[Chubrehege]

I'm moving to a small bungalow which is quite close to the neighboring bungalow. The neighbor has a chocolate lab. My pit is great with dogs at the dog park (which i never allow him to go to anymore, natch) but has shown dog aggression especially to dogs that walk near the house. I am scared that he will hate this neighboring dog (the yards are separated by a fence but are adjoining) and the neighbors will be scared of him.

What do you suggest about introducing my pit to the lab? Should I try to arrange a meeting away from the house? Before the pit moves in? Any suggestions to increase possibility that they'll like each other?

[Michaelnewerb]

I have read where in cases of DA, just because the dog is okay with another dog today, it could change anytime...but if it were me, I would probably let the dogs meet each other, sniff butt and play, lol...just make sure that you have a break stick handy, just in case.

[AmericaAirline 111]

I would tether him on the other side of the yard as far away from the common fence as possible.Also be sure not to leave him out in the yard when you arent home.It probably wouldnt hurt to speak with the neighbors when you move in too.Try to assure them that your dog is not HA but doesnt care for other dogs.It will be easier to avoid accidents if both owners are vigillant about safety.

[GypeFeeshyTes]

It's very responsible of you to be thinking about your dogs relationship with your new neighbors. Way to go pal! Check it out. I think the best way to go about this is to just do it. First of all you have to get along with your neighbor. If you guys don't get along then your dogs won't. Try going for a friendly dog walk around the neighborhood with your neighbor and his/her dog. You can all get to know each other! Make sure the dogs are on a leash so they can be controlled. Try not to concentrate on the dogs so much. Concentrate more on just walking and talking to your neighbor. let nature take its course. Have fun, think positive and enjoy the walk. If the humans are having a good time the dogs will follow suit. If not, try again till they do. After a while you can try taking the neighbors dog on walks with you and your dog without the owner and vice versa. The key is to be in control of your dog and stay positive. Don't get discouraged if they don't get along right away. Where there's a will there's a way! I would not try making introductions on the neighbors property because the dog will be on the defensive right of way because your on his turf. Same as your dog would do if they met on your property. Neutral ground is always best. Good luck!

[SnareeWer]

Walk, walk and more walk. I would see if there is going to be time in both of your schedules where you can walk together on a regular basis. I just went through this with my dog and my girlfriend’s parent’s dog. It took us more than one try so don't give up. Also when you go to the new house for the first time don't give him free run of the back yard. Walk him around it on the leash the first few times. This will reinforce that it is your back yard and not the dogs.

[rsdefwgxvcfdts]

I like the walking idea because it would be on "neutral" ground. Once you go through a few walks together, maybe let them hang out in the yard, on leash at first.

Please keep a breakstick handy.

[BrianGoldsmith]

Walk, walk and more walk. I would see if there is going to be time in both of your schedules where you can walk together on a regular basis. I just went through this with my dog and my girlfriend’s parent’s dog. It took us more than one try so don't give up. Also when you go to the new house for the first time don't give him free run of the back yard. Walk him around it on the leash the first few times. This will reinforce that it is your back yard and not the dogs.

Great advice!

[Knongargoapex]

Walk does seem like the safer way to go.

[incimisiche]

That would be great if they got along but there is a good chance they will not. Considering you said your dog has shown signs of DA. If it was me I don't think I would risk it because if your dogs gets into that dog, I would imagine you and your neighbor would not be on the best terms, not mention the possible outcome for your dog. I guess walking them would be fine, but like others have said if you must let them play, be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.

[girlsround]

Im sorry, but "introducing " my dog to the neighbors would be the least of my concerns. Id be finding ways to still let your dog have the life hes accustomed to w/out the two ever crossing paths. Introduce your dog to the neighbors (not their dog) so they can see a stable dog that is people friendly and explain the difference between DA and HA. First impressions are VERY important, dont screw it up.

[SnareeWer]

Milew,
I don't think AA was looking to have the dogs play together. It sounds to me like he just wants to be able to have his dog in the back yard while his neighbor’s dog is outside as well.
The walk should at least familiarize the dogs with each other and not letting the dog run free in the back yard at first should let the dog know it is not his. Hopefully it will make the dog less territorial.

[BqTyG9eS]

I wished I could allow my dogs in my and their backyard. Unfortunately, I have a bitch as neighbor who owns an untrained loudmouthed black lab. Before I allow my dogs in the back yard I always look to see if hers is out back. She can't give me the same courtesy. She let's her dog out then it immediately begins barking up a storm then fence fighting and I have round up my dogs which is a difficult task since I own 4 dogs. I can't open up a window in my house or open up the back door without causing her dog to start running off at the mouth but her dog isn't the problem it's mine. She's a lying bitch too. She's called Animal Control and outright lied about my dogs claiming "All 4 of them can jump the fence" well my one has a very bad case of arthritis and can barely get up on the couch anymore let alone the 4' fence. the other 2 were like 7 months old and their bodies were growing way out of proportion and were clumsy as hell at that age. The only one that could jump the fence, had just learned he could early that morning (0300 hrs) thanks to an intruder in my fenced in back yard. The intruder proceeded to runaway jumping the fence into the old mans yard who lives behind me crushing the man's hedges and my Freeway proceeded to follow him. This bitch lives next door to the old man so it really was no concern of hers.

Sorry, I may have gotten off topic. I have 3 neighbors that live off my rear property line. The old man is a very nice man and has no issues nor problems with my dogs. The other 2 neighbors I do have serious problems with however I've been keeping my cool and refusing to stoop to their levels. BEWARE of your Neighbors. Their are good neighbors and bad neighbors. I have a total of 6 neighbors on all sides of my property. The only ones who give me grief are 2 of the 3 on my rear property line. Problem will be solved once I get my Privacy Fence finished which will be happening very soon.

Please be cautious in dealing with neighbors especially if they don't have a trained dog. Sorry for letting loose neighbor issues are a bit sore with me and it shouldn't be since 4 of my 6 immediate neighbors are decent, good people.

[Kimaamighed]

Here are a couple of stickies that may apply to your situation.


Renting With Your Dog Regardless of Breed

DON'T Leave your Dogs Unsupervised