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My neighbor is convinced that our Mastiff is vicious.

V. Johnson

New Member
My daughter and her two dogs, (my granddogs) just moved in with us temporarily. One of her dogs is a 5-year-old English Mastiff named Ellie.

Our neighbor is convinced that Ellie is going to jump over the 5-foot fence and attack her and/or her bulldog. My neighbor and I have always had a good relationship but now she won't talk to me except to say that she has mace with her at all times when she is outside, and that if Ellie jumps the fence and attacks her and/or her dog that she will sue us for everything we have. I desperately want to convince her that Ellie is a friendly dog and to repair our friendship. It breaks my heart that my relationship with my neighbor is broken right now, and she won't listen to reason.

My question is, how can I convince her that Ellie is not vicious? My daughter lived in an HOA with neighbors all around her, children and other pets walked by all the time; and although Ellie, and my daughter's other dog Apple would run along the fence and sometimes bark, they just wanted attention, and to be petted. All the neighbors knew them and would sometimes stop and talk to them and pet them. When new neighbors moved in, they would quickly get to know and like both Apple and Ellie. My daughter's fence was actually lower than our fence, and in 5 years, she never jumped over that fence, although she could have. I also want to note that Apple and Ellie are mostly indoor pets, but we do take them outside often for them to relieve themselves and to play; but someone is ALWAYS outside with them.

I would greatly appreciate any help or feedback! Thank you for reading my post.
 

glen

Super Moderator
Staff member
So sorry this is happening, some people just see the size and the sound ofvour wonderful mastiffs and dont see the amazing dog underneath.
Can you ask your neighbour round to meet them.she can then see how they truely are.
Also some people just like things to stay the same, how would she feel if someone new moved in hext door and didnt like her dog running up and down in her garden. She would be saying the same, her bulldog is friendly, well so are your daughter dogs.
Just do as your doing, keep your dogs safe, make sure they cant get out.
 

Bolushi

Well-Known Member
Lol, hey, if it kills the english bulldog it'll be a good thing. One stubby brachycephalic I-have-to-gasp-for-breath-24/7 bulldog down, a few million more to go. Could make it your mission.
Anyways, I think you should ignore your neighbor... that's your dog, your teammate, your family, kinda like your neighbor hating your kids. If further discussion occurs, ''Oh, you hate my family? Well you're welcome to go to hell.'' is the correct response.
 

Michele

Super Moderator
Staff member
Since you and your neighbor "had" a good relationship before, I would ask her if she would like to meet Ellie and get to know the dog. If she does not want to, just be sure to supervise the dog when the dog is outside. Since she carries mace, you need to make sure the neighbor doesn't mace the dog, if the dog is outside running around.
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
I would also ask, as Michele said, but I'd make sure that your girl is up to date on her rabies vaccine. There was a person on this forum years ago that had a dog who was late for their vaccine and scratched - not bit, scratched - a person and was put in out of the home quarantine. It was because saliva could have gotten in the scratch. A bit over the top, but perhaps it's best to cover all bases just to be safe. Honestly? I would not allow my dog to interact with someone like your neighbor. I think it's just not worth the risk of her overreacting to some little thing your dog may do. I would supervise when the dog is outside to make sure nothing happens. Our big dogs can't get away with the behaviors little ones can and we have to keep them safe. Best of luck to you.
 

Bolushi

Well-Known Member
The first dogs to ever exist were around 30lbs specifically because they could get away with stuff big dogs could not. Some humans haven't evolved like that neighbor. Gives some insight into history...