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Supreme Being
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 2/26/2010 9:27:01 PM
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| My dog is acting aggressively toward other dogs whenever they pass by. How can I get him to stop this fence fighting?
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Supreme Being
Group: Experienced Dog Owner
Last Login: 8/5/2011 10:39:15 PM
Posts: 3,705,
Visits: 1,089
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Fence fighting problems are stressful for dog owners. Concerns over a fight, angry neighbors and constant noise can drive you crazy. If he growls and makes a racket at nearly every dog that passes by, it’s time to work on the problem.
Provide More Exercise
Take your dog for more walks. For high energy dogs you should consider making the walk more valuable by using a dog backpack so he has to work harder. Extendable leashes provide more opportunity for him to run ahead (though they aren’t recommended if he pulls on the leash or is leash aggressive). A bike leash works too.
Provide More Socialization
Dogs that spend no time with other dogs become suspicious and aggressive toward the dogs they do see. Find friends for your dog and provide him with opportunities to enjoy their company.
Eliminate Unsupervised Time Outside
With exercise and socialization your dog will calm down. Until he does, eliminate unsupervised time outside. The more opportunities he has to fence fight, the stronger the habit becomes.
Manage the Schedule
Note times that there’s more neighborhood activity. Keep him inside when your neighbors are walking their dogs.
Ask your Neighbor
If he only has trouble with one or two neighborhood dogs, consider requesting that your neighbor not walk his dog by your yard. A polite request that they take a different route will often work.
Deny Access to the Fence
If there are certain spots that he always gets riled up at, try blocking his access to those areas. You can use a yard stake and line if you want to let him out in the yard but prevent him from reaching the fence.
Be Careful about What you Punish and What you Reward
Don’t yell at your dog when he engages in fence fighting. While you may think you’re correcting him, you’re actually strengthening his negative associations toward the other dogs. Conversely, don’t call him away from the fence when he’s acting aggressively and then immediately reward him, because then he’ll think you’re rewarding his good defense of the yard.
Instead, get his attention and instruct him to come here. Have him follow an obedience command and then reward him. Dog training is a wonderful tool for resolving these types of issues.
No Free Lunch
Throughout the day, make sure that you are following a “No Free Lunch” policy with your dog. Set and enforce clear house rules and do so consistently. Make him follow those and make him do something good before he gets a reward.
For tips on becoming a good pack leader for your dog, please click here.
Dogs that fence fight are also likely to...
Jonathan Dakins
Online Dog Training
Dog Academy Store
Email: jon@dogacademy.com
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