TAKE A WALK: Good Dogs Help Make Good Neighbors Relationships

 

My dog Otis and I take two daily walks (four miles total) if it is not raining or snowing outside. Over the past seven years, Otis and I have walked about 9,000 miles together.

We meet neighbors, other dogs, children, and visitors along our traditional route.

Otis is a 10-pound indoor lap dog who loves people. On a walk, he is a conversation starter. I have seen that in my neighborhood and elsewhere.

MAKING FRIENDS

My sister-in-law lives in Colorado Springs. In 2022, we spent a week with her and her dog.

She has a busy work schedule, and her dog does not take walks. But I met three of her neighbors in just a few days of daily walks with Otis.

First, there was Shay and her dogs, Darby and Mille. It turns out Shay has family back in Springfield!

Then I bumped into neighbor Patty and her dog Frodo. Guess what? Patty has a daughter that just recently moved to Springfield.

Then I met the Smith family, new transplants to Colorado Springs from, you guessed it, Springfield, Mo.

In one week, I learned a lot about the neighbors simply by walking with my dog.

There may not be any tool that opens the door to conversation with neighbors easier than a friendly dog. Go on a walk, take your dog, and allow yourself to be interrupted.

At the same time, dogs may also open the door to problems with your neighbors. Generally, bad dogs fall into one of a few main categories.

ENDLESS BARKER

I recommend developing a relationship with your neighbor before complaining about a dog. When you do, talk to them face-to-face before you ever consider filing a complaint. Sometimes, owners are not aware of the problem.

I heard of one older resident in Republic who took his hearing aides out at night. He did not know his dog was barking nightly in the backyard until it was brought to his attention.

Not all neighbors are such good dog owners. At the same time, dog owners can be pretty sensitive. Be as diplomatic as possible to avoid a yelling match over a dog.

I have a friend whose neighbor got a puppy. He would howl for hours when they left the house, and the dog was in the backyard. My friend worked from home, and the howling was disruptive.

My friend told the story this way. "I wrote them a note saying, 'You are such good neighbors. I thought I'd let you know your puppy is so sad when you leave every morning that he howls for hours. I know you're probably unaware.' I gave them a few ideas for solutions. The man came over, apologized, and thanked me for letting him know. The dog never howled again."

DOGS THAT BITE OR ATTACK

If you have a dog that bites, that dog is a liability. Dog bites on humans require medical attention, sometimes resulting in legal liability.

Whether in your yard or on a walk, understand your dog's behavior and keep your dog in check. Above all else, do not let them attack or bite a human of any age.

Dogs that attack other dogs are another issue.

I admit my 10-pounder is not fond of larger dogs. I take steps to ensure we don't have dog fights on walks.

Over the years, I have also heard horror stories of smaller dogs being attacked, mauled, or killed by larger dogs on walks. A responsible owner maintains control of their dog.

BOUNDARIES

If you own a dog who is also an escape artist, fix the escape route.

I've known some dogs that are masterful at escaping and can outsmart humans. But most of the time, the dog needs human involvement and attention.

Most neighbors probably do not mind an occasional surprise escape, especially if the dog is friendly. We once had a neighbor whose dog seemed to prefer sunbathing in our front yard and found ways to escape.

But no one should let their dog deliberately roam off-leash without supervision.

Dogs that roam can destroy property, pester people and other dogs, go to the bathroom in people's yards, and even be mean if they are scared.

RESOLVING NEIGHBOR ISSUES

For the first visit with a neighbor about their pet, come with an amiable attitude, and use diplomacy to inform the owner not to accuse them.

Don't complain if there is nothing worthy of a complaint. Don't be that curmudgeon neighbor who's always complaining just because your and their dog exist.

If the owner is doing their best but not succeeding and you have experience with practical, safe solutions, suggest them in a friendly way to the owner. You might even demonstrate.

If there is no effort on the owner's part, check with other neighbors to see if they have the same experience or concerns. If their attempts at resolution failed, try writing a letter to the owner, informing the Homeowners Association (if you have one), or notifying the landlord if they rent.

In some circumstances, it might be necessary to call animal control.

TAKE A WALK

Almost any day is a good day to take your dog on a walk.

Walking your dog provides a foundation for physical and mental health for you and your dog. If your dog is confined to the house for too long, your dog will get bored, and boredom can lead to destructive behavior. Same for humans.

So instead, get outside, get some exercise, and connect with people in your neighborhood.

THINGS DOG OWNERS SHOULD CONSIDER

• ·       Even the best-behaved dog can bite if it feels threatened, frightened, or in pain.
• ·       Dog owners grow accustomed to their dog's incessant barking, but others do not.
• ·       Being a considerate dog owner means having friendly relationships in the neighborhood.
• ·       Most people are not being mean or harassing by complaining about dog problems.
• ·       You and your dog are too special to have to correct or prevent the issues.
• ·       It is not a neighbor's responsibility to find a solution for your dog's bad behavior.
• ·       Spay and neuter. Dogs in heat draw other dogs who may fight with each other.
• ·       Keep your dog's shots up to date.
• ·       Clean up dog poop with baggies at parks and on walks.