Neighbor thinks Mugsy is a Pitt bull

[Thomas Liggin]

I recommend taking Mugsy on regular walks through your neighborhood.

It will give you opportunities to introduce Mugsy to many of your neighbors. I do this with Indy and Ava, and most of the people in the neighborhood have gotten to meet them.

Many of the kids who are outside will come to pet them while we are on our walks. I haven't met any along our route who have been negative, but if there are, those around them who know Indy and Ava can do a better job than I, of "setting them straight".

The best advice I can give regarding your neighbor is, learn to ignore her. Getting upset with her doesn't accomplish a thing. It won't improve the situation, and can actually be detrimental to your own well being.

Fortunately, we have never had the experience of having a neighbor such as you describe.

If your community has a leash law, she could report you even though Mugsy stays on your property. Future violations could lead to some serious consequences.

While I am not fond of fences, there are times when the saying, "Good fences make for good neighbors" applies. This may be one of them.

We do have a fenced area behind our home for our dogs. It is primarily for their benefit and safety. But were any of our neighbors to have "concerns" about our dogs, the fence would put them at ease.


Tom

 

[TracyLynn]

I love the flier idea too! I think Tom is right about lots of walks. Lots of folks think Rita is a pit because she is white. However, as soon as I approach someone I generally say something about her being a boxer. Also, one last suggestion, it may be helpful if you dog is always leashed while outside (even if well trained). This just gives people a sense of security and they know that you are responsible. Rita can be testy on a leash if another dog is not leashed - and many people in our neighborhood do the same thing you are doing by letting their dog off leash in their yard because they don't leave the yard. However, their dogs will run up to Rita and I on the sidewalk when we pass, and granted they are not "out of their yard," but it still creates lots of problems. Try to leash your baby unless inside a fence.

 

[marciafinn]

I think both the flier idea and the walks are great advice. I j ust wanted to add that I've come across a lot of people in our travels who think Mason is a pit too. Once I explain he's a boxer, etc their attitude changes dramatically. I know pits don't necassarily deserve this reputation, but I have also heard the horror stories that give them this rep. I think once you've been out talking with neighbors they'll be more welcoming. Good Luck in the new home!

 

[angray]

Thank you all for your advice and kind words. We moved here in January - we had Mugsy when we moved. Most of our neighbors are very friendly and nice. However, this woman is rarely out of her house, except to do yard work. When we say hi or approach her, she ignores us - so I don't know what to do about that. The man who lives next to her, we rarely see him either, and when we do, he is not on the friendly side. I walk Mugsy at least 2x a day through the neighborhood, and most of the neighbors are friendly - they'll wave or comment on how handsome Mugsy is, but they are still distant. The flier thing might be a good idea. I'll have to run it by my husband.

As for the other dogs in neighborhood. We, and and another neighbor have spoken to the owners fo the dogs, and they just laugh and think it's funny. They simply use the excuse that their dogs are sweet and just big babies, but they just won't listen. Mugsy loves the other dogs - they are very friendly, but I'm worried about getting blamed for these dogs doing thier business on other property. We want to put up fence, but are currently in the middle of putting on an addition and a new roof, so it's impossible to do so right now. We will be putting one up - we actually were thinking about an invisible fence, but now may have to change our minds.

The other neighbor has called the municipal and the dog catcher, and still nothing has happened. It seems like we will just have to deal with things for a while.

 

[marciafinn]

That's too bad some of your neighbors are acting this way. Since you can't get a fence right now, continue doing what your doing and be responsible dog owners to prove everyone otherwise. Some people just have nothing better to do than complain. I think with time most of the neighbors will come around once they see that Mugsy is a good boy and that you & DH are responsible with him...Good Luck!
Marcia & Mason

 

[Monica156]

Do you hang decorative flags on your house? Why not get a Boxer flag? I did!