Meet the Parents

Dear Dog Lady,

New neighbors just moved in next door to our Cape Cod house. We have not met them, but have heard they are nice people. The trouble is they own three Rottweilers. Their yard is completely fenced, including an entry gate. My fear is that one day one or all three dogs will get out and come to our house. We have three children ages 13, 10 and 7. We also own a beagle.

I want to talk with our new neighbors about their dogs, but don't want to start the relationship off by offending them. I am not sure what to ask to know if our safety will be insured. I am terribly concerned that the dogs will do something awful. How would you approach such a neighbor? What questions do I ask?

Very Concerned, Harwichport, MA

V.C., meet the parents of the Rotties when you see them out in the yard. Welcome them to the neighborhood, get to chatting, admire their menagerie.

“Oh, such handsome dogs,” you might say. “Do they allow strangers to pet them?” If the answer is any variation of “no,” you have an opening to probe further.

If your neighbors admit their dogs are unfriendly and don’t seem bothered by it, you must call the local animal control office to ask what you can do legally to protect yourself, your children and your beagle. There is no polite way to deal with aggressive dogs trespassing in your backyard except to mount a strong defense.

However, if the Rotties are well-socialized and behaved, your worrying may be moot. Ask your neighbors if your kids and beagle can meet the pack next door on their turf. Invite them over to yours. All adults should be present at the meet-and-greets. Have treats handy to reward good citizenship.

Dog Lady cautions you about stereotyping. Just because they’re Rottweilers, a breed with a macho profile, does not necessarily mean they’re vicious. Dog Lady once had new neighbors whose adorable Brittany spaniel, Biscuit, silently lunged at Dog Lady’s dad when we were all introducing ourselves at the elevator. Dad, who was wearing tennis shorts, got a bloody gash in his thigh for no apparent reason except his presence must have threatened Biscuit. The new neighbors were aghast, apologetic and offered to pay for medical care. The cute dog vanished soon after.

Posted by Dog Lady at June 14, 2005 10:54 AM