How to Stop Dog Barking at Other Dogs Through Fence
How to stop dogs barking at other dogs through the fence is a common problem many of us have faced. It drives you crazy, and you probably also worry about your relationship with your neighbors. And what happens if you do nothing, and eventually they meet this other dog without the fence in the way??
Well, worry no longer, because this is a normal issue that has some very well-known causes — and solutions. So sit back and keep reading, because in this article we’ll fill you in on what’s happening, and give you the exact way to stop dogs barking through the fence!
How to Stop Your Dog from Barking at Other Dogs Through the Fence
To stop your dog from barking at other dogs through the fence:
- If both dogs are otherwise friendly, arrange for them to meet somewhere neutral, like at the dog park. Take things slow and do not force things if either dog is aggressively barking.
- Work on a recall command with your dog. This way, your dog will return inside at your command whenever they engage in territorial barking.
- Practice a calm, quiet, or sit/stay command. Success with these can allow you to let your dog stay outside even if other dogs are out.
But when your dog is barking at other dogs through the fence, they are displaying dominant aggressive behavior which will make learning any of these commands difficult. Introductions to other dogs will also still continue to be a problem. By addressing the behavioral issue first, you’ll be able to teach all of these commands and end other problems too.
Let’s cover how to do that now.
Right now, your dog is not respecting your leadership. When your dog is barking at other dogs through the fence, they are doing so to defend their territory and everyone who inhabits it. Obviously, that means you too.
And while that might seem harmless, that’s essentially them saying to you “I am in charge here, and I am in charge of protecting the both of us.” This may just sound like they’re being a good guard dog, but it is not. Your dog can continue to be a wonderful protector while still respecting your leadership and commands.
Show your dog that you are in charge and that you are a capable leader, and you’ll stop territorial barking and other related issues you may be having like dog aggression, pulling on the leash, and marking behavior.
“Perfect. But how do I do that?”
Well, the great news is that this is pretty easy to accomplish when you have the right instruction. And I’m of the view that this sort of thing is best learned by watching rather than reading because you can see exactly what you should be doing — and teaching — to your own dog.
That’s why I’d recommend an excellent free video series on just this subject — how to be your dog’s pack leader — by a renowned trainer named Dan. In it, he’ll show you (in only 100% humane and loving ways) how to prove to your dog that you are in charge. Do so, and you’ll stop your dog barking through the fence at other dogs, plus much more.
Start watching Dan’s free training series now by clicking here. And don’t worry if you’re not experienced with this type of thing, because he’s made these videos for regular people like you. He makes everything very clear and easy to teach to your own dog, and he gets right to the point so you can start seeing real results in a hurry.
Why Do Dogs Bark at Other Dogs Through the Fence?
Dogs bark at other dogs through the fence because they are being territorial. Remember that dogs are descended from wolves, and as such will feel very protective over “their area.”
When your dog barks at the neighbor’s dog through the fence, they are trying to enforce these boundaries, and warn the other dog (and anyone else) to stay away. Your dog will bark more, and bark more aggressively if the other dog gets closer.
If you don’t address your dog barking at other dogs through the fence, even just seeing another dog may be enough for your dog to begin going absolutely nuts. And if they meet without the fence, your dog may attempt to bite the other dog.
Will Bark Collars Stop My Dog from Barking Through the Fence?
Bark collars will not stop your dog from barking through the fence. How bark collars work varies, with some spraying citronella, some shocking the dog, and some emitting a sound only the dog can hear.
Regardless of the method the bark collar uses, they are known to work poorly at getting your dog to stop barking through the fence or at other things. They also range from slightly to very cruel, so you should avoid them completely.
Any temporary benefit you may think you see from using a bark collar on your dog will be minor. And you’ll have the negative side effects of ruining your dog’s trust in you and creating other more serious behavioral problems.
Do not use bark collars of any type to stop a dog from barking at other dogs through the fence (or anything or anyone else). Behavioral training is proven effective and humane. Go back to the first section for more on how to do that.
Will My Dog Grow Out of Barking at Other Dogs Through the Fence?
Your dog will not grow out of barking at other dogs through the fence. While barking may decrease after a dog has reached one or two years of age, it will still continue if not addressed properly through behavioral training.
I’m sure you’re eager to see these changes in your dog so I’ll let you get started. Good luck, and thank you for reading our article “How to Stop Dog Barking at Other Dogs Through Fence!”
