leakaufman

Came home on my break from work yesterday to let Judah out to the bathroom and quickly went back inside to answer the phone. When I went back to let her in I was shocked to see 4 or 5 kids throwing rocks and sticks at her and yelling at her. They were in my neighbors backyard that corners my yard and one appeared to be their daughter. They looked to be around 10- 12 years of age. Judah was barking and running around all pumped up. I yelled at them to stop and they ran back toward the house. Judah who is usually very obedient would not come to me at first, so I went back in the house to get a treat. I was maybe inside 15 seconds, upon coming back out, the kids had run back and were at it again. I grabbed Judah and made her come inside. She had some dings on her but nothing serious. She is Vwd affected so her situation is a little more complicated in regards to injuries, but she seems fine. Since I had to go back to work immediately, my sister who watches Judah for me at times came over and confronted the neighbors. They were having a party and said they were not aware the kids were doing that and they apologized. These people have a small mixed breed dog and a Golden Retriever who are outside long periods of time unattended. My dogs are never left outside without supervision except for maybe mere seconds when I have went inside to get something. Never again! I have found broken glass and other things in the yard this past year and am now wondering if this has been going on under my nose. Has anyone else had issues with something like this? I am considering putting up a privacy fence immediately but the elderly neighbors on both sides really like Judah and have asked me not to due to recent attempted break ins in the neighborhood. They feel like it would cut off visibility to their back doors and that possibly a visible Doberman in the neighborhood is a good thing. Despite what it sounds like I live in a nice quiet, peaceful subdivision and up to now have had no issues. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

eventermal

A privacy fence and cameras. That would make me so crazy mad!!!

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DogsR4Life

I have the same problem. From then on, Chase is NEVER left outside alone, even if the phone rings, i do not go back inside just in case those bratty kids decide its a good time to throw rocks.

Being out with him has solved the problem, talking to their parents didn't

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Instant Noodle

Neighbors have 3 young boys, and they always have a friend over, which makes 4 boys. The age range is anywhere between 2 - 8 years old. They like to come to our backyard and bark at our patio to see if Duke will hear and get a reaction, which they always do.

One time, the oldest started to throw sticks at Duke. Not to hurt him, but to see if Duke will go for the sticks, which of course he did as well.

It's annoying, but they are little, naughty boys. I've thought about speaking to the parents, especially when I'm at my wits end with the barking. But since I know they don't speak hardly any English, it's discouraging for me to try to have a conversation with them about the naughtiness.

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madmony

I would be livid. I would have called the police, ASPCA, and CPS. I don't let mine out without supervision either, it's really a shame. We are retired and don't leave her alone ever. If we have to go somewhere that she can't go, she goes to daycare. I don't trust anybody. Cameras are a really good idea and they aren't that pricey. Good luck to you.

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spocksdad

You might want to read the extensive thread back in 6/2012 about a similar situation with neighborhood kids taunting a Doberman:

I need your help/advice

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blueberry

I would want to break little hands off.....but I know that can't be done. I would talk with the neighbors but they have a dog they have no respect for....so I doubt they will do anything about it. I would put up a tall fence and cameras if needed. I would take your dog to see your older neighbors if they miss him.


I don't see how people will not teach their children to respect animals.....if they can't respects animals....how in the world can they be expected to respect people?

Lady Kate

I am beyond livid just reading this.. I think I would definitely call the authorities on this one. It's cruel and these kids need to learn a lesson!

Lori Z

I think you need a privacy fence. I'd get one like yesterday. Tell your nice elderly neighbors you will still check on them and go by the front of their house to give them one on one time with your girl. Privacy fencing is so important when we have dogs, at least I think so.

DobbieLovie

OMG No wonder you're furious, I would been green of anger lol...is there any way you can resport them or something? you should go have a talk with your neighbors and just "warn" them politely that if an incident were to happen again you'll take other messures. And explain about the VWD, I mean this shouldnt make a difference, theres NO justification for animal abuse or mistreat!!! what's wrong with these kids??? if they were MY kids doing that I would made them work so hard at home with chores afterwards and watch sad documentaries of animal abuse so they learn their lesson... MY GOD!!

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Hooligan

Having lived in our neighbourhood for more than 20 years, I've watched many of the local kids grow up and blossom. As they were growing up, did they ever do stupid and thoughtless things to or around our our dogs? Yes. Being thoughtless and doing stupid things goes with the territory when one is a kid, though this certainly doesn't mean that kids should be allowed to get away with bad behaviour.

I think you've done exactly the right things so far — and so have the kids' parents. You spoke to the kids; you sister spoke to the parents: and the parents apologized. Presumably, they will do the responsible thing and speak to the kids to ensure that a similar incident never happens again.

I would continue to keep keep an eye on Judah when she's out in the yard . . . and see what happens. It's quite possible that this incident will never be repeated. Kids have a way of growing up — and growing a brain. That's certainly what has happened to the kids in our neighbourhood. Some of the brattiest have grown up to be the most mature and responsible adults who would, I'm sure, be mortified if they were reminded of some of the stupider things they did as children.

dglvr

I'd invest in a good supersoaker with a nice, long range. Those kids will have a fun time explaining to their parents why they're coming back into the house all wet.

Then again, I'm not really a kid person.

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devoted2dobes

I agree on the privacy fence and cameras. It's not your job to provide your neighbors a false sense of security. You have to look out for your dobe. That's ridiculous that your neighbor's kids are doing that. It's animal cruelty and needs to be nipped in the butt right away. If it happens again I would call the cops. There needs to be some kind of punishment or they will continue to abuse animals. I'm sorry that you are having to deal with this.

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p8ballmom

OMG I would be beyond livid. My first reaction would have been to march over there and address it and point out the monsters. The next would be a phone call to the police and demand a cruelty to animal report and action taken on these monsters (Im sure you could still file one). I would take pics of the dings on your poor dog also. I would also save any vet bills you have and have the owners of the home pay.

If these monsters are willing to be cruel to a helpless animal can you imagine what they would do to a helpless school mate. They are bullies and need to know there are consequences to their behavior.

I feel so bad for the animals they do have as I would worry that they are being mistreated. If ever you are out of sight in your backyard I would always have my camera on video to ensure you get these monsters on tape.

stryker2

I know what I and most of us would want to do. But times have changed for the worst!
Privacy fence would be good. It does limit views. But you still might find crap in your yard. Cameras YES.
You already let the parents know, so next time I would call the police.

Fitzmar Dobermans

You could just do a privacy fence across the back and maybe one panel up the side then go back to a lower fence the rest of the way.

Kids can be stupid - but if you talk to them in a reasonable manner, most of them will stop. Make friends with them and introduce them to your dog.... I'd still put up the privacy fence at the back.

One of my criteria for both the house we have now and the last one was to not have any neighbors behind us. I have dogs that will bark and it is beyond annoying to be barked at when you are in your own back yard.... so I just avoid that. My back yard is fenced with split railing and wire, but I also have a smaller graveled dog run right off of my deck - they only run in the larger yard when I can go out with them.

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Sherryh

I was just going to ask where you are in Ky? that will tell if they are just being mean or stupid in their actions.......which could be both. 1. report this to the police. 2. Talk to the parents if you know who the kids are..3.Never leave your doberman unattended. If you see something your cell phone is a camera/video. Keep a watch out for your elderly neighbors they can be a great witness........report the abuse to the police if the kids are bothering them. It's time to take back your neighborhood.............we did and it's wonderful.....

missabaldwin

I would be furious. We went around the neighbor hood when we moved in (luckily only 2 houses with kids) and introduced Cato to as many of the neighbors as possible. Especially the 3 boys who live just 2 houses down. They (and their mom) just adore him after that.


I would say confronting the parents was the first step. And hopefully the last! But I would be fully prepared to report it to the police if it happens again. A good camera with a decent lens would be nice to catch them in the act and show to the police if needed.

Matt Vandart

Sounds like lord of the flies.....

Kids do stoopid stuff if the parents apologized I would say you are half way there. Most parents I have ever had to deal with are grade A idiots.
Good luck!

madmyk

I would be in a WOS if that were happening here.

That said:Get it on video, get the police involved. No breaks, no if, no buts. If the parents are not responsible enough to beat that behavior out of those kids, send them to jail/juvinile detention.

VZ-Doberman

Call the police and explain not only what happened but the medical problem your dog has. Then contact animal control and file a complaint and again explain the medical problem. Make it VERY PLAIN that if the dog is injured and requires vet care someone is getting a big vet bill and if they fight it, a trip to civil court.

This was cruelty and the kids being unsupervised.

I would let everyone know security cameras are being installed and any problems will result in charges.

spocksdad

I agree with Fitzmar about making friends with your neighbor kids and getting them to meet your dog. As I said in the 6/2012 thread, I think the reason the boys are taunting your dog is they are frightened of her and believe she might be vicious (Dobermans have been known to have that effect- thanks to bad PR in media)

Additionally, being in a group, the boys get that "gang mentality" to do things normally a single person wouldn't do. Why don't you conduct some training with Judah in the back yard and invite a few of the kids to watch. If the parents would agree, even have them participate. I think meeting your Dobie and seeing how smart and neat she is would turn them around!

(In addition to the positive approach I would still agree with the fence & camera installation as this would reinforce any reports you might make to authorities. If all else fails, you could start bite work protection training in your back yard like DT member TPerkins does in his front yard!)

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RedFawnRising

Are you seriously suggesting that beating children is the way to teach them compassion and empathy for animals?

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NINKOjIN

Oh, the things I would want to do... I already hate kids, so that would just put me over the edge for sure! What is WRONG with some people? I hope you can get it on tape "if" it happens again, and call the authorities. Grrrr!

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AlyssaN

This is exactly what I would do. As much as you want to give kids as well as parents the benefit of the doubt, you still need to be proactive. Don't take chances with a dog with VWD.

Also, I don't agree that the dog should be isolated from the good neighbours. If this is something the OP is comfortable with and the neighbours are all comfortable with, why take it away?