Argh, it's not the dog, it's the PERSON.

[Tiffany0204]

Ever wished you could become the dog police and stop someone who you know is an idiot from getting a pet?

I'm in that situation right now.

I have this really weird next door neighbour. He's one of those types who won't talk to you unless it's about him. I tend to try my best to avoid/ignore him, and when I get roped into actually talking I try to keep it really light and short and to the point.

Anyways...

I was outside with Gizmo yesterday trying to get him accustomed to being outside. Weird dude was outside as well. He looks at me and goes "Is that your dog?"
Me: "yeah"
Him: "Cool. I'm getting a dog"
Me: "really? What kind?"
Him: "A Rottwieler"

Afterwich he starts rambling on about how his friend breeds them by the truckload (byb anyone?) and how big they get, blah blah blah... And all I could think about was the poor animal that this guy was going to own.

I'm not one who discriminates against the "bully breeds". To me I find it's the owners fault moreover than the dog's fault. As long as someone is responsible for taking proper care of their pet, it's all good as far as I'm concerned.

My "argh" is that he is not one of those 'responsible people'. Unless you call responsible sitting out on his porch getting drunk every day. I worry about my own dog, because I don't want to be around another animal that he's not going to take care of.

I feel bad too, cuz I don't think I should be afraid of this new dog, but with him as the owner... anything's possible. So I was wondering, aside from obvious animal neglect, could I report this guy for anything?

I know, it must sound like I have a vendetta against him, truly I don't, I just worry that he's going to try and take in more than he can handle and then the rest of us have to deal with even more of his crap.

We already had one reckless neighbour who decided he wanted a pitbull and never took care of the poor thing. left it out on their porch with no access to ground to go to the bathroom. We ended up calling the Humane Society because the poor dog was being neglected, and the dog went vicious when they tried to take him.

Again, I don't blame the dog, I blame the shoddy owners. Why get a dog if you're not willing to take on the responisblities? Or research the breed you want to make sure it's compatable???

AAAAARGH!!! lol. Sorry, needed to vent.

So yeah, back to original point, I suppose we're all "Once bitten, twice shy" with this situation. Would I be an overly bad neighbour if I kept being nosy to make sure the dog is taken care of properly?

I think he picks it up within the next few days.

And again, sorry to vent, but needed to get it out, heh.

[TribalRats]

You vent away girl.
Wish I had some great advice for you however I am affraid I do not. I do however wish you good luck and hope hope hope that this guy turns out to be a good owner and this Rottie gets a great life.

[Odetoadream]

Perhaps you might win him over with kindness and educate him politly. Maybe take a bag of treats over or a collar or something for the pup and explain how much dogs in general need attention, training. Might even recommend a trainer and class and other things he should be aware of. All this under the assumption your trying to be a 'good neighbor' and know how 'difficult' puppies can be.

Best of Luck,
Cinthia

[linnie]

I was thinking along the same lines as odetoadream
Sometimes even the most stupid person can learn something.
Try being really positive when he brings the pup home and talk very positive about training and feeding and how much you know he will enjoy his pet. Also perhaps drop some experiences of poor abused neglected dogs you have seen and how you are glad he is going to care for his lovely dog. Offer to be there if he has any queries.

Your weird man just might turm out to be a good dog owner with a little help

[Cassiepeia]

And at the very least, if you take an interest in his dog, it will become well socialised with you and your own dog (perhaps you can sneak in a few 'sit & stay' lessons when the guys not looking LOL), which may help if the dog does end up becoming a nuisance to everyone.

Cass.

[calgal]

Just take things one step at a time. You don't know how he will treat the puppy yet, so just be prepared to help him out if you see he doesn't know what to do. Get a dog training book as a welcome gift. Maybe he will read it. Put some of those free pamplets from the Vets. office in it that talks about worms and such so he will get the dog's shots. He may just need to be taught how to take care of his dog. If he can't afford the shots or proper medical care maybe he wont want the puppy. Just take it slow.

[mrsgrubby]

I too would try to "be-friend" his new dog. Maybe it will keep you and your pup safe in the future. Also provide an "in" to help him train and learn.

Try talking about dog school, potty training, etc.

(I'm one to talk I guess, we have a "hooligan" neighbor that just got a new puppy and keeps leaving it on their deck, but I haven't gone over there because I am afraid of them.)

[Jamila]

There are too many people out there that get pets that shouldn't have them. I have had friends want to get pets and I tell them straight up they wouldn't take proper care of it. I tell them this if its true of them. Heck I've told alot of people this. I just can't stand to see an animal not get what it needs. People just want a freakin accessory and a pet is like a kid, ya gotta take care of it.
Whew I feel better now.

[TribalRats]

Great suggestion Cass.

[Raised By Wolves]

Good posts regarding getting to know the dog and helping your neighbor! I'm sure it will really put your people skills to the test!

I have always found it helpful to make friends with the dog, even if I don't care for the neighbor. You are right, not the dog's fault or choice in who owns him.

[mulroony]

I would tryeducation first, but if that fails just start reporting every little indiscretion that takes place with the dog espcially if it is getting loose. I would try to befriend the dog as well so at least you mighbt be able to prevent somehting from happening to you and your pup down the line.