Oh ya I think so too. Training doesn't happen over night and he is taking steps to provide some sort of training. Besides what kind of an impression would the poor guy get if he checks this forum out and there's all kinds of bashing as the first thing he reads?

Personally, I don't like to stand for a poorly mannered dog even on the short term, but you are right, Jenni, even if the guy is ok with pushing treats throught the fence, how would it look to him if someone just did it without consent.

If you're not on bad terms with the neighbor's, I'd find a reputable trainer's number and I would say something like, "Hey, I know you're working with the dog yourself and I don't know if you're looking for a professional, but I happen to know of a fantastic trainer if you're interested."

Trainers can be expensive. That's one reason people shy away from them. Those little Petsmart group lessons are cheaper, but they're usually between "not that great" or "pretty terrible." Also, they probably won't let an aggressive dog in. One on one would be the way to go with this dog for the time being. If you think money might be an issue, I think what Michele said about suggesting this site is a GREAT idea. There are some really cool success stories that come out of this place. Seriously, there is a WEALTH of information for people here that will make a HUGE difference.

It's my thinking that while the owners might be attempting to train the dog with absurd methods...they are trying and that's a good sign. Also, walking the dog at night is a good sign. That they're regularly walking the dog at all is great, and at night to protect others is even better. I see some positive signs, and I think lack of knowledge is the real problem here, not bad intentions.


And as for giving the dog treats...your neighbor might not mind at all if you explained that you would like to make friends with your new "neighbor." Then again, he might. But it's best to ask because I, too, would be really irritated if someone just started flinging treats to my dog without my consent.

I would say about 90% of the folks here probably advocate asking the neighbor about giving the dog treats. I would just say, "Your dog sure seems to want to get me! How about I get a treat to give the dog through the fence, so your dog knows I'm nice? Is that ok?"

I also would suggest this forum, as the cumulative knowledge here is enough to resolve almost any training issue. It always seems like someone will come along with a similar story and a solution for your problem.

Also, here is a very good article about how dogs think and how to control your dog: Goundwork to Establish Pack Structure

I recently adopted a labrador retriever that was perfectly crazy. The very first thing she did was jump up and nip me to tell me hello. She apparently had been taught by her previous owner that this was okay. Well, obviously this dog was pretty much uncontrollable when I took her home, but I followed the advice in that "E-book," and after a few weeks, she would listen! So, I would say that this is my #1 peice of advice for them is to read about pack structure in this article and follow the advice they give there.

Have you trained a dog that you would consider to be well behaved before?

If so, I would just talk training with the guy. Ya'll seem to have a friendly dialogue going. Talk to them and see what they are doing now for training and then throw in some things that have worked for you in the past. Maybe he will be receptive to things that worked for you, someone he knows.

Whether they're doing it right or wrong, I would love for some people in my neighborhood to take an active role working with their dogs. If they are trying then there methods can always be adjusted if they do some research and try to find a better way if their way ain't workin'.

Tell him about some cool things that you have seen on the internet about training.(cough, cough........leerburg.com) That might at least get him to start researching if you tell him about the wealth of info on the web. People are always looking for an easier way. I would say that the open minded approach towards training that people exhibit on here is the easiest of all.

Good luck!

All have given good advice. I agree with a lot of people not using a trainer because they are expensive (I know I did), or would rather get the pleasure of doing it themselves (glad I'm doing that now). I'd print off some Leerburg articles or an e-book or 2 and wait til the conversation went that way, and give him the info. It might spark his interest and he can check out this site and get more info on his own. You never know.....

Thank you for all your kind advice. I am sure that they are working with the dog, and excercising it in the evenings. I have met the dog, and she was not aggressive, just not interested. I think treats over the fence are a good idea, but I will ask first.

I like the idea of printing out an e-book or two, and steering the owner to this site.

I read the article on ground training, it seems a lot like the manners one requires of draft horses. Standard and familiar, so that should be easy to speak to.

I don't currently have a dog, and never really have trained one; we had family pets growing up and they were well mannered, (no getting on furniture or beds, sit, come, etc) but thats it. I taught my first cat to ask to go out & play dead, and am working on getting the current cats to use the robotic litter box. With horses, you really are training them every time you interact with them, but I never trained one from a foal or anything. Ground manners are always worked on daily with the big horses for better or worse.

 Quote: Helen Connelly

I don't currently have a dog, and never really have trained one; we had family pets growing up and they were well mannered, (no getting on furniture or beds, sit, come, etc) but thats it. I taught my first cat to ask to go out & play dead, and am working on getting the current cats to use the robotic litter box. With horses, you really are training them every time you interact with them, but I never trained one from a foal or anything. Ground manners are always worked on daily with the big horses for better or worse.

But it sounds like you have experience with animals and their learning process. I don't know what horses are like to work with, but I'm sure patience and clarity are universal. Use that in conversations about training.

And the fact that you taught a cat to do ANYTHING impresses me. If I asked the cats that I have known or had to breathe they would probably make themselves pass out.

"And the fact that you taught a cat to do ANYTHING impresses me. If I asked the cats that I have known or had to breathe they would probably make themselves pass out."


I'm no fan of cats by any means but I work at Seaworld and there is a really cute show there called, Pets Ahoy. The show involves cats, dogs, ducks, mice, a pig, and birds.
I have watched the trainers work with these animals and it's amazing the things they train these animals to do. The trainers use only positive reinforcement and train with a clicker and food. Other than the dogs, the animals aren't performing any tricks or feats of magic, they are simply following a path in and out of the set. The dogs are the show stoppers. What's cool about the whole thing is, all of these animals are from shelters or rescues.
All of the animals in the park are trained using positive reinforcement and of course, it has to be that way. Kinda hard to correct Shamu!!!! :-)

Good news. The neighbors are receptive to treat giving (they were very pleased that I would do so), and they are working with the dog. Haven't heard barking, and she doesn't show aggression to people.

I will print out some info, and offer this website as a resourse.

YAY! I love good news.