i told him kindly that i didn't appreciate hearing that, if their kids ever came into my yard following a rolling ball i wouldn't dream of hurting them. The other thing i wanted to mention was why do you allow your other dogs to roam the neighborhood? that is dangerous to them and a real annoyance to other people. Maybe you should fence in your yard so you don't have to deal with the neighbor and all your dogs will be contained and safe.

 

[BoxerDudz811]

Hello, I'm Melissa and new to this board. I just read your post and I have a story just like that to tell. I was walking my 8 month old Boxer, Dusty, at the park the other day and there we these two women with little Shi Tzu's. (spelling?) Anyway, Dusty loves other dogs and just wanted to say hello so I let him walk over and sniff the other dogs. The women both pulled their dogs back (harshly) on the chains and walked away. As they were leaving I heard one of them say ' I can't believe she would let that pit bull near our small dogs, he could have killed them'. This made me fume but I walked away and didn't say anything. Then, I came back around the walking trail and saw the two women chatting with a man who had a Dachsuand. Ugh! On top of my Dusty I also own a Dachsuand and know that they can be much more aggresive than Boxers! I just wanted to educate these ladies and let them know to be sure of what they are talking about before they open their mouths but I didn't. I walked past and in my cutest happiest 'talking to your boxer voice' I said "Mister Man (which I sometimes call Dusty hehe) you are just the best Boxer puppy in the world". They both just turned their heads with the funniest look on their faces!! It was great!

Isn't it so funny how people can be? Just because Boxers look slightly like pitbulls people just assume they are! These people are so ignorant. And even he if was a pitbull so what? I would not let any dog near someone elses unless I was positive that he wouldn't hurt them!! Ugh! People make me so mad!! Sorry for venting!! LOL sometimes you just need to!

 

[peanutsmom]

The other thing i wanted to mention was why do you allow your other dogs to roam the neighborhood? that is dangerous to them and a real annoyance to other people. Maybe you should fence in your yard so you don't have to deal with the neighbor and all your dogs will be contained and safe.

I think she means that there are other dogs (not hers) in the neighborhood who roam around.

 

[SammynDqtz]

Sorry to hear about your nosy neighbor trying to stir things up. If I were you I'd esp. be sure to never leave your boxer outside alone (not trying to say you do, but ya know what I mean)... cuz if he ever did decide to set foot in her yard, she may freak out! I'd go around and meet some of the neighbors and introduce yourself and your BOXER baby. Maybe not bring him with you (as some people may not come near out of fear)... but bring a picture and just make some small chat and be sure to let them know how sweet your baby is. Good luck with everything.

 

[RuhRoh]

I'm so sorry, that's just horrible!

I'm so sorry to hear about your jerk neighbor. I can totally relate to how you feel and it boils my blood when I think about it. My neighbor called the police on me because my boxers got out of the yard and were running around the house in circles. It was hilarious when I came home to see them having a ball, but my neighborhood didn't think so. The neighborhood was up in arms. The cop was so nice and understood, one's just a big puppy, but he said I had to make sure the fence was completely sealed because he didn't want to write me a citation. I'm thinking about calling the building inspector on them while they're doing new construction inside, to see if they pulled a permit, heheheheehe.