Neighbors Pittbulls

[bxrbabe64]

Hi Everyone,

I have a couple of concerns. I am ready to get a boxer puppy but my neighbors have 2 adult pitts and a 9 week old pitt puppy. They are not very nice (the adults). Yesterday they managed to get out of the gate by throwing themselves against it. Then came into my yard, I am very nervous about them getting to my dog. Of course, I plan to keep the boxer pup inside at all times but there will be times when (Alot I am sure) that it will need to go outside. A fence I know is the logical answer but that still does not give me a peace of mind. My neighbors are a couple of young boys that have no control over the animals and leave alone days at a time. Any advice would be great.

Thanks

Nikki

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

My best advice, since you are not the PB owners, is to have your dog on leash at all times when you may encounter these adult dogs. At least you have some control that way and can quickly grab your dog if necessary.

Naturally your dog is going to show interest in these dogs and want to play. You will probably need to train your dog that these dogs (not all dogs - other socialization is necessary) are not dogs that he is allowed to play with. Do this by keeping your dog focused on a treat as you pass their house if they are in the yard, barking, etc., or whatever. If the dogs try to go "greet' the Pits, then make the dog sit, reward for good sit, then come command, reward for coming and going on past the dogs, reward again. The object being to teach the dog to ignore these particular dogs in this yard by redirecting the dog's attention with a treat or favorite toy or focusing on you (with treat) and rewarding what you DO want the dog to do, which is ignore the dogs and keep moving on your way.

Also, find out your local leash laws and abide by them. If their dogs are not following the leash laws, you have more room to call authorities and have the owners FORCED to properly contain their dogs. And document every incident with those dogs as well to help authorities determine if they are a threat or not.

Good luck.

 

[ascot chief2001]

Hi , I think your first and formost concern would be to get a fence(expensive but very worth it ) Although it's possible to keep a dog inside, your dog does need room to move and let some of that pent up energy out. For the time being it may be okay(if the adult dogs have morals and do not attack puppies) but as your pup grows its in my opinion that a backyard is necessary. I understand your concern over the pitties and maybe the answer would be to speak to the owners and let them know your about to get a puppy and tell them your concerns(expecially since they have escaped now) hopefully they will take some more responsibility of them? Anyway, good luck with everything, im sure your pup will bring you as much joy as they do to everyone else here

 

[bxrbabe64]

Hi,

Thanks for all of the great suggestions. It's funny but right after I posted this a wild situation broke out in my house! I walked out of my bedroom and there stood a dalmation and a female pitt and a lab! I live in Key West and it's common to keep your doors open down here. They were chasing my cat. Then the lab looked at me and lifted his leg and peed on the corner of my couch!I tried to run them out and the lab charged me. That was it for me...I called animal control. We are looking to buy this property and the very first thing we will do is get a nice big high fence. Pets to some people are just that...pets. This boxer will be a member of my family and I want it to feel secure no matter what.
Thanks again for the suggestions.

Nikki