Dealing with neighbors?

[Bodo]

Not sure if this is the right forum for this question but here goes. Our pup is 16wks old and really likes meeting people. Problem is our next door neighbors. We have known them for years and I'm not sure how to handle this. Whenever they are outside and around our pup, they actually encourage him to jump up on them and even want to rough house with him. We have told them nicely we don't allow the jumping up and we'll use the leash or collar to get him to stop. Problem is it's like they don't even hear us or will even say "he's just a puppy and wants to have fun"! I'll come back with were trying to train him now to not jump up on people while he's little because were sure you wouldnt like it when he's 120lbs!! I mean it's like they don't or won't listen!! The man will even start roughing him up playfully thinking it is so fun, and I'll have to physically drag the pup away.(of course he love's it) I don't won't to hurt they're feelings or make them mad. We have got to the point that we try to see if they're outside before we take him out on leash, but sometimes they'll even come over in our yard when it's obvious we're working with him. How do we tactfully, without causing hard feelings, get our long time neighbors to cooperate?

[SABELLESMOM]

Originally Posted by Bodo

Problem is it's like they don't even hear us or will even say "he's just a puppy and wants to have fun"!

Say, "I know but he will soon be a 120lb dog, who can knock people over. He needs to learn now." Then either proceed keeping him from jumping, enlist their help in keeping him from jumping, or give them a game they can play, like fetch.

The man will even start roughing him up playfully thinking it is so fun, and I'll have to physically drag the pup away.(of course he love's it)

Keep physically dragging him away. I can't think of anything much here except perhaps substitute another game they can play, or something they can teach him. Sit perhaps?

How do we tactfully, without causing hard feelings, get our long time neighbors to cooperate?

It's hard, but better than the alternative... a neighbor who fears or hates the breed. When you see them coming, invite them to "watch" you train!

Tell them how easily the pup gets distracted and ask their co-operation. One of you bring out some lemonade and sit while the other trains. Take turns. And encourage them to "give it a try" from time to time.

Likely, they'll catch on to how serious this is for you and let you do what you need to do with your pup.

Do they have a dog? If so, enroll in a class together. It might be fun. Or you can always just go by yourselves, and save the practice for home.

And there's another thing. Who says all your training has to be at home? Dogs need to learn the same thing in many different environments. (situational learners) So make it different! Go to the park, up by a lake, down to a kids ball game. Do some training there. And have fun!

[JemarsSerena]

I have the same problem when it comes to my father and FIL. They both encourage Serena to jump up on them. They did the same thing with my last Rott Isabelle. But, As I was constantly training Isabelle not to jump, the two grandpas were the only people she jumped on. I think if you keep up your training your pup will learn what is appropriate and what is not.

[Rubyhead]

Bodo,
You might have to wait until the weather turns wet, then a muddy older puppy
won't be so cute jumping up and getting mud all over your neighbors and they will stop. And just as JemarsSerena said the pup will learn that they can't jump
on anyone, except the neighbors.....but I bet that won't last long.
good luck :->
Niki

p.s. on the other hand it is awfully annoying that they won't do as you ask them. It's not like they're family, who often don't listen!!!

[TR Young]

I would also let them know that this breed already has so many enemies and you are trying to raise a dog who will be a good representative of his breed. You want him to be able to be approached by people who are unsure of Rottweilers and have him be a perfect gentleman. Tell them that if they allow him to jump on them, he will think it is ok and he will try to do that with everyone and that will scare the crap out of them when he is an adult!