would this offend you?

So I walk my dog several times a day and I live in a dead end so there is only one way to go! About 5 houses down there is a jack russell terrier that has a serious barking issue. I have nicknamed this dog Kujo as he really goes out of control when I walk my dog in front on his house (even if I am on the other side of the street). My dog - who loves everyone and everything - is afraid of going past this house and he wants to run by it everytime (he does not do this with any other house that has dogs)

Clearly this dog needs training, the way this dog goes bonkers everytime and the way he throws himself at the door and windows seems way too out of control - even for a jack russell terrier!

Do you think the owner would be offended if I gave her my dog trainer's contact info? The owner must be as annoyed by the excessive barking as I am and my dog is, right? Her dog really needs training though! What should I do? (please don't tell me to drive somewhere to walk my dog)

Nikki and the Chi Unit2008-07-21T18:28:54Z

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I would be offended if you came to me and said that my dog needs training. Maybe write a letter that you noticed their dog barking a lot and understand that it must annoy them and put the trainers card in the letter anonymously

Jazzie2008-07-21T20:29:51Z

It wouldn't offend me, because that's not how I would approach this situation at all. It's not my dog and not my problem. I'm sure it bothers the JRT's owners much more. Controlling their dog is their *problem*, not yours.

What would be my problem is having the ability to pass this house with no *issues* what-so-ever, including having my dog behave well in spite of the distraction. That *is* my problem as I don't want my dog to get out of control, no matter what.

I too live on a dead end street where only half the houses are occupied (lakeside 2nd homes for most folk). One house has a Schnauzer that barks like crazy, another has a loose, unfenced (lovely!) Aussie; there is also the occasional neighbors walking their 3 Weimies, all unleashed. I have a 130 pound coonhound on a flexi-lead and an unleashed mix (whom I walk twice daily) to contend with and control in these circumstances. Does it bother me? No. I take it as a training opportunity, just as teaching kids to order politely in a restaurant and behave well in public. It just *is* and I'm responsible for my dogs and how they work with me (as well as how they work in public). They do very well, by the way. I have no issues, even with handling my mega-dog on a substandard lead. They know who's running the show, and it's not them. They all (the Aussie, the Schnauzer, the Weimies) behave well around us, much to their owner's astonishment. I'm pleasant, I'm nice... all the dogs know I'm *it* and accept that. It's purely my energy and positive, relaxed, confident attitude. That's it. That, and I don't take any guff from my dogs. If my huge coonhound gets too excited, he's put in a down stay while I deal with the other dog.

Just use this JRT's behavior as a training opportunity for you and your dog. You should be focusing on your dog anyway. Don't stress. Deal. It's not a big deal. Don't get wired up or your dog will believe there's something to freak out about and training won't happen. Be calm. Be confident. Be light of heart. Be matter of fact. Be decisive and comfortable with your decision. You're "the Mom" of your dog. Guide him. Teach him. He should have no fear of this yapping annoyance. Seriously.

Eventually you'll have a dog you're justifiably proud of, your neighbors will admire him and you're abilities as a dog handler. They may come to you about their dog. Then, you don't have to worry about the issue of offending anyone. Everyone wins.

My point? Teach and inspire by example. It's a gentler, more effective approach. You'll feel better about the whole thing. Having a happy, healthy, balanced spirit will take you far in life and your dog will respect you and bond with you much, much more.

pupluv04102008-07-21T18:22:31Z

You could just start up a conversation about the dogs and somewhere in it drop the name of your trainer in. Either if she brings up the fact that her dog is out of control or you bring up something your dog does that is due to the trainer. You certainly don't want to offend her...so it would be best to just kind drop it in conversation so as to not be so forward.

And just an aside...a lady from around where I live decided it was safer to walk her dog in another neighborhood and during the walk her dog was attacked and unfortunately died. It is best to walk your dog around your house because you know your area best and where most of the dogs are and their temperments.

grammie2008-07-21T18:27:37Z

It may sound like a good idea, but I would think twice before I said anything to her unless you are close friends! People tend to be very protective when it comes to someone telling them that their dog needs training. I'm sure she already knows this. Unless you can think of a very tactful way to tell her I would just continue my walk and not say a word. I know how stressful this must be for you and your dog, but sometimes it is better not to cause more stress with the neighbors.

LMac12162008-07-21T18:17:07Z

Simply tell the owner that that her dog needs some training to help it calm down and stop annoying everyone who walks by.

I'm sure she wouldn't mind; and knowing that you already know of a good trainer may make her pleased with you.

good luck

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