Need training/coping advice!

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Yesterday we got a new neighbor in the apartment next door. They have 2 dogs. 2 uncontrollable, rude, vicious dogs. We have to walk right by their front door and around the corner right by their bedroom window to go anywhere. Whether Maddy is with us or not these dogs hear us and freak out. They begin barking and growling like maniacs. The person who brings them out cannot control them on leash. Let me point out that I haven't personally encountered them but my husband did yesterday and said the little jack russell jumped and nipped at him yesterday and again this morning. The bigger bull dog lunges and pulls on its leash and I just know this person has their hands full. The jack russell runs out of the apartment and doesn't obey any sort of 'come' command. My husband had to pick Maddy up and the dog was jumping and biting her. Maddy is very friendly toward other dogs and I'm beginning to think these dogs scare her. When I take her out to potty she likes to stop at the corner (first chance at grass) and pee before we go on...right in front of the bedroom window where the owner leaves the blinds up so her dogs can see out. Now, I understand wanting them to see the outside world but they were freaking out this morning and now Maddy is beginning to respond to the craziness by jumping/pulling/barking/etc and she tunes me out because she is so on edge. I am just not sure how to handle her and correct her behaviors while dealing with the unpredictability of this neighbor's dogs. Also, it seems that every single other dog in our neighborhood is mean and uncontrollable as they ALL lunge and bark/growl when we're out on walks but at least we can avoid them by going in another direction. NO ONE seems to clean up their dogs poop. It is a nightmare living in this community when it comes to the dogs and we just don't know what to do!! I would love your advice or opinions.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Good news. I hope your home will become a safe, peaceful place soon.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This is really good to hear.  Hopefully, this will be resolved and you can be comfortable that Maddy (and you) are safe.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

I, too sympathize with you.  It is a really difficult situation.  Maybe, and this is a big maybe, if you talk to your new neighbors you could arrange to have your dogs meet on neutral ground without leashes.  One of their dogs at a time. Dogs on leashes are often much more agressive than dogs off leashes.  Maybe a dog park with a few other dogs to diffuse the first time meet.

If you can arrange a neutral meet and the owners seem more responsible and agreeable than they seem by their dogs reactions, the arrange that the neighbor's one dog is taken to the far end of the fenced meet area and let off leash.  Neither dog should have seen each other.  Then bring your dog to fenced area and let her off leash.  You should both approach each other in a friendly manner and talk  to each other.

As uncomfortable as in sounds it is better to talk to this new neighbor and try to work it out between you, taking some of the responsibility for the situation even if you rightly feel it is mostly their dog's behavior.  The first conversation might just be a general welcome to the building, I have noticed you have two dogs, we have one.  Wait and see what is said.  Maybe these dogs are just tense as is your new neighbor in new surroundings and if you work together your dogs could work it out. 

 

Best of luck.