Helping Your Neighbors Love Your Dog

Helping Your Neighbors Love Your Dog

Once again, the primary law for getting along with your neighbors is to know all of the pet related rules of the apartment complex and following them to the letter. Frequently review the rules you signed when filling out your paperwork to be certain you have not forgotten anything and make yourself familiar with any new rules as they are brought to your attention. In addition, you should keep the following suggestions in mind. 

Understand the Rules of Being a Good Dog Neighbor

It’s hard to believe, but not everyone is as crazy about dogs as you are. By being a good dog neighbor, you can help other residents appreciate and even like your dog!

Keep your dog well trained

When your dog approaches somebody to socialize or be petted, the dog should be calm and under control. Do not allow your dog to jump on people. An easy practice to follow is to have the dog sit and remain seated while getting attention. If the dog gets up from the sit, the petting stops. When he sits again, the attention restarts. Your pet only gets attention while sitting. This helps a lot with children who may feel more comfortable with the dog sitting at their eye level, especially if your dog is medium or large sized.

A good tip to follow is if the dog is higher than the eye level of the child, maybe a “down” position for the dog would be more comforting for the child. A child can become scared if the dog is bigger than they are. This would include if the child is already sitting on the ground, like at a park or school, or the child leans down to pet the dog. Not every dog is comfortable lying down when strangers approach so be cautious when asking your dog to assume this position. The dog may feel more comfortable if you lie down with them. 

Make sure your dog doesn’t bark or howl when left alone 

Barking or any kind of vocalization from a dog is usually a symptom of a problem and not the problem. It can indicate that several things are happening with the dog. You should determine what kind of barking the dog is doing, such as yipping, howling, whining, and all-out barking. It could be that the dog is bored, or has to use the bathroom. He could be lonely, or barking at noises (furnace or air conditioner, refrigerator), people talking outside, or other dogs walking by. Your dog might bark or howl at emergency vehicle sirens. If your dog is not accustomed to living in such close quarters with all the normal sounds that occur in an urban environment, it may take a while for the dog to acclimate to all these sounds.

One option that might help is to have a dog walker come by to take the dog out and give them exercise and attention. If you can afford to take your dog to daycare, you may only need to bring the dog a couple of times a week to stop the barking and separation anxiety. Interactive toys and treat balls might also provide the outlet that your dog requires when you are not at home.

For more information about stopping a barking problem:

“Caring for Your Dog When You Are at Work or on Vacation” 

and
“Preventing Undesirable Behaviors” section “Separation Anxiety”

Use appropriate flea and tick control

Treat your home, your pet and their sleeping areas with appropriate flea and tick medicine. There are many types of products available. Consult your veterinarian for any questions on their use. 

Not all renters are pet owners or animal lovers

Be respectful of your neighbors who do not own dogs, do not share your undying love for your dog, and may actually be afraid of dogs. In many cultures, dogs are not kept as pets. In those areas, some problems with loose and roaming dogs, dog bites, and rabies transmission may still exist.  

Whether walking you dog on the property or in the general public you should take care to prevent your dog from approaching people unless they give you the OK that they want your dog to visit with them. If they display some interest in your dog, ask them if they would like to pet your dog, confirming with them that your dog is friendly. With your dog completely under control, preferably standing or seated at your side, allow that person to approach. 

Ask your neighbors who are hesitant about your dogs if they would like to meet your dog and then show them a calm dog who is sitting in front of them.

Be respectful of other tenants with dogs

Be respectful of other tenants who may be out walking their dogs. Do not automatically assume that they want an unannounced visit from you and your dog morning, noon, or night just because they have their own dog. Always ask if your dog can visit, and give them an opportunity to say “Yes” or “No.” Be respectful of their answer. Do not assume that the other dog is friendly. Reassurances of “my dog won’t hurt your dog” fall on deaf ears when the dog being approached responds with fear aggression. Even small breed dogs can respond with a bite, a snap, or an outright attack if they feel threatened, any or all of which can lead to a fight.

For example, in my former neighborhood there was a gentleman who walks a very excitable Labrador on a pinch collar and a short leash. He has asked me a couple of times if his dog can play with mine. I politely tell him “No, thank you” each time, and that it would be best to meet in a more proper atmosphere of a dog park environment. It is common for a dog to act differently when out on the street on a leash with their owners compared to when that dog is loose in a dog park, and I know that my dog is less stressed in such an area, leading to friendlier greetings. Know where your dog responds best and give him or her the best chance possible for success.