dog next door

[Guest Anonymous]

:-? I am worried because we have new neighbours and they have a massive dog called an Italian Spinone.
I have 3 daughters, one of whom was attacked by a dog when she was about 7 and has been damaged by the experience.
I dont want my neighbour to think Im anti dog because Im not, I just happen to be more of a cat person. I have several friends with lovely dogs and I understand how special their pets are to them. I like to be a good neighbour but Im worried about my daughter. I do work from home and wonder if I should expect much barking.
Ive never come accross a dog like this before.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks

[kendalyn]

If I were you I would go over there and make friends! :D Meet the dog for yourself. Explain your daughter's lingering fear of dogs to them. In all likelihood, the dog is friendly. Hopefully they are nice people who will understand. If the dog is gentle enough and good with children, maybe you could bring your girls over to meet the dog. This will help them be less afraid of it. I would definitly go over and talk to the owners though.

I looked up some info on the breed and each temperment description said they tend to be gentle and good with children and other dogs. Don't go only by this though as every dog is different. If it is well bred and well raised though, there shouldn't be a problem.

[ferky1]

I agree with the two pieces of advice that you have gotten so far. Instead of automatically thinking that these new neighbors will be a bad thing (frightening your daughter, barking, etc.), see how things play out and hope for the best.

Odds are that your neighbors will be nice people who have a wonderful, loving dog and who will understand the natural fears of children when around such a large dog. Just think, this may be your best opportunity to get your child over her fear. I would never force a child or dog into a situation where they didn't feel comfortable, but if the time is right and if the dog turns out to have the right temperament, he could really be a blessing. There is something about a large, hulking dog that is a big softy and loves children. . . .

While breeding and upbringing play a huge part, a quick, 5 minute search on the web uncovered these generic references to the Italian Spinone (aka Italian Griffon):

"Extremely intelligent, happy, upbeat and enthusiastic, the Spinone Italiano is a pleasant, easy-going breed. . . Never bossy or whiny (unless constantly ignored), this gentle soul loves children - those he knows and those he does not."

"The Spinone's grumpy appearance contrasts with its gentle and affectionate disposition. It has a great capacity for learning and the desire to satisfy its master most completely. Very sociable, courageous, loyal and an excellent companion."

"The Italian Spinone is know for its calm, docile, demeanor, making them a great addition to any family. They are very gentle dogs with great amounts of loyalty and compassion to give to their owner."

[Guest Anonymous]

I have to say I agree with what you've already been told. Just go introduce yourself to your neighbors. Let them know your concerns about ANY dog and your daughter. I would try not to make them feel defensive about their dog just because he's large. Although most people who own big dogs know peoples fear of them. I have 2 St. Bernards , 1 grown and 1 puppy, and for me personally people who are a little put off by their size don't bother me. But not everyone is like me. See if you can meet their dog and go from there. If he's gentle and sweet eventually you could introduce your daughter to him. I agree with others that said not to force the situation. But if they're good dog owners they'll understand your concerns and hopefully try to allieve (sp?) them.

[Queen Bitch]

I too was attacked when I was younger, so I can sympathize. I recently met several Spinoni. Oh my lord are they sweet! They have such soulful, almost human eyes. They also aren't too common here in the US. ( I'm assuming that is where you are? My bad if it's not.) The likelyhood of them being bad tempered substandard dogs is relatively low. That being said, the best way to find out is, as already stated, is to meet with your neighbor and express your concerns. Just remember, no child should be left alone with any dog, for the safety of both of them.

Those kids can be vicious! :lol:

[DogPaddle]

Do you and the new neighbours have a fenced yard?
As for barking, I would think they might be some during the day but likely quiet at night. In my experience most of my neighbours dogs make no more noise than my neighbours kids - which is not at all to say the make none :lol: In fact I have one set of neighbours who seem to delight in having their children play right outside my open window early morning on weekends. :roll:
I would talk to them, mention your daugters fears, they will likely show caution around her. Once she is used to the idea of this large dog living near her maybe move on from there if the neighbours and the dog seem amenable.

[courtnek]

I agree with all that has been said. Excellent advice from everyone, and especially the thought that if this dog lives up to the breed standard, is a big lumpy loveable goofball, this might be the best thing for your daughter.

When I was learning to ride a horse, the trainer always said "If you get thrown, you pick yourself up and get right back on!" when asked why?
you would want to do that, he said "Because if you dont, you will never want to ride again. If you let the fear set in, it's much harder to get rid of."

I, of course, got thrown...repeatedly, and learned to get over the fear and became an excellent rider. The same can be said for your daughter.
The fear has already set in, but in the presence of a gentle, loving dog she may be able to get over it and learn to like dogs. I have a question for you though, and this is important. I know you said you are not anit-dog, but do you also fear them, because of what happened to your daughter?

If that's the case, you'd be best off becoming friends with this dog yourself, first, before introducing your daughter. The more comfortable you are with him, the less stress you will show when your daughter meets him. Kids pick up on these things fairly quickly. If you're afraid, she definitely will be too.

Hope that helps.

:)