My neighbor’s aggressive dog

[Anonymous]

German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois (especially Malinois) are working dogs. I’m willing to bet these are owners who believe that a half hour or hour of walking everyday is enough. It’s not. Unfortunately, it sounds as if protecting the owners has become the dog’s job. As a GSD owner, I understand why you are wary. These are great dogs but need training, exercise (my younger GSD would run hard 90+ minutes a day chasing balls or doing agility). I might suggest something like HALT dog repellent for your keychain. We had a neighborhood Australian cattle dog who disdained the UPS driver, so he started carrying halt.


I love Shepherds and Malinois, I really do. But I really wish people would recognize that these are not giant lap dogs you can keep inside all day.

[Anonymous]

carry treats - better to have it eat out of your hand than you be arrested for crippling it with a beating

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My neighbor has a very aggressive dog and I am very afraid it will bite me. I have done nothing to aggravate it. I am not sure what to do.

I live in a townhouse community. The neighbor has a belgian malanois or german shepherd dog that has been very aggressive to me and other people in the neighborhood. It has lunged and barked at me while walking on the street. The neighbor told it to stop and that worked. The guy’s wife walks it and has less control over it. It looks like the dog pulls her down the street.

It barks and lunges at me from their ground floor window. I see and hear its nails hit the window. This is a daily occurrence.

I can”t avoid it because the doors are side by side. I take a different walking trail to avoid them in the afternoon and evening.

It barks at the children playing in the street, other neighbors, cars, and other dogs.

The neighbor is not particularly nice and I don’t feel comfortable talking to them. The HOA and the City of Alexandria don’t seem to address this situation unless one is actually bitten. I am concerned the neighbor might lose control of the dog during a walk or accidentally get out their door and attack. The dog seems triggered by everything. I’d appreciate any advice. I am ready to move away because it is such a bad situation.

What people think as aggressive may in fact be a fearful dog. His barking and lunging is a way for you to keep away. First, he has the right to bark in his own home. I know it can be unnerving but, there is nothing you should do. He is protecting his family. Lots of dogs are fearful of children because they are unpredictable. Not every dog likes dogs. People think they need dog friends but, not everyone do. If the dog has only barked at you or lunged that is not a crime. Cross the street when you see them or turn and go the other way. Don't give eye contact, obvously. There is no need for you to talk to the owner. They might be working on these issues and either way you stating the obvious isn't helpful.

Typical. OP, look out for yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My neighbor has a very aggressive dog and I am very afraid it will bite me. I have done nothing to aggravate it. I am not sure what to do.

I live in a townhouse community. The neighbor has a belgian malanois or german shepherd dog that has been very aggressive to me and other people in the neighborhood. It has lunged and barked at me while walking on the street. The neighbor told it to stop and that worked. The guy’s wife walks it and has less control over it. It looks like the dog pulls her down the street.

It barks and lunges at me from their ground floor window. I see and hear its nails hit the window. This is a daily occurrence.

I can”t avoid it because the doors are side by side. I take a different walking trail to avoid them in the afternoon and evening.

It barks at the children playing in the street, other neighbors, cars, and other dogs.

The neighbor is not particularly nice and I don’t feel comfortable talking to them. The HOA and the City of Alexandria don’t seem to address this situation unless one is actually bitten. I am concerned the neighbor might lose control of the dog during a walk or accidentally get out their door and attack. The dog seems triggered by everything. I’d appreciate any advice. I am ready to move away because it is such a bad situation.

What people think as aggressive may in fact be a fearful dog. His barking and lunging is a way for you to keep away. First, he has the right to bark in his own home. I know it can be unnerving but, there is nothing you should do. He is protecting his family. Lots of dogs are fearful of children because they are unpredictable. Not every dog likes dogs. People think they need dog friends but, not everyone do. If the dog has only barked at you or lunged that is not a crime. Cross the street when you see them or turn and go the other way. Don't give eye contact, obvously. There is no need for you to talk to the owner. They might be working on these issues and either way you stating the obvious isn't helpful.

Typical. OP, look out for yourself.

That all makes sense to me so not sure why you’re being snippy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My neighbor has a very aggressive dog and I am very afraid it will bite me. I have done nothing to aggravate it. I am not sure what to do.

I live in a townhouse community. The neighbor has a belgian malanois or german shepherd dog that has been very aggressive to me and other people in the neighborhood. It has lunged and barked at me while walking on the street. The neighbor told it to stop and that worked. The guy’s wife walks it and has less control over it. It looks like the dog pulls her down the street.

It barks and lunges at me from their ground floor window. I see and hear its nails hit the window. This is a daily occurrence.

I can”t avoid it because the doors are side by side. I take a different walking trail to avoid them in the afternoon and evening.

It barks at the children playing in the street, other neighbors, cars, and other dogs.

The neighbor is not particularly nice and I don’t feel comfortable talking to them. The HOA and the City of Alexandria don’t seem to address this situation unless one is actually bitten. I am concerned the neighbor might lose control of the dog during a walk or accidentally get out their door and attack. The dog seems triggered by everything. I’d appreciate any advice. I am ready to move away because it is such a bad situation.

What people think as aggressive may in fact be a fearful dog. His barking and lunging is a way for you to keep away. First, he has the right to bark in his own home. I know it can be unnerving but, there is nothing you should do. He is protecting his family. Lots of dogs are fearful of children because they are unpredictable. Not every dog likes dogs. People think they need dog friends but, not everyone do. If the dog has only barked at you or lunged that is not a crime. Cross the street when you see them or turn and go the other way. Don't give eye contact, obvously. There is no need for you to talk to the owner. They might be working on these issues and either way you stating the obvious isn't helpful.

Typical. OP, look out for yourself.

The dog has not actually done anything so what do suggest? I have a hound and she barks and lunges and Im quite some people on here would think she is "aggressive" and she does not have a mean bone in her. She's alerting me that you are there and trying to get to you (esp if you have a dog that she'd like to meet). We've trained here. A lot. But it's just in her nature. If I see people are nervous (and my neighbors all know her so it's a non-issue), I just tell the she's a barker but if you're scared you shouldn't come near us. She's actually very submissive that if you yell at her she backs off. But, her barking and trying to get to/point out the things that excite her is part of her breed.

Is it possible the GSD/Malinois is aggressive? Yes. Is it possible, too, that it's not? Yes. If you're not willing to speak to the owners and get the scoop, then avoiding the dog is the only thing to do here. There is a truly aggressive dog on our street -a lab mix, who ripped open another dog's hind quarters while on a walk. The authorities did nothing on a technicality of some sort. It has no record. The owner is clueless and a moron. So I just turn the other way when I see it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My neighbor has a very aggressive dog and I am very afraid it will bite me. I have done nothing to aggravate it. I am not sure what to do.

I live in a townhouse community. The neighbor has a belgian malanois or german shepherd dog that has been very aggressive to me and other people in the neighborhood. It has lunged and barked at me while walking on the street. The neighbor told it to stop and that worked. The guy’s wife walks it and has less control over it. It looks like the dog pulls her down the street.

It barks and lunges at me from their ground floor window. I see and hear its nails hit the window. This is a daily occurrence.

I can”t avoid it because the doors are side by side. I take a different walking trail to avoid them in the afternoon and evening.

It barks at the children playing in the street, other neighbors, cars, and other dogs.

The neighbor is not particularly nice and I don’t feel comfortable talking to them. The HOA and the City of Alexandria don’t seem to address this situation unless one is actually bitten. I am concerned the neighbor might lose control of the dog during a walk or accidentally get out their door and attack. The dog seems triggered by everything. I’d appreciate any advice. I am ready to move away because it is such a bad situation.

What people think as aggressive may in fact be a fearful dog. His barking and lunging is a way for you to keep away. First, he has the right to bark in his own home. I know it can be unnerving but, there is nothing you should do. He is protecting his family. Lots of dogs are fearful of children because they are unpredictable. Not every dog likes dogs. People think they need dog friends but, not everyone do. If the dog has only barked at you or lunged that is not a crime. Cross the street when you see them or turn and go the other way. Don't give eye contact, obvously. There is no need for you to talk to the owner. They might be working on these issues and either way you stating the obvious isn't helpful.

Fearful reactive dogs are still dangerous. OP has every right to talk to the owner, especially when living in a townhome. It's nerve-rattling to be have a dog freaking out next to you every time you come and go from your front door, FFS.

[Anonymous]

Too many people in my neighborhood keep aggressive dogs in their front yard with low fences. I’m going to start carrying mace. I do try to cross the street when I see these dogs outside as their barking and lunging at the fence scares my kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois (especially Malinois) are working dogs. I’m willing to bet these are owners who believe that a half hour or hour of walking everyday is enough. It’s not. Unfortunately, it sounds as if protecting the owners has become the dog’s job. As a GSD owner, I understand why you are wary. These are great dogs but need training, exercise (my younger GSD would run hard 90+ minutes a day chasing balls or doing agility). I might suggest something like HALT dog repellent for your keychain. We had a neighborhood Australian cattle dog who disdained the UPS driver, so he started carrying halt.


I love Shepherds and Malinois, I really do. But I really wish people would recognize that these are not giant lap dogs you can keep inside all day.

This is the OP. I learned a lot from your post. Thank you. It is very good advice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My neighbor has a very aggressive dog and I am very afraid it will bite me. I have done nothing to aggravate it. I am not sure what to do.

I live in a townhouse community. The neighbor has a belgian malanois or german shepherd dog that has been very aggressive to me and other people in the neighborhood. It has lunged and barked at me while walking on the street. The neighbor told it to stop and that worked. The guy’s wife walks it and has less control over it. It looks like the dog pulls her down the street.

It barks and lunges at me from their ground floor window. I see and hear its nails hit the window. This is a daily occurrence.

I can”t avoid it because the doors are side by side. I take a different walking trail to avoid them in the afternoon and evening.

It barks at the children playing in the street, other neighbors, cars, and other dogs.

The neighbor is not particularly nice and I don’t feel comfortable talking to them. The HOA and the City of Alexandria don’t seem to address this situation unless one is actually bitten. I am concerned the neighbor might lose control of the dog during a walk or accidentally get out their door and attack. The dog seems triggered by everything. I’d appreciate any advice. I am ready to move away because it is such a bad situation.

What people think as aggressive may in fact be a fearful dog. His barking and lunging is a way for you to keep away. First, he has the right to bark in his own home. I know it can be unnerving but, there is nothing you should do. He is protecting his family. Lots of dogs are fearful of children because they are unpredictable. Not every dog likes dogs. People think they need dog friends but, not everyone do. If the dog has only barked at you or lunged that is not a crime. Cross the street when you see them or turn and go the other way. Don't give eye contact, obvously. There is no need for you to talk to the owner. They might be working on these issues and either way you stating the obvious isn't helpful.

This is OP. I stay as far away as possible from this dog.

The owners held onto the leash as it lunged toward me. This has happened about 5 times already. It lunges toward my other neighbors as well. The dog targets anything that moves outside. It is a safety issue.

It is honestly a nightmare.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My neighbor has a very aggressive dog and I am very afraid it will bite me. I have done nothing to aggravate it. I am not sure what to do.

I live in a townhouse community. The neighbor has a belgian malanois or german shepherd dog that has been very aggressive to me and other people in the neighborhood. It has lunged and barked at me while walking on the street. The neighbor told it to stop and that worked. The guy’s wife walks it and has less control over it. It looks like the dog pulls her down the street.

It barks and lunges at me from their ground floor window. I see and hear its nails hit the window. This is a daily occurrence.

I can”t avoid it because the doors are side by side. I take a different walking trail to avoid them in the afternoon and evening.

It barks at the children playing in the street, other neighbors, cars, and other dogs.

The neighbor is not particularly nice and I don’t feel comfortable talking to them. The HOA and the City of Alexandria don’t seem to address this situation unless one is actually bitten. I am concerned the neighbor might lose control of the dog during a walk or accidentally get out their door and attack. The dog seems triggered by everything. I’d appreciate any advice. I am ready to move away because it is such a bad situation.

What people think as aggressive may in fact be a fearful dog. His barking and lunging is a way for you to keep away. First, he has the right to bark in his own home. I know it can be unnerving but, there is nothing you should do. He is protecting his family. Lots of dogs are fearful of children because they are unpredictable. Not every dog likes dogs. People think they need dog friends but, not everyone do. If the dog has only barked at you or lunged that is not a crime. Cross the street when you see them or turn and go the other way. Don't give eye contact, obvously. There is no need for you to talk to the owner. They might be working on these issues and either way you stating the obvious isn't helpful.

This is OP. I stay as far away as possible from this dog.

The owners held onto the leash as it lunged toward me. This has happened about 5 times already. It lunges toward my other neighbors as well. The dog targets anything that moves outside. It is a safety issue.

It is honestly a nightmare.

A "nightmare"? I think your anxiety goes well beyond your neighbor's dog. Seriously get help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My neighbor has a very aggressive dog and I am very afraid it will bite me. I have done nothing to aggravate it. I am not sure what to do.

I live in a townhouse community. The neighbor has a belgian malanois or german shepherd dog that has been very aggressive to me and other people in the neighborhood. It has lunged and barked at me while walking on the street. The neighbor told it to stop and that worked. The guy’s wife walks it and has less control over it. It looks like the dog pulls her down the street.

It barks and lunges at me from their ground floor window. I see and hear its nails hit the window. This is a daily occurrence.

I can”t avoid it because the doors are side by side. I take a different walking trail to avoid them in the afternoon and evening.

It barks at the children playing in the street, other neighbors, cars, and other dogs.

The neighbor is not particularly nice and I don’t feel comfortable talking to them. The HOA and the City of Alexandria don’t seem to address this situation unless one is actually bitten. I am concerned the neighbor might lose control of the dog during a walk or accidentally get out their door and attack. The dog seems triggered by everything. I’d appreciate any advice. I am ready to move away because it is such a bad situation.

What people think as aggressive may in fact be a fearful dog. His barking and lunging is a way for you to keep away. First, he has the right to bark in his own home. I know it can be unnerving but, there is nothing you should do. He is protecting his family. Lots of dogs are fearful of children because they are unpredictable. Not every dog likes dogs. People think they need dog friends but, not everyone do. If the dog has only barked at you or lunged that is not a crime. Cross the street when you see them or turn and go the other way. Don't give eye contact, obvously. There is no need for you to talk to the owner. They might be working on these issues and either way you stating the obvious isn't helpful.

This is OP. I stay as far away as possible from this dog.

The owners held onto the leash as it lunged toward me. This has happened about 5 times already. It lunges toward my other neighbors as well. The dog targets anything that moves outside. It is a safety issue.

It is honestly a nightmare.

A "nightmare"? I think your anxiety goes well beyond your neighbor's dog. Seriously get help.

Your comment is unhelpful, rude, and has no basis in reality.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My neighbor has a very aggressive dog and I am very afraid it will bite me. I have done nothing to aggravate it. I am not sure what to do.

I live in a townhouse community. The neighbor has a belgian malanois or german shepherd dog that has been very aggressive to me and other people in the neighborhood. It has lunged and barked at me while walking on the street. The neighbor told it to stop and that worked. The guy’s wife walks it and has less control over it. It looks like the dog pulls her down the street.

It barks and lunges at me from their ground floor window. I see and hear its nails hit the window. This is a daily occurrence.

I can”t avoid it because the doors are side by side. I take a different walking trail to avoid them in the afternoon and evening.

It barks at the children playing in the street, other neighbors, cars, and other dogs.

The neighbor is not particularly nice and I don’t feel comfortable talking to them. The HOA and the City of Alexandria don’t seem to address this situation unless one is actually bitten. I am concerned the neighbor might lose control of the dog during a walk or accidentally get out their door and attack. The dog seems triggered by everything. I’d appreciate any advice. I am ready to move away because it is such a bad situation.

What people think as aggressive may in fact be a fearful dog. His barking and lunging is a way for you to keep away. First, he has the right to bark in his own home. I know it can be unnerving but, there is nothing you should do. He is protecting his family. Lots of dogs are fearful of children because they are unpredictable. Not every dog likes dogs. People think they need dog friends but, not everyone do. If the dog has only barked at you or lunged that is not a crime. Cross the street when you see them or turn and go the other way. Don't give eye contact, obvously. There is no need for you to talk to the owner. They might be working on these issues and either way you stating the obvious isn't helpful.

This is OP. I stay as far away as possible from this dog.

The owners held onto the leash as it lunged toward me. This has happened about 5 times already. It lunges toward my other neighbors as well. The dog targets anything that moves outside. It is a safety issue.

It is honestly a nightmare.

A "nightmare"? I think your anxiety goes well beyond your neighbor's dog. Seriously get help.

Your comment is unhelpful, rude, and has no basis in reality.

np here, OP I'm pretty sure you are the same troll that has invaded the Pet forum recently. I think these nightmares are in your head.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My neighbor has a very aggressive dog and I am very afraid it will bite me. I have done nothing to aggravate it. I am not sure what to do.

I live in a townhouse community. The neighbor has a belgian malanois or german shepherd dog that has been very aggressive to me and other people in the neighborhood. It has lunged and barked at me while walking on the street. The neighbor told it to stop and that worked. The guy’s wife walks it and has less control over it. It looks like the dog pulls her down the street.

It barks and lunges at me from their ground floor window. I see and hear its nails hit the window. This is a daily occurrence.

I can”t avoid it because the doors are side by side. I take a different walking trail to avoid them in the afternoon and evening.

It barks at the children playing in the street, other neighbors, cars, and other dogs.

The neighbor is not particularly nice and I don’t feel comfortable talking to them. The HOA and the City of Alexandria don’t seem to address this situation unless one is actually bitten. I am concerned the neighbor might lose control of the dog during a walk or accidentally get out their door and attack. The dog seems triggered by everything. I’d appreciate any advice. I am ready to move away because it is such a bad situation.

What people think as aggressive may in fact be a fearful dog. His barking and lunging is a way for you to keep away. First, he has the right to bark in his own home. I know it can be unnerving but, there is nothing you should do. He is protecting his family. Lots of dogs are fearful of children because they are unpredictable. Not every dog likes dogs. People think they need dog friends but, not everyone do. If the dog has only barked at you or lunged that is not a crime. Cross the street when you see them or turn and go the other way. Don't give eye contact, obvously. There is no need for you to talk to the owner. They might be working on these issues and either way you stating the obvious isn't helpful.

This is OP. I stay as far away as possible from this dog.

The owners held onto the leash as it lunged toward me. This has happened about 5 times already. It lunges toward my other neighbors as well. The dog targets anything that moves outside. It is a safety issue.

It is honestly a nightmare.

Then call the police when it happens and file a report. You most likely won't because it hasn't happened in the way your are stating. Get some help for yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My neighbor has a very aggressive dog and I am very afraid it will bite me. I have done nothing to aggravate it. I am not sure what to do.

I live in a townhouse community. The neighbor has a belgian malanois or german shepherd dog that has been very aggressive to me and other people in the neighborhood. It has lunged and barked at me while walking on the street. The neighbor told it to stop and that worked. The guy’s wife walks it and has less control over it. It looks like the dog pulls her down the street.

It barks and lunges at me from their ground floor window. I see and hear its nails hit the window. This is a daily occurrence.

I can”t avoid it because the doors are side by side. I take a different walking trail to avoid them in the afternoon and evening.

It barks at the children playing in the street, other neighbors, cars, and other dogs.

The neighbor is not particularly nice and I don’t feel comfortable talking to them. The HOA and the City of Alexandria don’t seem to address this situation unless one is actually bitten. I am concerned the neighbor might lose control of the dog during a walk or accidentally get out their door and attack. The dog seems triggered by everything. I’d appreciate any advice. I am ready to move away because it is such a bad situation.

What people think as aggressive may in fact be a fearful dog. His barking and lunging is a way for you to keep away. First, he has the right to bark in his own home. I know it can be unnerving but, there is nothing you should do. He is protecting his family. Lots of dogs are fearful of children because they are unpredictable. Not every dog likes dogs. People think they need dog friends but, not everyone do. If the dog has only barked at you or lunged that is not a crime. Cross the street when you see them or turn and go the other way. Don't give eye contact, obvously. There is no need for you to talk to the owner. They might be working on these issues and either way you stating the obvious isn't helpful.

This is OP. I stay as far away as possible from this dog.

The owners held onto the leash as it lunged toward me. This has happened about 5 times already. It lunges toward my other neighbors as well. The dog targets anything that moves outside. It is a safety issue.

It is honestly a nightmare.

Get a fence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My neighbor has a very aggressive dog and I am very afraid it will bite me. I have done nothing to aggravate it. I am not sure what to do.

I live in a townhouse community. The neighbor has a belgian malanois or german shepherd dog that has been very aggressive to me and other people in the neighborhood. It has lunged and barked at me while walking on the street. The neighbor told it to stop and that worked. The guy’s wife walks it and has less control over it. It looks like the dog pulls her down the street.

It barks and lunges at me from their ground floor window. I see and hear its nails hit the window. This is a daily occurrence.

I can”t avoid it because the doors are side by side. I take a different walking trail to avoid them in the afternoon and evening.

It barks at the children playing in the street, other neighbors, cars, and other dogs.

The neighbor is not particularly nice and I don’t feel comfortable talking to them. The HOA and the City of Alexandria don’t seem to address this situation unless one is actually bitten. I am concerned the neighbor might lose control of the dog during a walk or accidentally get out their door and attack. The dog seems triggered by everything. I’d appreciate any advice. I am ready to move away because it is such a bad situation.

What people think as aggressive may in fact be a fearful dog. His barking and lunging is a way for you to keep away. First, he has the right to bark in his own home. I know it can be unnerving but, there is nothing you should do. He is protecting his family. Lots of dogs are fearful of children because they are unpredictable. Not every dog likes dogs. People think they need dog friends but, not everyone do. If the dog has only barked at you or lunged that is not a crime. Cross the street when you see them or turn and go the other way. Don't give eye contact, obvously. There is no need for you to talk to the owner. They might be working on these issues and either way you stating the obvious isn't helpful.

Typical. OP, look out for yourself.

The dog has not actually done anything so what do suggest? I have a hound and she barks and lunges and Im quite some people on here would think she is "aggressive" and she does not have a mean bone in her. She's alerting me that you are there and trying to get to you (esp if you have a dog that she'd like to meet). We've trained here. A lot. But it's just in her nature. If I see people are nervous (and my neighbors all know her so it's a non-issue), I just tell the she's a barker but if you're scared you shouldn't come near us. She's actually very submissive that if you yell at her she backs off. But, her barking and trying to get to/point out the things that excite her is part of her breed.

Is it possible the GSD/Malinois is aggressive? Yes. Is it possible, too, that it's not? Yes. If you're not willing to speak to the owners and get the scoop, then avoiding the dog is the only thing to do here. There is a truly aggressive dog on our street -a lab mix, who ripped open another dog's hind quarters while on a walk. The authorities did nothing on a technicality of some sort. It has no record. The owner is clueless and a moron. So I just turn the other way when I see it.

Yeah, not cool. I don't like strange dogs lunging and running at me. OP should carry mace or the equivalent. Stay away from the dog as much as possible, but be prepared, especially in case it's the wife and she's not able to control the dog.