Am I spoiling my Neighbors dog, is this a bad idea?

Question

The neighbor dog somehow manages to get through the fence.

The first time she came over, she was actually kind of scared of me, but as soon as I threw the frisbee, we were friends.

(maybe that was a mistake).

Then for a while she would come over almost every evening.

We would play and then she would just sit on my back deck, hoping I would come out again, but she didn't whine much or anything.

The neighbor does fix the fence, when he knows how she is getting through, but she figured it out again, and she is back.

So I played catch with her for about 30 minutes, and now she is at my door just whining.

We play catch through the fence as well sometimes, she pushes her toy under the fence and I throw it over for her.

But when we play that way, at least I can quit when I want.

If I go out and play again, while she is whining, will I be training her to whine until she gets her way?

Can this "ruin" any training she is getting from her owners?

I don't know that much about dogs, but I would not want to undo any training her owners are giving her, or spoil her too much.

I am too shy to actually talk to my neighbors (although I did once knock on their door to return her collar when it somehow ended up on my porch). I don't even think they are home right now, all the lights are out.

Answer 1

Maybe your playing with the dog is good.  The dog and YOU enjoy it.  Maybe talk to the neighbor and asks him/her if they mind you playing with the dog.

Answer 2

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Answer 3

Just kidnap the dog and find it a better home. Honestly, they aren't home right now and the dog is out?! I'd be irate. Poor dog sounds very sweet and she's stuck with a**holes for owners. Why'd they get a dog to begin with?

Answer 4

I think you are being a really good friend to the dog. She is obviously looking for some human interaction, and it is great that you give her that.

I think you should introduce yourself to your neighbors though. They are probably nice people, so you will make some new friends too and get to schedule regular play sessions with their dog. Perhaps you could ask your mom to go with you? Maybe that would make things a bit easier.

I would not give in to her when she whines. Just wait for her to stop, even just for a short while. When she does, praise her, and play with her. You can also teach her some simple commands, e.g. sit, and ask her to do a sit for your first before you start playing. This will help with bonding and teach her how to ask nicely for a play session.

Answer 5

There are so many reasons why this dog is always getting out. There is a good chance that she does not get the love and affection that you are giving her at her current residence, in turn, causing her to come visit you. I would not worry too much about her 'training' unless she is a show dog or a working dog.

I know its tough to walk over and talk to a neighbor you dont know. When you get the chance it would benefit you, your neighbor, and the dog to communicate with them if you are concerned about this.

With your luck they just might decide that since you are having so much fun with her they might just give her to you! (you never know)

In my own opinion I dont find anything wrong with what you are doing as long as there is no dangerous streets around for her to get hit by a car. In a slight way you are encouraging her to escape because you do play with her outside her fence. Its hard for her though because she obviously does not get it at home and they are not properly keeping her enclosed on the property.

Hope everything works out and I didnt ramble on......

Answer 6

I would ask your neighbors to take her on playdates but I would stop doing this as you may agravate your neighbors.

You are definitly giving the cute dog a reason to go through that fence and she will keep on trying.

I would ignore her next time she is peeking through the fence at you... but ask your neighbors if you can take her for playdates.

Answer 7

Yes to both questions, try asking your neighbor if you can take care of the dog when they are not there.

Answer 8

Sounds like they don't give the dog any exercise and she thoroughly  looks forward to doing those activities with you. Your concern is worth discussing with your neighbor. You may be shy but this is an opportunity to meet your neighbors. They might be pleased that you're not yelling at their dog.

Answer 9

How about asking the neighbours if you can come into their yard to play with the dog? That way maybe the dog won't try so hard to get through the fence. Read a little about dog training and you can find ways to discourage the dog from coming through the fence or whining for attention, because you're right that if the dog finds that whining gets her something she wants, she'll keep doing it. Your neighbours either don't have time to give the dog as much play as she would like, or they don't know or care about giving their dog enough to do. And then there are dogs who just never get enough of whatever it is.