neighbors dog is threatening and loose

If he is out in the front yard and we (my son, two small dogs, myself) walk by, the dog (a golden retriever) lunges at us barking visciously and snarling. He is not playin' around. Almost everytime this has happened, an adult is in the yard with him. She calls his name repeatedly, sort of laughs, says, "He won't hurt you! His name is Buddy! Just call him by his name...." She's having to yell over the commotion... At first I was pretty good natured about it. After all, I have a little bad-ass, too, only she is small and leashed and I have control. Anyway, this has happened at least three times over the last week. It is apparent that this dogs owner does not control him nor does she take his behavior very seriously. I am becoming concerned. I have an eight year old son who is learning to ride a bike (I know, a little late:)) and he needs to feel safe. (He's like the family safety officer:)) When I first moved to this neighborhood I learned to avoid walking in front of this house because the dog would stand in the road growling and barking with teeth bared. Now I need to use this area because there is less traffic. Any advice?

I may take crap for this but pepper spray. They make safe, epa approved stuff that could be used. I don't suggest just shooting the dog with it before talking to the owner seriously first. Maybe your son could keep it with him while he is out riding.

IMO thats bs, if you cant be in your own yard or near it without being afraid of a dog there is something wrong. Honestly if I was out with my 3 and 9 year old sisters and a dog like that came around and contiued to even if the owner said it was fine I would have no problems shooting it after warning the owner to keep it under control.

You know, I do feel very angry, but I have to live in this neighborhood and walk in front of their house. Anybody have a very diplomatic form letter I could send 'em? I think I'll have to notify animal control, but I think its only fair to tell them know first. They're still going to be mad, though...

Oh, I don't see how I could use pepper spray with out it also getting on my own dogs. What if it just really ticked him off?

If you feel uncomfortable talking to your neighbor about it call the Police and tell them your concerns and take it from there.

Are you sure this behavior is coming from a Golden?? :O Very atypical for that breed.....

Arrange a time for a sit-down with your neighbor to discuss the issue and your concerns; I'm certain that this will help.

If it doesn't, and the dog is contained within its own yard, there's not much you can do. If the dog is indeed posing a threat outside of its yard, you could call animal control and speak with them.

However, I would most certainly speak with the owner first.

put the dogs inside.. try actually calling like she said.. when he comes.. feed him..get him comfortable..cage him.. call the pound. I love my bullies, and hate breed specific legislature but I also hate people who have vicious dogs and deal with with in the wrong ways.

I can't picture a Golden Retriever as aggressive either. Perhaps it is fearful. I would suggest asking the owner to introduce the dog to you so it would view you as a friend rather than a stranger. Give it a couple of dog biscuits.

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Originally Posted by starmom

Are you sure this behavior is coming from a Golden?? :O Very atypical for that breed.....

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I've seen it in that breed and everytime the owners were complete idiots. They had no clue what so ever about training or socializing a dog let alone an understanding of what kind of breed they have and what their daily needs are. It's really sad.