My new neighbors dog just tried to bite me!

[Baby Blessing]

Dobermans are a great breed, if trained properly like any other large breed. We have raised three through the many years, they were so loveable and just great. We raised Cassie when we had Gretta and she was really good with her, our Dobies were out door pets not an indoor house pet, but she was always indoors in the enclosed patio in the hot summer, winter harsh weather and nights, with air/heat when needed, which is also my hobby room so she was with us a lot there, she had the large yard to run in and enjoy. I hope your neighbor has a very large yard, as they really need that. Dobermans are very smart breed, hope you have good neighbors that appreciate them and will train their Dobie properly. I would be careful though with it and especially your little one if they are not people that are responsible. Dobies have gotten a bad rep but it is the owners that need to be trained first before getting one, so they know of the breed and can raise them accordingly. Hope it turns out that they are a responsible neighbor and not a pest. Patti and ~~Baby Blessing~~

[deb4air]

AWW girlfriend ..that bites ..make sure Simon and Hallie are safe , i know you will and make sure your safe Its such a drag having to worry about someone elses dog hurting yours maybe they will move again ..
Peace to you my friend

[lksdolls]

I'm surprised at most of you're responses. You have already labeled this dog a meanie and a monster and the people just moved in. You were at "their" door. The dob was only protecting "their" property and his master. It had no idea that you were just trying to be friendly. Of course, you have a right to be concerned but don't jump to conclusions. It is important to express your concerns to your new neighbor, but do so NICELY! If not, you're going to put them on the defensive and more problems will arise. I would suggest inviting the new neighbors over for a cookout, get to know them. Let them know how beautiful their dog is, then bring up your concerns. If they are new to the area, you might tell them where the best pet stores are and recommend your vet. And add, you know or you've heard that they offer obedience training at so-and-so's.

If you live in a complex that has regulations about pets, that's a different story. But again I stress, it's how you approach the subject and express your concerns that's going to make the difference.

Last summer we had new people move in across the street. I had stopped over as she was unpacking groceries to introduce myself. She came over later one afternoon and we got to know each other. Later that same day I took her an index card with our names and phone numbers on it. When she came to the door, her big dog came running out and sniffed me and her LITTLE dog lunged and bit my foot. She was very upset and I was surprised but I also recognized that he was only protecting his space and his master. For the next couple of weeks she would stop by to see how my foot was. I could have been a real bitch about it, that she "allowed" her dog to lunge out of the door at me and bit me as I stood on her porch, but that's not my nature. Size means nothing if a dog feels threatened or thinks their owner need protecting, especially within their space.