My dog is going to kill my neighbors (or I will)?

Quickest thing would be refrigerated water spray bottle, and just shoot the dog! They may be little basterds BUT you own and are totally responsible for your dog and what damage he may do and so even though we all KNOW it is not your dog's fault for being a puppy and inquisitive, you have GOT to break the puppy from reacting to these jerks. Some people may suggest clicking when the people start calling out and then giving the dog a treat when he reacts to the click instead of the jerkis. You really could go either way but You MUST break the dog.

You might look at these people like the cloud with the silver lining because they are giving you a free distraction with which you can train your dog to be bullet proof and you don't even have to pay these fools! You could go so far as to ask friends and relatives to do the exact same thing these wierdos are doing to give your dog even more distractions and get him fool proof. Also I would NEVER allow this family of jerks to catch up and pet the dog. They do not deserve it and the dog needs to learn to ignore them anyway.

I have a similar situation. I have a Bullmastiff that needs a little more training outside. When we are outside the younger neighbor kids will call for him and get him all excited. I know how controlling a giant dog is.

Unfortunatly there really isn't anything that you can do. Everyone wants a giant breed do something like knock someone down so they can give you a "that's why you don't get a big scary dog" or "I told you so" comment.

The best thing that I have done is use some time to go to the kids and let them have a little dog time with him. The new has worn off a little and they have started to ignore him when we are outside. Another thing...let him drop a giant breed terd on their lawn. Not sure if it helps, but it makes me feel a little better.

A tough situation - and while these jerks deserve some retribution, DO NOT let Stein go after them. I live near San Francisco where a couple of dogs killed a woman a few years ago, and both the owners are in jail on second degree murder charges. The dogs were, of course, put down.

I suggest altering your path 90 degrees. I.e., if you and the molesters are walking north, turn directly east (or west). If they continue to follow you, then stop near a tree or post where you can wrap the leash if the dog over-reacts. I am not suggesting tying Stein to the tree, as a tied-down dog tends to be more aggressive. But you can use the tree to make it easier to hold him. I doubt that these idiots have the courage to approach you directly. If they do, give them warning not to approach any closer. That way, you are covered if anything happens.

What jerks! I really feel for you.

It may or may not work, but the next time they call him, stop, have him sit, and wair for them. My guess is that they really don't care, just want to antagonize the dog and you.

Whatever you do, do not let him loose - it will be way more trouble for you, even if they caused it. Law suits, potential medical bills, etc., are definitely not worth it.

If you stop and so do they, again, ask them to either come greet the dog or leave him alone. If you do this every time, the "game" will no longer be any fun and hopefully they will quit. If not, create a log of date, time, and any details - and let them see you writing it down. Then, after a week or so, contact your local authorities, with the log, and ask for some type of complaint form that can be filed. It may not get anywhere, but at least it's a start.

A few things - was your dog confined to your property at the time of the attack? If so, then you can fight the destruction order on account that your dog was confined and the neighbour's dog was at large. If, however, your dog got onto the neighbour's property, you may have to resign yourself to losing your dog. It is very unlikely you would get jail time if this is a first offence - or even if it's not. A fine is to be expected, depending on what the charge is. Here, it would be 'owning a dog that attacked / killed another domestic animal', and since you DO own the dog and it DID kill another animal, that will be hard to fight. Arguing that it's not your fault as the dog was technically in the care of a third party runs the risk of transferring the problem to your Grandpa, which is not fair. In any case, as the dog's owner, the responsibility for the dog's actions ultimately is yours. You should probably seek legal opinion on this before your court date.

I understand your frustration, but don't let Stein loose. Stein will end up being the one getting the short end of the stick.

Instead, either walk Stein at a different time or take a different route. This might sound a little mean, but if they continue bothering you and Stein, have a can of pepper spray handy. Make sure the wind is blowing in their direction then discretely give a little toot. The wind will carry the pepper spray right into those obnoxious kids. I'll bet they won't follow you after that!

Doesn't sound like you're going to be able to do much about the behaviour of these people, so you'll have to change your behaviour. If they always walk at the same time, you walk at a different time or in another place. If they're behind you, stop and wait till they pass you, which is a perfect opportunity to practise having your dog sit and wait.

I would walk towards them till you are next to them then get Stein to sit down if you can and wait till they have finished shouting or stand next to them with him. Stein will not pull if he is next to what he wants to reach. If you don't like them then don't speak to then just stand next to them until they are fed up. If you need to distract Stein change direction and praise with a treat or his favourite toy. Make yourself more interesting that the object of his desire. Good look.

I'd politely ask these idiots to "STOP calling out to my dog. It's irritating for me to walk/train him when they do this." If that doesn't work, go to the parents. If that doesn't work... let Stein have a stab at them "accidentally" and maybe then.... they'll catch a friggin clue! Jackasses!

eventhough you shouldn't have to, you may want to walk at a different time, or walk a different place.

It sounds like you have tried talking to them and unfortunetly, some people are just rude and inconsiderate, and because laws are so strict with dogs, you don't want your dog to suffer for the rude behavior of others, so just adjust your walking schedule/route