Vent about neighbors and new dog

[diam124]

Ok, some background info: we live in a 2 year old townhouse. We're friendly with the neighbors on both sides, but moreso with the ones on our right.

We say hello, etc. to the neighbors on the left. They pretty much keep to themselves. Our only issue with them is that they do not really take care of their yard. Our yards were landscaped by the builder with sod and then some shrubs etc. They have never once watered their grass so it comes very close to dying each summer. Their shrubs are also dead (not their fault that they are dead, but we had the builder replace our dead ones and they have not). They have never once pulled a weed. It looks bad but until we decide to move and have our house up for sale I don't let it bother me.

They built a fence about a year ago and also have a deck (but no deck furniture, so they are only outside when they cook on the grill).

Right after we moved in they got in an argument with the couple on the other side of them because the other couple has a Jack Russell and they would sometimes take it out without a leash on. Our next door neighbors complained to the HOA because they said the wife is terrified of dogs. It got ugly. We took their side because DH and I are not really comfortable with unleashed dogs either. Our next door neighbors also have a 6 month old baby.

Yesterday we saw the husband in their backyard with a puppy. DH asked if the puppy was theirs and the neighbor said yes, and it's a Rottweiler! :eek:

Now, I know that Rottweilers can be very gentle animals, but my understanding is that it all depends on how they are trained and how their owners are with them. Given the neighbor's lack of caring about things in general (yard maintenance, etc.) and the fact that the wife is supposedly afraid of dogs (AND that they have a 6 month old) it makes NO SENSE to me that they got a Rottweiler.

We have a cat that we take outside (but always on a harness and leash). She sits on the deck with us a lot. DH is terrified that the dog will hurt her. We're also concerned about the dog barking a lot and barking at us when we're on our deck or in our yard. The fence between us is 7 feet tall - could a Rottweiler jump that high?

I don't know what I'm looking for here, but I just needed to vent because I predict this is not going to end well. They just do not seem to be the type of people who will take the responsibility of having a Rottweiler seriously.

[jennylou]

It makes no sense to YOU. Just because someone isn't a lawn expert, or doesn't even care about their lawn, doesn't mean that they won't take care of an animal. They seem to be taking care of their child well enough, or I'm sure you would have made mention of that.

You are trying to find problems before there are problems, IMO.

[karlatta]

I agree with Jenny. You seem to be finding problems with this situation before they're even there. Wait and see how things go before you get all worked up.

We have a 95 pound Rottweiler-ish (she's really a mix) dog that causes absolutely no problems. She doesn't bark at neighbors, never tries to get out of the fence, etc. I know some of our neighbors were a little wary when we first got her, but she's turned out to be a fantastic dog and everyone loves her. So you never know. Give it a chance.

[Hello Kitty]

You are trying to find problems before there are problems, IMO.

I respectfully agree with this. Take a step back and see how it goes before you jump to any conclusions. If the dog is making problems, address it then.

[coquelicot]

If it makes you feel any better, our neighbors 2 doors down have 3 Rottweilers, and a chain-link fence probably shorter than I am (maybe 4.5-5 feet tall). They've never been able to jump it unless their doghouses were right next to it (which thankfully they're not). They used to bark a lot at me when I walked past their yard with my dog, but now they're fairly quiet when we go by, so I guess they do get used to their surroundings. I can't say I blame you for being worried; I could have written most of your post due to some problems with our neighbors. However, you do need to give the neighbors a chance to care for the dog properly. If there are obvious signs of abuse or neglect, or if the dog gets out repeatedly, only then would I raise an issue about it.

Where did they get this puppy, do you know? I don't know many reputable breeders who would sell ANY puppy to a family with a 6-month-old, much less a Rottweiler. And if the wife is supposedly afraid of dogs...you're right, that does seem kind of weird that they would choose a dog that can be high-aggression if not trained properly.

Hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst. Just wait and see what happens. And don't let your cat out of sight outside until you have a better handle of the situation.

[diam124]

Well first off I am venting. I do not have any plans to talk to them or do anything about the dog.

I understand that I do not know what is going on inside their house, but given that I do know that the wife is or was scared of dogs (to the point of them calling the police because of the leash issue), I do have concerns that they may not do what is needed to raise a Rottweiler.

I am mostly concerned about the dog being able to scale their fence, or jump across onto our deck (since our decks are separated by about 6 inches). But I don't even know if that is possible. Is it?

Sorry - I posted before the latest responses. Thanks for the opinions on the fence issue. That makes me feel better. Like I said, I know Rottweilers can be very good pets, but I also know what a big difference training makes.

It's funny because DH (who is truly terrified of dogs) was voicing his concerns last night and I was telling him the same thing all of you are telling me (it's not a problem at this point, etc.) . I guess I just needed to get it out somewhere.

[jennylou]

I don't think Rots are jumpers, but don't know for sure. I know my 90 pound lab can jump high, but doesn't realize it. He only jumps when playing frisbee.

[diam124]

And don't let your cat out of sight outside until you have a better handle of the situation.

That's what I told DH last night. He does sometimes take her out without her leash in the backyard (she just sits by the door and eats grass). I told him we simply can't let her out without her leash on anymore.

[imagirliegirl]

You said the fence is 7 feet high? I wouldn't worry about the dog jumping over it. I also agree that you should just not let the cat out without a leash. Which is really the safest, smartest choice anyway.

[snowzilla]

Well, to be honest, in regards to the wife supposedly being afraid of dogs to the point of them calling the police - she could have very well made that up out of spite towards the neighbors who were allowing their pet to go off-leash. To win the battle, so to speak. She might not be afraid of dogs at all - and if they're this snarly with their neighbors, they may have been influenced to buy a dog with a tougher reputation to one-up those neighbors, kwim?

[diam124]

I'm starting to wonder that too Snowzilla - maybe she really isn't afraid of dogs after all. There was a lot of ugliness (an alleged racist remark was made) between those neighbors shortly after we moved in and we actually didn't find out about it until months later. I have to say, if anyone is going to freak out about the Rottweiler in the future - it will be their other neighbors with the Jack Russell. From past neighborhood incidents (with almost all the neighbors) they are very spiteful (the neighbors with the Jack Russell are spiteful, not the ones with the Rottweiler).

[Peppy]

Also, if you are worried about the Rottie jumping the fence or getting loose, remember that these neighbors are the ones who make the huge deal about the Jack Russell being off-leash. I would think that they would stick to the leash rule that they worked so hard to enforce. And if they don't, there is certainly ample precedent to make sure that they do. In that sense, I would think you are in a pretty good position to make sure that the dog won't be loose at all.

Also, I have met many Rotties and every one of them has been very sweet and very friendly. Since they have a six month old I imagine they will make sure the Rottie is well-trained, so as to protect their baby. If the Rottie is getting aggressive with its neighbors, that probably means he will be aggressive with the baby as well, which I imagine the owners wouldn't be happy about.

[skyblu]

Well, if my gardening skills were any indicator of my parenting or pet-owning skills, I'd be in deep trouble! ;)

Seriously, though, I wouldn't worry too much about the puppy. I ESPECIALLY wouldn't worry about the breed. Rottweiler or Chow Chow, it doesn't really make a difference. If the owner wants to train the dog to be vicious, it will be vicious regardless of the breed.

If your cat is not an outdoor cat, it shouldn't go out without a leash period. It's not only a Rottie that can hurt it. It could be a raccoon or a possum or she could get lost or whatever.

It sounds like your worries may be a little premature. I'd say, wait and see.

[diam124]

Well, if my gardening skills were any indicator of my parenting or pet-owning skills, I'd be in deep trouble! ;)


haha - I do realize that the gardening stuff doesn't have anything to do with what kind of parents they are (human or pet), but when we sit out on the deck all summer and see the grass (well, not even grass anymore - just weeds really) that they let grow literally thigh-high in their backyard, it does kind of make me wonder how they can be so careless KWIM?

[pocket]

Well, if my gardening skills were any indicator of my parenting or pet-owning skills, I'd be in deep trouble! ;)

me too!

are your anxieties stemming from the fact that DH is afraid of dogs? are you afraid of dogs? i also think you shouldn't borrow trouble.

OMG - you would die if you saw my yard. but my dog is a total dreamboat.

[wendalah]

I have to say I'm kind of with you on this one. I am not saying the dog is necessarily going to be a problem, but I do think that your neighbors sound like wackjobs. The wife is afraid of a Jack Russell terrier and then she goes out and buys a dog that's going to be 10 times bigger than a JRT? Uh, okay.

I'd have a hard time not saying something sarcastic, like, "Gee, you better keep Rottie there on a tight leash, or Chipper down the street is gonna mangle him!"

If Snowzilla's theory is right and they are buying a bigger dog to one-up the JRT neighbor--that's one downright idiotic and (speaking as an animal lover) maddening reason to buy a dog.

[mjfish]

As a Rott owner, I feel compelled to chime in here. :p First of all, if the Rott is a puppy, ask the neighbors if you can introduce your cat to him. More than likely the puppy will only want to play...either that or he'll be afraid of your cat. Frankly, I would be more worried about the JRT going after my cat than the puppy Rott. Once the Rott is older, he may develop a stronger prey drive, but if he's familiar with your cat, there should be no problem.

Why would a breeder not sell to a family w/a 6 mo old? If it is a reputible breeder, and they feel comfortable with the family and their ability to raise a Rott properly, then there is no issue with having a baby around. Rotts are not baby killers, despite what the media portrays them as. :rolleyes:

Most Rotts won't jump a 6 ft privacy fence, so a 7 ft fence will be plenty secure. However, there are some Rotts that can jump a high fence, so you'll just have to watch as he grows what kind of talent he displays in that area.

Rotts are very friendly with all people usually and are great family dogs. My boy absolutely adores kids and loves to play with my 4yo and 1&1/2yo nephews. The 1&1/2 yo even takes the soccer ball away from him with no issues. Of course, I am always monitoring their play together, especially since my boy really does not understand how big he is and can knock the kids down unintentionally.

I agree w/PPs that if people judged my dog ownership skills based on my gardening and lawn maintenance, I would be run out of town! I would much rather play with my dogs than do yard work! :p

If you have any questions about Rotts in general, feel free to ask, and I will do my best to answer (and hopefully put some fears to rest :) ).

[diam124]

Thanks for the information on Rottweilers! I admittedly do not know too much about them. I don't think we will be introducing our cat to him though. Our cat has a lot of issues on her own (she was a nearly dead stray when we found her), and she does not do well around other animals.

We happened to run into one of our other neighbors today and he said that the next door neighbor actually wanted to get a Presa Canario but there weren't any available. This neighbor has 2 dogs and said that he talked to the guy next door to see what training he is doing and the next door guy told him that he already attended 3 training sessions before he even picked up the puppy to learn about training them. Now he is continuing to take the puppy to the classes. So that makes me feel much better about it. I also saw him in his backyard with the puppy on a leash - I think he was doing training exercises with him.

[coquelicot]

Why would a breeder not sell to a family w/a 6 mo old? If it is a reputible breeder, and they feel comfortable with the family and their ability to raise a Rott properly, then there is no issue with having a baby around. Rotts are not baby killers, despite what the media portrays them as. :rolleyes:

Most breeders I've talked to said that they usually don't sell to a family with a baby due to the time issue. They're afraid that with the time demands of a baby, the puppy won't get the attention and training it needs. Plus they're more afraid of the baby getting a bit too aggressive with the puppy because it doesn't understand that some dogs don't like to be pulled on and stuff. And then if the dog did snap at the baby in some way because of this, the dog would get the blame, not the baby, and it risks being taken off to a shelter. It's not so much an issue of being afraid that the dog's going to attack.

Actually, around here, I'm more worried about the little dogs. Two JRTs and a rat terrier have nipped at my collie mix while we're out walking. The one time one of my neighbor's Rotts did get out, all he did was sniff us. So yeah, if they're socialized properly, they're not a problem. Just like with any dog. I hope for the OP's benefit, this is the case.

[rileyandfredsmom]

If the dog is already being trained and the owner is committed (which he seems to be) to continue the training then there shouldn't be any problems.

Like others have said, I would be more worried about the JRT than the rottie...how much training has the JRT been through, how much time do it's owners spend training it? They already let the dog out without a leash which was against city ordinance....and I can guarantee you, if that had been in my neighborhood, I would have reacted the same way your neighbors reacted and gotten the city on it....just because you have a small dog does not mean you don't have to follow the rules.

[diam124]

Well since the whole police debacle with the Jack Russell he is never ever without his leash. I think they learned their lesson with that one. He actually seems well-trained because we have been out with our cat (on a leash) when they leave to take him on a walk and he never runs over to us or anything.

The other neighbor we talked to said he thinks it's a good thing that they got the Rottweiler after they had the baby. He said he thought it would be easier (rather than getting a dog first) because the dog would grow up with a baby/kid around and would be used to kids.

[imagirliegirl]

Personally, I wouldn't introduce my cat to the dog. Even if it just wants to play, it's still going to be a lot bigger than your cat. When I was younger one of our cats was killed that way.

Ultimately it will come down to you protecting your cat. As long as you don't let it outside off the leash and you're always with it there shouldn't be a problem.

[mjfish]

Most breeders I've talked to said that they usually don't sell to a family with a baby due to the time issue. They're afraid that with the time demands of a baby, the puppy won't get the attention and training it needs. Plus they're more afraid of the baby getting a bit too aggressive with the puppy because it doesn't understand that some dogs don't like to be pulled on and stuff.True, but that is why I said, "If it is a reputible breeder, and they feel comfortable with the family and their ability to raise a Rott properly"...time and training should always be a concern of the reputible breeder for any family they place a puppy with.

Unfortunately, with Rotts and other so-called "vicious" breeds, this is indeed the case: It's not so much an issue of being afraid that the dog's going to attack.You only hear the bad in the news, so many people have a very incorrect perception of what these breeds are like. (I'm not saying that the OP did/does.)

diam124 -- I'm very glad to hear that they are taking the puppy to class. Rotts need a "job" to do, and going to classes and practicing at home is a great job for them. If you are so inclined, you can read a lot more information on www.rottweiler.net -- it is a forum like this with extremely knowledgeable breeders, trainers, and life-long owners of Rotts. If you have the opportunity, direct your neighbor there too! :) That's great that the owners of the JRT have straightened their act up as well!

...just because you have a small dog does not mean you don't have to follow the rules.I so totally agree with this!!! As well as training them properly!!! :D

[wendalah]

Look, I don't want to be slayed for this, but the more you post about these neighbors, the more skeptical I am. The guy wanted a presa canario originally, but settled for a rottweiler? No offense, but it doesn't sound like this guy just happens to like rottweilers (or presa canarios). Or just large dogs in general.

Here's what you've told us:

1) These particular neighbors got into an ugly argument with the other neighbors over an unleashed small dog.

2) Apparently, they lied about the wife's fear of dogs.

3) Because, the next thing you know, the guy goes out and seeks a designer breed which is large, strong, and falls under the stereotype of "guard dog." When there are none available, he goes for another stereotypical large guard breed.

I'm sorry--and again, this is nothing against Rottweilers or any other breed of dog. But I think this sounds fishy and the neighbors with the Rottweiler sound like tools. I honestly think they just got this dog just to be intimidating and make a point.

If you have a problem with an unleashed dog, don't make up some crap about your wife being afraid--face the issue and say, "Look, the rules say this dog must be on a leash." How hard is that? And don't go buy some expensive designer breed just to make a point that you are big man on campus. (Again--nothing against Rottweilers or people who really like them. I just don't buy that this guy is a loving, caring Rottweiler fan.)

The Rottweiler issue is a totally different thing here--the dog may be great, I don't care. I'm thinking you should steer clear of these neighbors and not worry about the dog. (I am actually worried about the dog, but only because this sounds like they bought him just to make a point. And I hate to say it but I wouldn't be surprised if they gave the dog up once he gets bigger and requires more time and care.)

[mjfish]

... I honestly think they just got this dog just to be intimidating and make a point.

... And don't go buy some expensive designer breed just to make a point that you are big man on campus.

...(I am actually worried about the dog, but only because this sounds like they bought him just to make a point. And I hate to say it but I wouldn't be surprised if they gave the dog up once he gets bigger and requires more time and care.)All great points wendalah, and sadly, this breed attracts those kind of bozo owners more often than not. The only thing that gives me some hope in this situation is that they are in training class with the puppy. That gives them and the dog a better chance once he is full-grown. Typically owners that want them for the "intimidation factor" tend to put little to no time into raising/training them (they just chain them up outside for the world to see :mad: ).

[diam124]

I totally agree Wendalah. It strikes me as very odd. The weird thing though is that these particular neighbors are pretty quiet and (for lack of better word) meek. The wife is especially quiet - it took a few months for her to say hi and be friendly (but once I found out about the racial remark made by the other neighbor I realized that that might be why she was somewhat unfriendly). The husband told my husband about a year and a half ago that they were thinking of moving (after only 6 months) because they felt so uncomfortable around their other neighbors. And even though they are friendly now, they pretty much just stay inside all day every day (other than work) so I can't really picture us ever hanging out with them.

The other mutual neighbor who told us about the training seems to know the owner a little better and he sort of rolled his eyes about the Presa Canario. He said he's glad they didn't get one of those because he thought they were harder to train and more aggressive. So basically he said it could have been worse.

Time will tell I guess. But I was encouraged by him doing training exercises. The other funny thing is that we have not heard a peep out of the dog. DH and I have both been outside when the husband has been out with the dog and the dog has not barked once. I'm relieved about that!

[diam124]

Oh, and I forgot to mention - they actually do get along (at least appear to get along) with the Jack Russell owners these days. I was outside when the Rottie owner went up to the JR owner and basically asked for a truce. Since then I saw the JR owner coo over the Rottie owner's baby (I just about passed out when I saw that). So, that confuses me even more since they appear to get along now.

[diam124]

I wanted to come back and update - I'm 99.9% sure that they got rid of the dog. They used to keep it outside most nice days and also did the training outside. I have not seen the dog in at least a month and a half. I haven't gotten the chance to ask them if they still have him, but I think it's safe to say they no longer have the dog.