Neighbors just adopted an 80lb adult pitbull

[Anonymous]

We live in a northern VA suburb with at least a dozen children on our block, most of which are elementary or pre-K. We've always gotten along great with all our neighbors. One of our neighbors however just adopted an adult pitbull, that's 5 years old and weighs upwards of 80 lbs. These neighbors are great people with two teenagers, but I don't think they have a lot of (if any) previous experience with dogs. They are very kind hearted, and my intuition tells me they probably went to the Fairfax County animal shelter and were persuaded to adopt this dog not understanding what they truly got themselves into.

The neighbors were letting their teenage daughter walk the pitbull the other day -- she doesn't weigh much more than the dog and was by no means in control of it. I was outside and our kids were playing in the front yard with the neighbors' kids. The teenage girl brought the dog into our yard because the kids wanted to see the new dog. I let the dog approach me as well, and when it got close, it emitted a deep growl at me, and walked around me. My elementary age kid who is on the small side at one point started running, and I could see that got the dog's attention -- I calmly asked my son to stop moving quickly as I did not want to risk triggering this dog's prey instinct.

I really can't understand how our intelligent and kind hearted neighbors decided to bring a dog like this into a family neighborhood -- this animal has the capability to maim or kill our children, and who knows how it was raised or what kinds of psychological issues it has. I can see other neighbors also nervous about it as well. What kind of advice should I give my children to try and keep them safe from this dog? Would you risk your relationship with the neighbors by talking to them about their choice of pets?

[Anonymous]

Ugh. What a nightmare. I have no advice other than now you’ve got to keep an even closer eye on your kids. And carry mace or something in case the pit bill gets loose.

[Anonymous]

Also can you put up a fence?

[Anonymous]

I would definitely let the owners know the dog growled at you and it made you very nervous. Ask if they have plans to work with a dog trainer, since the dog is a rescue and may have some history nobody knows about.

My 25-lb dog would perk up and be interested in a kid running, but I definitely understand your concern about prey drive when it comes to a big unknown dog who can do a lot of damage.

Definitely educate your kids about how to act if they see that dog anywhere, on or off a leash. And I agree with PP about a fence if you don’t have one. Make sure it’s high enough so the dog can’t jump over it. It sucks to have to pay for and have a fence if you don’t have one, but safety is paramount.

[Anonymous]

obviously I would talk to them and tell them not to bring the dog onto your property.

[Anonymous]

Give them a bacon flavored body wash?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also can you put up a fence?

A lot of areas don’t allow a high fence in the front yard.

[Anonymous]

The dog was responding to your guarded concern (which is valid of course). They follow your lead in behavior.

Definitely voice your concerns.

[Anonymous]

You can also build a fence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can also build a fence.

A 6 ft fence in the front yard?

[Anonymous]

OP back. I appreciate the ideas. A front yard fence is not an option in our neighborhood. All of the front yards are open, connect, and serve as communal play areas for the kids, which has been very idyllic.

I'm harboring hope that maybe the neighbors are reconsidering the adoption. They've only had the dog for a week. Even the father struggles to control it when walking it on leash. I suspect they are realizing that they may have bitten off more than they can chew, and hope they may return it for a more suitable pet for their own family and our neighborhood in general. There would certainly be no shame in doing so.

[Anonymous]

Do you have an HOA?

Suggest going thru HOA to express your concerns. If not, yes, immediately put your concerns in writing - especially detail the dog growling-then deliver letter to the family in person. I’d begin the conversation with, “this is a very awkward thing to mention and I do y want it to harm our neighborly relationship, but I have some serious concerns about your new dog. I’ve had to put it in writing.”

My then preschool son was knocked over and attacked by a neighbors’ off leash dog that had wandered into our front yard. I was pregnant, and inside the door putting on my shoes and getting ready to walk to the school bus stop when I heard my son scream - it happened that fast! The dog was running away but I so wish I could have either been witness to the attack and intervened and or killed the dog. Horrific experience and this was a small spaniel, older family dog. My son had 15 stitches on his face and lip. Absolutely brutal.

Long story, but now that I think of it, get a few other neighbors on your side. This dog must never be allowed off leash, must be walked in a short leash (and possibly muzzled) and must always be supervised (never allowed to be at large either not even accidentally) and never allowed to be behind an “electric fence.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP back. I appreciate the ideas. A front yard fence is not an option in our neighborhood. All of the front yards are open, connect, and serve as communal play areas for the kids, which has been very idyllic.

I'm harboring hope that maybe the neighbors are reconsidering the adoption. They've only had the dog for a week. Even the father struggles to control it when walking it on leash. I suspect they are realizing that they may have bitten off more than they can chew, and hope they may return it for a more suitable pet for their own family and our neighborhood in general. There would certainly be no shame in doing so.

np Dogs in shelters need time to decompress. If they were living in a shelter for some time it will take time to not be stressed. Many dog owners can struggle and feel overwhelmed but, with time and training most can overcome.

This isn't really your business and you are judging a dog who really hasn't done anything. Feel free to keep away but, please don't harass your neighbor.

I hope they keep the dog and it naturally adjusts to their new life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you have an HOA?

Suggest going thru HOA to express your concerns. If not, yes, immediately put your concerns in writing - especially detail the dog growling-then deliver letter to the family in person. I’d begin the conversation with, “this is a very awkward thing to mention and I do y want it to harm our neighborly relationship, but I have some serious concerns about your new dog. I’ve had to put it in writing.”

My then preschool son was knocked over and attacked by a neighbors’ off leash dog that had wandered into our front yard. I was pregnant, and inside the door putting on my shoes and getting ready to walk to the school bus stop when I heard my son scream - it happened that fast! The dog was running away but I so wish I could have either been witness to the attack and intervened and or killed the dog. Horrific experience and this was a small spaniel, older family dog. My son had 15 stitches on his face and lip. Absolutely brutal.

Long story, but now that I think of it, get a few other neighbors on your side. This dog must never be allowed off leash, must be walked in a short leash (and possibly muzzled) and must always be supervised (never allowed to be at large either not even accidentally) and never allowed to be behind an “electric fence.”

If you brought this over to me it would harm our 'relationship' This dog is a living being and allowed to show discomfort ( growl) If the dog had bitten than sure you would have a fair argument. Obviously your experience pp was a horrible one but, op's situation is not the same

[Anonymous]

I would recommend concealed carry whenever the dog is outside. Those neighbors are awful. You need to be able to quickly protect your children from a large, untrained, nervous Pit Bull.