Cane Corso moved in 3 doors down (Townhouses) am I being unreasonably concerned?

[MontanaDun]

I had two Cardigan Corgis on our 10-acre electronically fenced property. Our neighbor “rescued” an Akita. I do not think she was educated about the breed, but just thought he was beautiful and wanted to give him a chance. He was a young, intact male. She did not have a fenced in yard. She let him roam the neighborhood until I told her that he was becoming very aggressive in his play with my dogs. That worked for a while until she had guests over one night and the dog slipped out of the house. He chomped one of my dogs - almost 1K in vet bills (which she paid with no fuss and much concern for my little guy). Fortunately, he was okay. A few weeks later, she had the Akita put down. Turns out after he bit my dog, he also bit her father. I think she did a little breed research and realized what she had gotten herself into.

In the right hands, that young Akita may have been manageable, but with someone so uneducated about the breed and so unused to managing an aggressive breed, he didn’t stand a chance.

[Roxyllsk]

[QUOTE=MontanaDun;7736213]
A few weeks later, she had the Akita put down. Turns out after he bit my dog, he also bit her father. I think she did a little breed research and realized what she had gotten herself into.

In the right hands, that young Akita may have been manageable, but with someone so uneducated about the breed and so unused to managing an aggressive breed, he didn’t stand a chance.[/QUOTE]

While this was an unfortunate outcome, at least she took responsibility for the problem. Too many people would not have been as responsible.

[gottagrey]

FYI - so I brought up the situation at my condo association board meeting, and another neighbor was there… seems she told her husband who told the dog owner that unleashed dogs were discussed at the meeting. He told husband the same BS about “intermediate training is off-leash” At any rate the guy is now keeping dog on leash but is not speaking to me.

[Anne_FS]

While you are doing intermediate training off leash one uses a light line in case of accidents. This guy can use anything from paracord to very light clothesline to 50 feet of fishing line (if it’ll hold a marlin it’ll hold his dog). You of course have something you can grab tied at the very end of your 30 yards of fishing line.

He can work on his off-leash exercises with these. You gradually shorten them until the dog is only carrying a tab, and you fake unsnap the leash during training sessions. IOW, the light line is attached, so is your regular lead, you unsnap the regular lead, dog thinks he’s free and should he run off, you’ve got your 50 feet of light line. Of course the dog should be so proofed before this point that the likelihood of a run-away is extremely limited.

He should be commended for insisting on off-lead obedience with his dog. Very few people do. I’d hope he’d be encouraged to pursue this training in a way that benefits him & his dog as well as allays the apprehension of his neighbors.

[Anne_FS]

While you are doing intermediate training off leash one uses a light line in case of accidents. This guy can use anything from paracord to very light clothesline to 50 feet of fishing line (if it’ll hold a marlin it’ll hold his dog). You of course have something you can grab tied at the very end of your 30 yards of fishing line.

He can work on his off-leash exercises with these. You gradually shorten them until the dog is only carrying a tab, and you fake unsnap the leash during training sessions. IOW, the light line is attached, so is your regular lead, you unsnap the regular lead, dog thinks he’s free and should he run off, you’ve got your 50 feet of light line. Of course the dog should be so proofed before this point that the likelihood of a run-away is extremely limited.

[gottagrey]

AnneFS your points are well taken but at what age does a dog enter this type of intermediate training. this particular dog is probably 6-7 months old would she be at that training level at this age? I’m pretty sure he is working w/ the dog but when I come across them it’s when he’s got her out for potty breaks and she’s off leash and NO collar. So your idea of using a line is a good one provided the owner had a collar on the dog. now that a neighbor’s husband spoke to him, he’s been taking the dog out on a leash. I’m not sure why some people are so anti-leash like it’s some bad reflection on them. nuts

[Anne_FS]

Depends on the level of training. But no collar? No, that’s bad. That’s not training. If she makes a mistake off leash how can he possibly correct her? He can’t. Instead, he’ll end up teaching her what most people end up teaching their dogs: that there’s NOTHING owner can do once I’m off leash.

She can drag a light line while she’s going potty, but no, taking her out with no leash and no collar is asking for trouble.

[Horsegal984]

We used a drop line like Anne FS is describing to curtail one of my fosters “bolting” problem. She grew up on a rope tie out and learned that “come” actually meant lets play chase! We also used a pack of well trained off leash dogs to show her the benefits of coming when called. She was 4years old but only a month into training. I also had a 6-8 month old who was totally reliable off lead, never needed a drop line as he had enough respect and bonding with me not to question me (my husband could have used one for him though!). For full disclosure, my stories all relate to ACDs who tend to be quicker learners than many of the Bully breeds.

Since neighbor already knows you’re the one who complained, personally I’d address it head on. Initiate a conversation with him about how you respect that he wants his pup to be reliable off lead, so that he can head off any future escapes (or whatever else you want to make up).Then explain that your concern is because Dear Pup seems to be blowing off his commands and you would hate for him to wind up undoing all of his hard work, putting herself at risk for being hit by a car, or getting lost chasing deer. Explain that all the trainers you’ve worked with and all the barn dogs you know have been trained with a drop line like Anne FS explained (back up with a book or trainer website printouts if you can. If you can’t find a good one let me know, I’ll call in a favor to my trainer). Approaching it head on in a ‘don’t want you to get the wrong impression from the rumor mill’ may help reduce drama and your concern for him and Dear Pup my actually open his eyes to a new training concept like drop lining. Win win for everybody!

P.S. since it sounds like CC is getting a ton of socialization, albeit not necessarily intentionally I have less concern about her being aggressive and a risk later. The scariest dogs I’ve ever met have always been under socialized and scared. Those buggers (regardless of breed!) will nail you!

[gottagrey]

thanks horsegal - the dog isn’t as 'socialized" as I’d like to see it as I never see him walking her around the neighborhood now it’s possible that he’s out w/her when I’m not home otherwise I only see him when he lets her out for potty breaks. Hopefully he gets her out a lot more and socializes her. She does seem like a sweet dog but so did my other neighbor’s who is now very animal aggressive…

I’m not going to drum up any conversation w/ him about the dog and training he’s lied to me about her already so doesn’t think I know anything - like telling me she’s a well bred lab. LOL. Anyway for now it’s all good

[Horsegal984]

Sorry Gottagrey, was hoping with the mention of her out with the neighborhood kids that was intentional socialization not more escaped bad potty behavior. Since he’s a bit dense about it all then I would default to carrying treats every time I go out. I do have a cheap treat pouch that I keep stocked for training my crew (learned my lesson about pants pockets after the buggers ate the second pair!) so it’s easy to clip on my belt and go. If nothing else I would put focus on making Dear Pup realize that running up to you and sitting equals treats. You may not save the neighborhood but you might save yourself and your pup by ingraining Friend vs. Foe.

[Marshfield]

[QUOTE=gottagrey;7751335]
FYI - so I brought up the situation at my condo association board meeting, and another neighbor was there… seems she told her husband who told the dog owner that unleashed dogs were discussed at the meeting. He told husband the same BS about “intermediate training is off-leash” At any rate the guy is now keeping dog on leash but is not speaking to me.[/QUOTE]
I think I’d be counting my blessings. While my girls have extensive off leash training, we started this within the safety of the dog training center. And even though I could walk them under control in a public area, I still respect/adhere to local leash laws.

As for a question further down, yes a 6 to 7 month old dog could be at the point of working off leash. My last two corgis have been there by that age–but I am in the position of being able to have my girls with me at work and spend a few minutes training multiple times per day. This is on top of formal class time. If I get up from writing records to stretch my legs, we go outside and get in four to six repetitions on the weave poles.

[Anne_FS]

I agree with Marshfield.

Depending on the quality of the training, a dog can be ready for intermediate at a young age, with the caveat that a lot of breeds go through an adolescent rebellion stage where a formerly very well-behaved dog will become stubborn and start testing you.

If it was me, I’d probably ask to work our dogs together sometimes. You could practice your obedience together. It’d be good distraction work for both dogs. In addition, I’d want that Cane Corso to know both me and my dog as good friends. I’d even trade leashes now and then, work each other’s dogs. The more people handle that puppy in a loving way the better.

[Bicoastal]

I’m surprised multiple posters understand the same definition of intermediate training. Is this a Kohler category or similar?

I was thinking “intermediate” is totally different based on that school’s program and will be different from program to program. I have no idea what it encompasses. If the owner used the phrase “Open” or “Novice” I would understand what he is training. “Intermediate” I think that depends on who says so.

Like “I’m an advanced rider.” Is that event rider competing Advanced? Usually not ;).

[gottagrey]

ha ha AnneFS - the owner is not speaking to me at present because he knows I brought up the situation w/ our board, so that pretty much rules out walking our dogs together. As far as the “intermediate” training line personally that’s probably hogwash just like he tried to tell me the puppy was a well bred Labrador Retriever puppy. Um they don’t dock lab tails, then he tried to tell me yes they do. Never seen a lab w/ white spots - oh yeah well bred labs can have spots. All the while he had the dogs breeding papers - which he showed me later.

Of late I rarely cross the dog’s path and he’s been good about keeping her on a leash and that was my main concern so for now it’s all good. Let’s hope it stays that way. Greatly appreciate everyone’s insight and advice.

[Nicker]

@Gestalt;7684098

OP, I understand your concerns. I’m amazed by people that say things like “even a miniature poodle can be dangerous in the right circumstance”. If I had to choose between being attacked by a large breed of dog vs a small I will always take the small breed option! A cocker spaniel is going to have to work pretty hard to kill me, but any cranky dog that weighs in excess of a 100 lbs could probably take me down fairly easily.

Exactly! I had to handle a very large(probably close to 100 pound) and very scared Golden Retriever today. Numerous other coworkers had been unable to get near him and were worried he would snap out of fear. Fortunately after trying a variety of treats with no success I broke out the jar of peanut butter and we were best buds. But the entire time I knew he could take my face off if he wanted to. If he had been a 5 lb Chihuahua I wouldn’t have been nearly as cautious.

[khall]

[QUOTE=Nicker;7755494]
If he had been a 5 lb Chihuahua I wouldn’t have been nearly as cautious.[/QUOTE]

Don’t be so sure of that!! My mom saved a little Chihuahua just a few weeks ago, ended up in the ER getting IV antibiotics because the little sh$t ate her up! 10 bites on one hand only, but she would not turn him loose because he kept darting out into HWY traffic. He ate her up in the time it took to grab him and then stick him in the crate they had.

[Anne_FS]

[QUOTE=gottagrey;7755444]
ha ha AnneFS - the owner is not speaking to me at present because he knows I brought up the situation w/ our board, so that pretty much rules out walking our dogs together. [/QUOTE]

Aw, heck. Well, good she’s kept on a leash but I’d still say hi and smile whenever you see him, and maybe even directly address it: hey, I’m sorry you’re not happy with me bringing it up, but…

or however would be a good way to renew friendly contact. I’m not too good at coming up with things to say. Then maybe eventually you can compliment his training and maybe even work together once or twice. Doesn’t have to be a permanent deal. The reasons I suggest that are several, and one of them is that dogs pick up stuff. I have a couple PITA neighbors on a street with a big majority of really good neighbors. I have German Shepherds that are well trained and friendly to all unless you try to break into my house. The point is they love all the neighbors EXCEPT the sketchy ones. They hate them. I’m thinking they’ve picked up on how I must tense, even if I don’t realize it, when I’m around them. So you don’t want this Cane Corso picking up that her owner tenses up every time he sees you or your dog. Her doggy brain is going to teach her to say, “Watch out for that one. Dad stiffens every time she comes by.”

[gottagrey]

AnneFS - thanks for the input. Our paths don’t cross that much right now, he’s rarely out walking his dog when I’m walking mine and when they are out together she’s on a leash (for now). I’ve made an effort to be friendly - he’s ticked because 5 people talked about it at a board meeting…and for whatever reason he’s of the thought school that some laws are meant for everyone but him. Fine. He rents and I think their lease ends in February.

[JanM]

Since he’s a renter, has anyone contacted the property manager or home owner? I lived across from a rental house, but didn’t realize the numerous occupants, cars all over the front yard, and the many wandering dogs were all contrary to the lease. I later met the owner, and if they had known what the property managers were allowing, the property manager would have been fired, and the people evicted.

[Nicker]

[QUOTE=khall;7758467]
Don’t be so sure of that!! My mom saved a little Chihuahua just a few weeks ago, ended up in the ER getting IV antibiotics because the little sh$t ate her up! 10 bites on one hand only, but she would not turn him loose because he kept darting out into HWY traffic. He ate her up in the time it took to grab him and then stick him in the crate they had.[/QUOTE]

Sorry, but I’d take that over loosing parts of my face. We had an ACO end up having to shoot a Rottie that took her down after she pulled the dog off it’s owner. She still bears the scars from that attack. When I have to snag little dogs I usually throw a blanket or towel over them and scoop them up. I once had a Chinese Crested running down the highway during rush hour traffic take a chunk out of a guys thumb. He ended up throwing his girlfriends scarf over the dog and pinning the little guy to his chest. That dog did not want to be caught! I couldn’t remove the scarf when I went to take the dog from him, he was snapping and thrashing all over the place.