[cauddyVab]

I agree she should try to talk to the neighbors, but it appears she does have some experience already with the neighbors which give her cause for concern. I think a dog "pulling the owner" in the direction of myself COULD be interpreted as not having much control over the dog...

I don't know that there is much that can be done, until something happens.... *Hopefully, it won't happen, but from what is described, I think there is cause for concern.

[BipiewExifese]

Man...if some snooty neighbor had my dog taken from me because they "thought" it might be aggressive, I'd whoop some ass. You do realize that if you call AC on this family for their dog who has done nothing but intimidate you, there is a high chance that the dog will be euthanized simply because of his breed? Be a compassionate dog owner and go and speak to her about her animal before making assumptions.

[mArVHDO6]

Sounds like a bully and with a docked tail, I wonder how much balance it has when running.

[Proodustommor]

The dog is very large and has a docked tail and cropped ears. May not even be a pitbull. Could be a Cane Corso or something similar. Regardless of breed they should have a little more respect, as should you, this was a good start researching the breed because all "pitbulls" are not created equal, nor are their owners. Living in fear is not the way to go...If you haven't already I think the suggestion of meeting them and having a neighbor friendly talk so your two families can co-exist would be the best start. Although I know some people are not receptive to things like that, I still think it best to start there.

And in return keep your dog safe, leashed and under control as well. It will mean a happier ending for all parties involved if everyone keeps their dogs leashed and under control.

[mArVHDO6]

As long as the dog isn't running loose, it isn't dangerous and dog aggression doesn't mean he's aggressive towards humans. Probably very human friendly. I had a dog aggressive pit mix and trust me, he wasn't the only da dog on my walks. Almost every dog I came by wanted a piece of him. People are just stereotyping the pit bulls and your neighbor needs to learn how to work with his dog. Pit bulls are excellent dogs, but aren't for everybody. But don't call animal control cause the dog Is pulling on his leash

[cauddyVab]

and dog aggression doesn't mean he's aggressive towards humans.

Honestly, do you think people that are concerned about their DOGS find comfort in this? I believe most people do believe "dog aggression" to be of great concern as well....

People are just stereotyping the pit bulls and your neighbor needs to learn how to work with his dog.

yes, the neighbor needs to learn to work with his dog; but from what is being described, it sounds like another clueless dog owner. And do you think it's just a "stereotype" when you see how "dog aggression" is discussed ad nauseum on these boards? It IS hammered over and over again and what IS someone SUPPOSED to think about the breed when they come here to learn. They DO learn that Pit Bulls and other dogs that have dog aggression WILL try to harm and kill another dog if given a chance. I just think Quinn's owner is OBSERVING that the neighbor's dog IS being given a chance....

[WoCTrt0X]

I'm assuming he is probably an am bully and not a pit bull (assuming he is even purebred) since you mentioned his size in many different ways hard to make a guess without seeing him.

Regardless though am bully, pit bull, am staff or a mix whatever it is YES it could very well be dog aggressive as that IS by nature part of the genetic makeup of these breeds. I definitely would try to go talk to them maybe invite them to this site! Tell them you joined because you were curious about the breed and that there's a lot to learn about their new dog it won't hurt. Worst thing is they say ignore you abscond listen (which really would be tge worst) you should keep your dog on a leash at all times too EVEn from the car t the front door. Don't give your dog a chance to get near their dog.

I was wondering this myself he said the tail was docked,,well pit bulls tails are not docked ever..unless some sorta accident occured..So I agree it doesnt sound like its a APBT

[FBtquXT8]

Are you sure it is a pit bull? From what you are describing, I'm think more like a Cane Corso or some type of mix. Pit bulls are not suppose to have docked tails and most are no bigger than knee high and 60lbs tops.

Has the dog ever been loose? Does the dog actually drag the owner over to you or do they stop the dog? The dog sitting could be them training the dog. If one of my dogs started acting up, I would make them sit until they calmed down and then proceed with the walk or whatever.

I would go over and express your concerns nicely. Do not make assumptions. Be polite. Maybe take an offering of cookies or something. Building a relationship with this family makes more sense than making an enemy out of them since the live there.

[Qnnoshxj]

And do you think it's just a "stereotype" when you see how "dog aggression" is discussed ad nauseum on these boards? It IS hammered over and over again and what IS someone SUPPOSED to think about the breed when they come here to learn.

Well, I expect them to learn that not everything is always rainbows and butterflies when it comes to Bully breeds. It's the people who skirt around the idea of DA and never mention it as a possibility that are the issue.

In some areas, people DO dock the tails of Pit Bulls.. no clue why. But I agree that it sounds like this dog might not be an APBT.

As for the OP, I would go talk to your neighbor about your concerns with the dog. If you think that's pointless, well, then you're kind of SOL. It doesn't sound like they're being irresponsible with the dog, so not much you can do. I don't walk my dogs around my neighborhood anymore because of a few neighbors who think it's okay to allow their small dogs to hang out in their front yards off leash. Not because my dogs are DA (they love other dogs), but because I'm not willing to risk anything happening and having my dogs get the blame.

[cauddyVab]

well pit bulls tails are not docked ever

Not true....tails DO get docked by some....it's not unheard of!

---------- Post added at 11:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:10 AM ----------

most are no bigger than knee high and 60lbs tops.

Although many here believe that it's not a Pit Bull unless it looks like an ADBA show-style dog, I would be willing to believe that there are many Pit Bulls that ARE 60 pounds.

---------- Post added at 11:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:12 AM ----------

a few neighbors who think it's okay to allow their small dogs to hang out in their front yards off leash. Not because my dogs are DA (they love other dogs), but because I'm not willing to risk anything happening and having my dogs get the blame.

I've always wondered about this...I do know it's illegal for a dog to be off leash when not on the owner's property...is it also illegal to be off leash when a dog is on it's OWN property? Maybe that varies depending on area...

[Illirmpipse]

Go talk to them, I don't know what else you want, just because it's a pit bull (maybe) doesn't mean it's dog aggressive and just because a dog isn't a bully breed doesn't mean they are dog friendly. If it makes you feel better carry some dog mace or a tazer but assuming the dog is "aggressive" because he's muscular, has cropped ears and you think his bark sounds mean is stupid as hell. My DA dog has natural ears, doesn't pull towards other dogs and doesn't make a sound, my cropped noisemaker gets along with just about everybody on the other hand. One of my neighbors just got another mastiff, she doesn't leash them and I know the first one is pretty protective but I don't worry about it, they stay by her and I don't run into their face.

[mArVHDO6]

Sagebrush, I meant that it's not just pit bulls that aren't dog aggressive and I believe a da dog is a lot less dangerous than a ha dog. A person with a da dog needs to be responsible and train their dog to do what tge owner says, not what the dog wants to do(if possible). Otherwise, they need to keep their dog away from other dogs. I'm just not sure how to explain it. People hear pit bull and assume killer whether of dogs or people but a lab can be just as dog aggressive, but people don't fear them.

[Illirmpipse]

I've always wondered about this...I do know it's illegal for a dog to be off leash when not on the owner's property...is it also illegal to be off leash when a dog is on it's OWN property? Maybe that varies depending on area...

In my town the dog can be on your property off leash, I try to avoid those homes while walking my dogs since most of the dogs weren't taught boundaries or recall. We've had many labs and small dogs come shooting out of yards while their owners stand there yelling.

[cauddyVab]

It's the people who skirt around the idea of DA and never mention it as a possibility that are the issue.

Obviously, the OP is not one of these people. She is taking it VERY seriously! She has learned very well that dog aggression is a very large part of the breed and is concerned about HER dog. She DOES KNOW the consequences to other dogs if a Pit Bull is not handled perfectly and she believes she is not seeing perfect handling...MAYBE she is overstating what she sees, but if I had read the mantras about dog aggression I would want to see perfect handling...

[mArVHDO6]

Goingpostal, you ate right. I think the quiet dogs are tge ones you have to worry about. A lot are just talk and many times are actually just scared and they try to scare off what's scaring them. From what I understand

[cauddyVab]

, I try to avoid those homes while walking my dogs since most of the dogs weren't taught boundaries or recall. .

And I think that is the way to handle it, instead of pushing it. Many dogs ARE going to be curious about a dog walking very close by and just MIGHT put a paw on the sidewalk. And then get called on for "being off the property". I personally think that is petty....

[denSmumbSes]

I've always wondered about this...I do know it's illegal for a dog to be off leash when not on the owner's property...is it also illegal to be off leash when a dog is on it's OWN property? Maybe that varies depending on area...

I know here, if you're on your own private property, the dog doesn't have to be leashed. But the problem is that there are at least 3 neighbors in my subdivision that allow their dogs off-leash in the yard/driveway just hanging out. But every time I am near their house not knowing their dogs are outside, their dogs follow me or me and my dog around the area. One of these houses (3 Shar-Peis) is completely unavoidable as it's directly next door. I have to go outside and make sure the coast is clear before I bring either dog out. One of the other houses is about 3 houses down but on the corner so it's facing my house. They have 2 ankle-biter Shi-Tzus or something.

It's unfortunate that so many people think the laws don't apply to them yet cry foul when something happens.

[cauddyVab]

I believe a da dog is a lot less dangerous than a ha dog.

I think to a vast majority of the public who do not want their dogs attacked, "dog aggression" is just as problematical as dog that wants to bite people! Some Pit Bull people try to brush off the whole dog aggression thing as not being a big deal, but to the dog-owning public, it most certainly IS a big deal and we should not underestimate that. I don't care WHAT breed it is.

[sXVUOUVC]

Perception is reality and at the moment the OP's perception is that this dog is a big concern for her and Quinn.

IMHO, Sagebrush sums it up very nicely.

As an FYI, my Pit Bull is about knee high and 82lbs. Yes she really needs to go on a diet as per our Vet's demand Her father is about the same height and 90lbs but doesn't need to go on a diet.

[agrismhig]

I don't think anyone is saying she shouldn't be concered, Sagebrush.

I lived in a townhouse a few years ago and the neighbors had an enormous german shepherd in their tiny backyard. The dog would bark like a maniac whenever I went into my backyard and throw itself against the 6-foot high fence. It tried to jump the fence to get to me (and was a puppy so it seemed a matter of time before it could jump the fence). It was completely untrained, and would drag its owners down the block the rare occasions they actually walked it. I was terrified it was going to jump the fence and attack me. It also made it nearly impossible to rent out my place when I moved because of this maniacal animal barking and trying to jump the fence whenever anyone went into my backyard.

I spoke the owners on a few occasions and expressed my concerns and they assured me the dog was friendly (not much of a comfort if it jumps the fence). The neighbors were nice but clueless. I did tell them that I would call animal control if that dog ever got out of the yard because I felt it was only a matter of time. They ended up having animal control called on them multiple times by other people because people were concerned the dog did not have adequate shelter outside. Eventually they re-homed the dog because they FINALLY realized it was just too big for that home.

I guess my point is that the OP really should have a conversation with them and let them know your concerns. You can even say something like "admittedly I'm not very familiar with the breed, but that dog does seem to want to get to my little dog and I just want to to make sure everyone who's walking it is confident they have control" or something like that. You don't really have a lot of other options at this point. Animal control won't do anything because they haven't done anything wrong.