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Who let the Dog out?
twmjr
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
Background: our neighbors have a dog (I think it's a black lab? not a dog expert by any means). They are both out for most of the day. Most of the time, I don't see the dog at all during the day (I work from home and my office is in the front of the house). Today, he's found his way out -- looks like their side gate was left open without them realizing it. He seems very territorial -- barking at anyone/anything that comes anywhere near the property.
My question is, should I try to take some water over in his general direction? I sort of presume that whatever his normal situation is (we just moved in very recently so we're not well acquainted yet), if he got out he could get back in for a drink, but he hasn't left the area in the front of the house all morning. It's a pretty hot day today (going to hit 97), and I'd hate for something to happen to him while they're gone. I really don't know much about dogs so maybe my worry is misfounded? Figure someone on here might have a better idea if he could actually be in danger because of the heat. I'm not worried about him getting away or anything -- he doesn't seem interested in leaving the house at all and our neighborhood is extremely low traffic.
My question is, should I try to take some water over in his general direction? I sort of presume that whatever his normal situation is (we just moved in very recently so we're not well acquainted yet), if he got out he could get back in for a drink, but he hasn't left the area in the front of the house all morning. It's a pretty hot day today (going to hit 97), and I'd hate for something to happen to him while they're gone. I really don't know much about dogs so maybe my worry is misfounded? Figure someone on here might have a better idea if he could actually be in danger because of the heat. I'm not worried about him getting away or anything -- he doesn't seem interested in leaving the house at all and our neighborhood is extremely low traffic.
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You should contact the neighbor first and foremost before doing anything like that unless it's obvious that something needs to be done there.
I love dogs but approaching unfamiliar dogs comes with a lot of risks, and you don't know if this one is well socialized. If hes got no cover in the front yard and hes stuck, that might be an issue.
I wouldn't go near it. Either there's a doggy door somewhere in back of the house, or they normally leave the dog in the backyard. Either way, it probably has a water bowl somewhere it has access to. If not, I highly doubt the dog will die of thirst before its owners return home. It may be dehydrated, but otherwise fine. If the dog seems territorial, you're just asking to get bit by approaching it.
For future reference though, heres a handful of tips for recognizing their body language.
If the dog is looking you in the eye then he is challenging you, and if he isn't looking away or lowering his head then he isn't backing down.
Hackles (the area between the shoulders) raised means the dog is pissed and ready to fight.
Barking/growl barks don't neccessarily mean threat so much as the dog getting your attention.
Tail wagging means the dog is excited.
Tail between it's legs or cringing indicates fear/submissiveness.
That having been said, it might be worthwhile talking to your neighbor about their pooch so that you can be familiarized with him/her in case they get out of the yard and understand the specific temperment that they have.
Crouch down (IE making yourself smaller), and hold out your hand for the dog come to you and sniff. The dog will investigate your hand and get used to you being non threatening.
Grew up with a dog and this tip was always the best advice. This is what I always do when meeting a dog I haven't been introduced to before.
You sort of want to make a C with your hand and offer them the back of your hand rather than the palm of fingers directly
Totally understand not doing it if you're not a dog person though.
Yes -- can definitely be locked. Just kept an eye on him and he was fine until they got home -- I haven't had a chance to go over and see about getting to meet him but will use the advice about how to do that, too. Thanks all!