I moved out a couple of years ago but recently moved back in with my parents due to financial reasons. During the time I was away, my parents got a big dog who they neglect and keep in the yard all day. They never trained him or socialized him. They don’t take him on walks or play with him. He barks and growls at everyone who passes by the house. All they do is yell at him. I’ve asked countless times why they even got the dog if they weren’t going to bother properly training or taking care of him, but they don’t have a response.
I’ve been living in my parents’ house for 3 weeks now, and the dog still growls and barks at me. I don’t feel safe or comfortable even leaving my room because of how fearful and aggressive he acts. I feel terrible for this dog, who deserves a loving family that will actually take the time and effort to train him and give him the mental stimulation and physical exercise he needs. I suggested rehoming him, but my parents refuse. It’s selfish and irresponsible, and I’m just so angry and frustrated and don’t know what to do.
Call your local humane society or animal control. They might have suggestions. Decades ago they weren’t much help when I had two neighbors who didn’t take care of their dogs, but I’ve heard they’ve improved.
What area do you live in? I would see what types of rescues are in the area; they all have Instagram pages and will likely respond if you reach out. Have you been able to pet the dog at all? This is 100% abuse, and it doesn’t really matter at this point what your family wants; you need to do right by this dog. This is no way to live.
Maybe at first just go ‘be’ with the dog. See how comfortable he is with your presence. Don’t make too much eye contact. Sit down like 20 feet away. Bring treats but don’t try to just give them to him. Keep them in your pockets and he’ll smell 'em. I hope you two can become friends. Please seek non-shelter options. Jailing the dog is a LAST resort.
Report them to animal control. You can do so anonymously, so you aren’t named. Say you’re a concerned neighbor who’s been lunged at, growled at, etc. And that this dog has very clearly not been trained or socialized, left in the yard by itself all day and night, and you believe it’s dangerous. They’ll send someone to investigate.
He’s probably terrified… What breed is he? Do some research. What’s his name? Find out his favorite snacks or place to scratch. Good luck and sounds like your parents suck.