CAUTION: Long Post


As many of you know, my husband and I just moved into our new house on Thanksgiving. Our first encounter with one of the neighbors was not a good one, as their dog ran out of their yard, across the dirt drive, and into our yard and attacked Gypsy. They were very apologetic at the time, and assured me that they would go home and beat their dog (not exactly a solution to the problem, but I was pretty worked up and didn't want to cause more of a scene so I didn't say anything - I never heard any crying or anything so I doubt they actually beat the dog). However, they still allow their dog out of their house off-leash when they take it out to use the bathroom, so I always have to check and make sure they aren't out there before I take Gypsy out. They aren't as courteous and will just let their dog out regardless of whether we're out or not.

Anyways, this has nothing to do with that. The people that live beside them (both are behind us -- I'll have to take pictures and post them so you will understand a little better) have a German Shepherd. I've only seen him a couple of times. When we moved in, my aunt (who lives a few houses up from us) told me that these people would be our worst neighbors. The man that lives there has a Harley and used to get pretty wild, especially after 9:00pm. He's calmed down a bit, but she said to watch out for him.

My husband and I were outside taking down Christmas lights over the weekend, and I noticed some puppies in the Harley peoples' yard. I was pointing them out to my husband and the lady (who was standing on their front porch) saw me. I waved at her and she hollered over to see if we wanted to come and see the puppies. Of course we did, so I put Gypsy inside and we headed over. Two of the pups were GSDs and one was a pit/boxer looking mix of some sort. They couldn't have been more than a couple of months old. We talked a bit and she said that the pit/boxer thing was her daughter's, and one of the GSD puppies was either her daughter's or her son's (I can't remember). She said that they would be keeping the other GSD pup. Then she said she was planning on breeding the female pup with their GSD in about a year. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> I didn't say anything at the time because I didn't want to start off on the wrong foot, but it's really been bothering me.

I really want to tell her that breeding isn't such a good idea. I want to ask her what her current GSD's hip scores are, and whether he has any sort of titles or what his pedigree is. I really want to tell her that breeding the female before age 2 is a bad idea all around because not only will her body not be ready to handle the strain of having puppies, but at age 1, she won't have a definate hip score, any genetic faults won't have had time to really show up either, and I know she won't have any titles -- it's doubtful she'll even have had obedience training. I WANT to, but I don't know how. Does anyone have any ideas on how to approach it? I realize it's really none of my business, but it just bothers me! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I would just bite my tongue. If they are as Red as they sound from your description, the only thing I see coming from you saying your peice is confrontation.
I dont agree with alot of stuff my neighbors do, but as long as it doesnt affect my family, house value, or harm someone I leave it alone.

Often the things we think we know to be true and what is really true are two different things.
First, a hip score by itself tells you NOTHING more than whether or not the dog has HD. As far as waiting to 2 years old to breed, that is another dubious one. And titles, they really indicate very little.

Most of the things you are concerned about are just social conventions that people go through to reassure each other that they are good breeders, but they are nothing more than that. So yes, if you could somehow force your desires on your neighbor, you would feel better, but don't delude yourself into believing that it has any greater significance than that.

I see what you two are saying, but I still hate to have something like this going on so close and not be able to do anything about it.

I know that hip scores don't mean everything. I know that titles don't mean much, other than that someone has taken the time to train the dog and work with it to achieve those titles. I realize that not everyone waits until a bitch is 2 to breed her.

But it just really sucks that the only reason they're doing it is because they want to make money off the puppies. They either don't know or don't care that breeding the bitch so young isn't really a good idea. The same goes for the making money part - and I doubt they'll worry about what kind of homes the puppies go to, or about vet care while the bitch is pregnant and for the puppies.

It's not so much that I want to "say my piece." While I don't really want them to breed, they've already pretty much made up their mind to do so. All I really want to do is make sure they at least have enough information to make educated decisions. Heck, I think I would just be happy if they waited until the female was older before breeding, if they did nothing else!

Someone on another board suggested just being nice to them through the rest of the winter, and then in spring have a BBQ and invite them and a few other neighbors over. Conversation will probably end up on dogs at some point, because everyone has a dog or two. Then I could just bring up a few points, like waiting to breed and not breeding dogs with genetic faults, as the conversation allowed. I don't think they are bad people - just uninformed.

And what, may I ask, is wrong with owning a Harley? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Ever been for a ride on one? It'll change your life.

But seriously, I agree with Thomas. Keep in mind that few people enjoy being "educated" unless they are specifically seeking out information.

If you don't care about maintaining harmonious relations with your neighbors, then print out a bunch of literature on responsible breeding practices and leave it on their doorstep anonymously, or strike up a friendly conversation and give it to them, making certain to appear helpful and nonjudgemental.

Lisa, sorry I was just reading into things!
I have a huge imagination and was just playing that scene through my head.

Sounds to me like these guys have their minds made up...and I'll be surprised if the pregnancy doesn't occur with the first heat. As far as your peace of mind goes, just dwell on the genetic diversity issue, lol. Don't expect them to take any advise from you, or anyone else. You could share your 'net sites...maybe if they hear it from others that they assume to be 'experts' they'll have a change of heart. There are much worse crimes than an ill-conceived litter, so I wouldn't go pushing any buttons, if I were you. Who knows what you'd start with these folks...
and as your neighbors, you're stuck with them.

As far as the 'dog beaters' go, I'd be happy that they shared this attitude with me. If I found it in my yard, I'd charge at it with a shovel and threaten to kill it. It usually only takes a couple of times before the dog is smart enough to avoid your yard. At least your neighbors won't be calling any animal welfare groups when they hear you yelling. Trust me, this worked for me.

I wouldn't say anything. If you do say something it will come across as condemnation or snooty... and since you're the new kid on the block, you are under the microscope as much or more than them. If you get to know them better on down the road- well then maybe. So if it bugs you a whole lot- start having barbeques and invite them over and be pals. A few cases of beer and some chicken wings should do it... Unless you cook like me... I'ld be accused of poisoning the neighbors <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

The solution to the loose dogs is a fence (not an underground fence, a real fence). Obviously unless something really bad happens nothing is going to change with your neighbors habits. A fence is probably worth the investment. It will save a lot of trouble and bad feelings down the road.

Abduct the dogs, fix them, and then return them as if you are a friendly neighbor who rescued them from a shelter.


LOL

Ben Franklin said "Good fences make good nieghbors" I had to put up a fence to keep the other dogs out. sometimes you have to bite the bullet.