Barrier Frustration: Help for Fence Fighting, Leash Reactivity and Window Guarding #88

[@DogsThat]

Learn more about Crate Games > get.crategames.com/

[@lucindacoble286]

Susan, OMG every single thing you have ever said in a podie makes 💯 perfect sense, and seems obvious once you have said it. It's important for us to think critically about information we receive but I have NEVER thought 'hmmmm im not sure about that' about anything you have said. 💯 sense. ❤ your work, you are my guru. And next time don't sneak into Australia 🇦🇺 make a big fuss so we know you are come and we can book. 😁

[@katsim6799]

wow. I would not have thought of calling it "window guarding, but thats what my dog does. So Im trying to get her to recognize distance vs walking across my lawn when she should alert. She should NOT alert at people and dogs across the street in the park. Crazy dog.

[@cookieTUFFS]

The way Tater hops out of his hot zone is ADORABLE. 😍

[@heidipoage5918]

Wow! Total "aha" moment for me. We thought our dogs were having fun with each other through the fence and getting some exercise. After observing Betsy's T.E.M.P. while she ran the fence it was obvious that this was not the case. I've talked to the neighbors and closed off the dog door. I will manage it while I train. Thank you for opening my eyes!

[@marilyn8884]

Thank you so much! I really need this.

[@WollongongSkyWatch]

For 13+yrs I've had 2/3, now 4, maltese terriers attacking the fence, and I do mean attacking; scratching, clawing, growling etc whenever I am in my yard. I put metal panels all along the fence, to no avail. The barking is off the chart and to the point where the other neighbour has called the police and They have used a sound weapon on the dogs - yes, it's that bad! These dogs can be heard whining when they hear me outside with my dogs, then the owner lets them out! I suppose it's good distraction work for my dogs who are quite immune to the racket. I feel bad for those little dogs. No one interacts with them in a positive way from what i see and hear.

[@functionalfloridalandscaping]

I wish I learned these techniques 2 years ago! I have a VERY high energy bulldog/husky/golden mix who is ECSTATIC about other dogs. He goes bonkers at the fence and with any dog that shows interest on our walks. He has gotten out of the fence on 3-4 occasions, thankfully never harming a dog but scaring their owners half to death. He play tackles, chases, etc, and I am concerned he is going to run into a not so friendly dog one day who is not okay with his antics. At this point, trainers are telling me to resort to using an E-collar since he is such a challenge, which has its place, but it does not truly teach the dog what to do with his emotions/tension, etc. I have yet to train with a head leader and I am really interested in trying the doorframe technique. Thank you so much for these tidbits!

[@world-travel-bears]

Thank you so much for the great explanation, Susan. I’ve been watching your KZbin, listening to pod cast, joined Crate games and home school the dog. You made my dog and my life so much happier. ❤️💗

[@dottynarvaez2622]

Yes, lots to digest in this video. First I live in an area where no dog is outside without a leash…so most of his issue as people/dogs are walking past the house either in the back of my house or in front. Will listen to this video some more and work on how to manage this

[@leilasesmero5910]

I am currently working on barrier frustration. Humans are even more frustrated than the frustrated dogs. No easy solutions.Thanks Susan!

[@Shananana99]

Wishing I had then introduced to each other when the neighbors dog was younger. They have no fence so their dogs are constantly at my gate barking. I currently have a shade cloth covering the gate when Im home now so they can’t see each other and that has helped a lot. I wish Fl laws about pets were different. The humans can get away with so much neglect its sad.

[@daveroutley540]

He Susan Thank you. My dog has a problem with a dog on one side and the neighbors on the other side. With a pvc fence Sam has learned he can pop the fence boards by jumping at the fence. I will be working your advise. Thank you. These pod casts all have great information.

[@amyfinley6295]

I wish I had learned this a year and a half ago. My girl has been barking at the neighbors since she was a pup. I didn't think a thing of it, but now she seems more aggressive with her fence barking than just entertaining herself. (palm in face) Now I have soooo much more work to do with her.

[@islandhunde-steinunns-kennel]

Great advices! 👍👍👍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@sandrachatelain4296]

This is timely for me. Thank you for the techniques to help solve this.

[@karenkearney755]

Thank you so much. My dog needs this!

[@hdz6894]

Wow you’re really good 👍 covering all points

[@carynrobson7299]

Thank you Susan. YOYI has really helped my foster improve his door manners. 😁👍❤

[@samanthaputnam6663]

This was brilliant thank you 😊

[@nursejacquie1975]

Thank you for great video. II have a 10 mo old rescue Shihtzu and for reference I am wheelchair confined. I rely on my fenced back yard for dog to exercise. I have a wrought iron fence and HOA will not allow a privacy fence. I have a new neighbor with a dog who has free range of their backyard all day. My dog barks at the fence and it seeme to be curiosity. I am at my wits end and will try the things you suggested but with limited mobility it's difficult. I am wondering if I did the dog a disservice by adopting him with my physical limitations but he was wasting away in a bad situation.

[@wendylevine5166]

This is a problem that I have been trying to solve with my dog. My backyard side fence is right next to the community sidewalk. This is the strategies that I have been looking for. Thank you so much, Susan!

[@zanelevundla5829]

Omw! Susan, you are the best... you have saved my life and my dogs life and the world is a better place because of you... thank you.

[@michellegauthier6596]

Thank you, Susan! I think this is what my dog is having some challenges with, in a way. We live in an apartment, and she will bark from the moment I open the door until a little after we get outside. Bad enough that her bark is rather shrill, but the hallway echoes something fierce! This episode has given me some great ideas to work with.

[@christinerichard804]

Thank you Susan for the advice on fence fighting. Ii will definitly be trying this approach.

[@ej5235]

This has a name!! Thank you, another little gem that will improve mine and my dogs life x

[@sovaydesitges]

Wonderful podcast! Btw your hair looks fabulous!

[@dogsrgodsspelledbackwards3340]

Wow. I just had this same talk with a lady who has a yr old bc and she says what a gem of a dog. Then said how she rides and has this dog running alongside her. When it sees other dogs she reacts and goes batty. Not my wording. Says fence fighting, showing aggressive behaviour when walking by other dogs etc. I could haven’t had even guessed you’d do a KZbin about this. So glad you did and even more glad I saw it and watched. I’m going to give her a hand with this and know she’ll do ok . The one thing that did surprise me was that she intends on having this dog live outdoors, but lots of walks. I now think there will be more issues arise as dogs get bored and do dog stuff people don’t appreciate. For the time being, I am going to do some digging (not in the dirt) and see if there are crate games or hot zone games that she may help bring the dog inside. As usual, a great topic.

[@maureenloughney3417]

I have all of these problems with my adult Aussie. She barks at every noise outside the front door, gets agitated when certain dogs pass by on walks and is now fence running since our neighbor got a Border Collie who runs the fence and barks. Ugh. But I'm going to work really hard on your techniques and hopefully solve some of it at least. I truly appreciate all you do and your expertise. I have almost watched or listened to every podcast, joined Home School and have done crate games with my current dogs, which they love! Thanks so much.

[@samandrew8158]

Very helpful info here, thank you!!

[@maxinewongsee4307]

We have a problem with Cody being reactive when he is on a leash at, of all places, obedience training! He will lunge out at a particular dog. This has given me some ideas on how to manage the situation, thank you.

[@nancyhooper1742]

Awesome podcast and going to work on this too. Always can do better. So glad I found you a couple years ago. My bosties and my life are so much better I can't praise you enough 🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@ZZ_Trop]

My two new rescue dogs are amazing and obedience/loose leash has been a breeze but this fence fighting is hard! They're not reactive to much else other than when that jingle starts, then they go nuts.

[@ZZ_Trop]

It's so hard to stay calm and not run out clapping while screaming but you're really only telling them "YEAH, let's f*ck sh*t up! Let's GO! FIGHT!".

[@asfasdfadf9820]

Great stuff!

[@debbiemyres3670]

Lol! I have seen everyone one of these reaction. You nailed it. I just moved and the neighbor dog is male and has barrier frustration bad. I think he stay anxious. My dog female tries to ignore but is nosey and helpful to tear dog the barrier. She is used to dog parks and loves to play. But the neighbors dog has not played with others. I don't know what to do. I just keep telling my dog to stop and leave it. She is obeying alot but I catch her occasionally sniffing. I am thinking of a pvc pipe. I am in the meantime bringing her in if I catch her. She does not like it and she trains well that way.

[@kristinamk3800]

Thank you SG ... we have 3 fence lines with dogs that are not interested in a playful puppy so she has now escalated in line with their reactions and this has come at a time where I have felt trapped in the house wondering what to do. Thank you!

[@selenarandall1338]

Watched this one again because springtime in Manitoba brings all kinds of new challenges outside - the windows are open and the birds are singing, people are walking their dog in the neighbourhood (who knows what they did all winter), and the quads and motorcycles are out being raced up and down. Our pup started window running… So our work these past few days has been to shape the behaviour I want when he notices these distractions outside… I’ve been playing birdsong all day and just ignoring it - he’s ignoring it now and hopefully won’t wake my husband at dawn. I’ve played motor cycle and quad sounds and we’ve been playing ball to shape the behaviour of play when we hear these noises and it’s working. He brought me a ball when he heard a quad go by… Work in progress but I have high hopes I can remove the paper from the windows that’s stopping him from seeing outside and reducing his anxiety! Hoping that if I can shape the behaviour I want with the noises we can move on to visual triggers…

[@vickydimitriou6156]

This is great advice I’m going to do training when my puppy barks at the shovel & water sprinkler, I’ve called her put my hand out so she touches for treat but she goes back barking if I don’t take her away or stop. So this is a brilliant lesson for us to do together.

[@theveganteaspilled4742]

My dogs have been doing this for years have tried everything or so I thought. Will start doing this

[@tracymills3174]

Great training strategy! Thanks!!!

[@SoniaSaysSitDogTraining]

I have been following Susan for many years and just love your presentation style. Really enjoyed this video. Thank you for everything you do for dogs around the world!

[@sandrineroure6225]

bonjour merci Susan Garret pour cette vidéo qui m'a fait prendre conscience de certaines choses concernant les aboiements, vous etes formidable !

[@DogsThat]

Merci beaucoup, Sandrine ! ❤️

[@pascaleburnet7583]

I do not have a fence problem, more like my pup is loosing it when he sees another dog while on a walk... Another great lesson. Thanks Susan and team.

[@Schachtens]

Same issue, same exercises.

[@sandegeorge542]

Wish I’d know this years ago. My spaniel did fence fighting with neighbor’s German Shephard. On day the shephard got out and attacked my dog. She didn’t make it. Fence fighting is not “playing”.

[@azogal53]

This podcast deserves a couple of looks and reviews! We don't have a fenced yard so no fence fighting, but with Susan's broader definition, well, I can see some room for improvement. Fortunately, she has given us all the tools we need to turn barrier frustration around. I particularly like "Winner's Circle!" I mean, who wouldn't want to say that to their dog? Leash walking is where our focus will be, even though my dog is not too bad, I can definitely see ways to improve. I also like Susan's beginning statement about being concerned and acting on our dog's emotions. When you don't know what to do , it is too easy to ignore them! Thanks! Another 5-vegan-freshly baked-chocolate-chip-cookie-review for Shaped by Dog!

[@dianaosman7585]

Thank you for another very clear and helpful podcast. Really great!

[@windywilliamson5069]

I have been using the look at that game one of Leslie McDevitt pattern games and Your reinforcement zone

[@brineyx3]

Thanks!

[@kskier22]

Great video! I cant wait to try these exercises! Do you have a video or additional suggestions for crate frustration? My dog has been trying to but our dog Walker through his crate for a year now. We are looking for a new dog Walker but it's hard to find someone willing to open the kennel while he is fiercely barking and chomping at the handles of the crate. He's fine with us but not other people we have learned.

[@DogsThat]

Thank you! The best for helping your dog love their crate is Susan's Crate Games: get.crategames.com/

[@tzoofnakar6170]

Yet again, thank you! I have a quick question. Fot the past two months for my dog (1 year old not neutered male) the trigger is other dogs along the walks, so as suggested it is managed, and I try to walk him in different hours to reduce the unwanted meetings, but we cant control the surrounding of course so once on a while it happens. But, does the approach suggested here apply to our situation? How should I practice meeting the trigger on walks? Thanks again for the brilliant FUN ideas ❤❤

[@tantapeach5490]

Where is the fear podcast again as want names of the books. My Assistant dog in Training yesterday had a terrible fear response to a friend of ours plus I want to learn more thank you.

[@DogsThat]

Susan's Fearful Dogs Help KZbin Playlist with the fear Podcasts can be found here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKvUe5qKacmMeJI (Julie - DogsThat Team)

[@katherinecollmer1094]

I wonder how I could apply this to a window boundary in the home. Win can get absolutely manic and run into the window when there’s a dog and sometimes just people walking by. I’d appreciate some advice so I can formulate a plan for me to implement vs. getting the help of a behavioralist trainer. Thank you.

[@DogsThat]

Hi Katherine, the same reorientation towards you could be at the window.

[@TheLucybme]

Katherine, were you able to get these techniques to work at the window? I have watched this episode numerous times and am still struggling with how to implement it given that I have no control over when someone happens to walk their dog past my apartment. I've also tried window clings (the top recommendation I received on the Recallers Facebook page) and that was an epic fail. I am so frustrated I'm in tears -- if you have any experience that could help, I could really use some encouragement. I have yet to hear a single story of someone getting their dog to stop attacking the windows and what steps worked for them. thank you!

[@katherinecollmer1094]

@@TheLucybme yes! We have had an incredible amount of success. Are you enrolled in Recallers or Home School the Dog? I can help but the coaches there can assess your situation. They helped me to create a plan. If not, I’ll try to help for sure.

[@TheLucybme]

@@katherinecollmer1094 We are in Recallers yes. The problem I'm having is that I can't predict or control the window triggers.

[@katherinecollmer1094]

@@TheLucybme oh I have the exact same issue. Trust me🤗. Go on the Chat tab and scroll down to Video Lounge. In there you will find the complete thread from my day 1 till a month or so ago that can give you a start for some answers and questions to ask the coaches. I’d suggest you start your own thread after you’ve read mine so that you can get 1:1 communication from the coaches. Believe me, you will feel my frustration in the first few posts and you’ll know that I understand your feelings. I’m on vacation right now so I don’t have access to my computer or else I’d talk you through some of it. But please do go find the thread, It’s titled” Barrier Frustration Day 2, I think, or something like that. You can also search for either barrier frustration or my name. I’ll be back home on the weekend. Please feel free to contact me!!

[@thezensationaldog2708]

How do you resolve barrier aggression/resource guarding of and in the crate, for those dogs that want to whip around and really go at the door or even the person? Also what if food is a super arousal trigger for the dog? (a Heeler with many arousal triggers...toys ,dogs, small animals, anything food/food bowl/food bag related). Frustration leads to biting, even when being touched. I hope you can help!

[@DogsThat]

Hi @The Zensational Dog, we have a full playlist for reactivity and aggression: kzbin.info/aero/PLphRRSxcMHy0Tbd6ZybIXgJk3mtpBLLk7

[@thezensationaldog2708]

@@DogsThat Thank you so much!!

[@cinnie2543]

Just what I needed. I'm desperate to train my new 10 year old dog before the neighbors hate me.

[@YA-qo7xq]

Yet again ... 😍😍

[@nesebsen3779]

I will work on that. I was doing it but half of it. Asking my dog to sit while I'm opening the gate and going other side and ask him to sit again. The stranger thing is for me that after we walk and come back to our backyard door and ask him to sit, he sits immediately and starts itching. What is this? Saying mommy, I'm listening but I will do with my way? Since he is 3 months old, our street has many barking dogs, and he was so good at that he was not barking back to any of them. Right now, cross the street, our neighbor has a guest dog in his back yard. They are barking each other middle of the night, morning. I will do what you suggest. (Not allowing repeating this behavior)

[@DogsThat]

I would work on Crate Games more. You "asking" to sit shouldn't be required, you should only need to touch the gate, and then in the dog's mind "game on" should click. Scratching can be a sign of anxiety so always looking to making anything we ask be more joyful for the dog to want to respond.

[@chalva290]

My dog and the neighbors dog race each other back and forth through a fence. They aren't barking or growling. The neighbor dog looks for mine and when she is on the way over they start running the length of fence ahead of mine. They do this a few times then they are done . Sniff eachother through the fence or pee and move on . Does that qualify as fence fighting? It may help to know that they didn't do this until we were fostering a dog that loved to be chased during playtime. The neighbor dog saw this and started to run too. Now it is a habit they have when they are outside together. But it's like 3 times back and forth max and they are done.

[@DogsThat]

@chalva290 That is a great question. Susan addresses this briefly in the podcast. Basically she suggests that it might look like harmless fun, but running along the fence can increase arousal and sometimes escalate into more intense behavior. She recommends to watch for any changes in their focus or energy to prevent issues. (Julie - DogsThat Team)

[@tonifonseca9178]

I guess I'm confused because I noticed the last video that I watched that I commented on. We weren't giving them treats. Now we are.

[@jamiemcconnellk9ps]

I really like this video. I do have one concern though: the head halter. If a dog is lunging and getting hyper aroused, isn't this a recipe for a neck injury? I appreciate any feedback. Thank you!

[@DogsThat]

Hi Jamie, Susan has a podcast about head halters and her approach, here's the link for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4nUqo2Prbagg7M

[@kswas2784]

I get the leash reactivity and fence fighting and how to manage those but our dog has the window guarding issue and our house has two large bay windows in front with an open floor plan so we can't just cut her off from those windows. How do we approach managing this? (BTW - loved your Recallers course!)

[@roryl5942]

But how do you keep the dog from barking at other dog on the other side of fence?

[@FortheLoveofDogsNY]

Hi, What do you suggest I do about... (1) when other dogs start barking at the fence when she enters the dog park. (2) when I take her to a friend's house for a play session but random people and dogs walk by the front fence and she goes NUTS! I try to get in between her and the object on the other side of the fence. I can't catch her and pull her away as she runs from me and back and forth along the fence.

[@janeranke1737]

I spend a lot of time working in the yard and I like my dogs to be out with me - but they bark at EVERYONE outside the fence. How do I correct this behavior?

[@klnm59]

You used a term 'red lining' that I've never heard before but you didn't explain what it means. Subsequently I didn't understand a good portion of what you were talking about. Can you please provide a definition for the term please?

[@DogsThat]

Hi @klnm59, Susan has a blog post with a video that covers the term red lining: susangarrettdogagility.com/2019/01/understanding-your-dogs-triggers/

[@abigailtidwell1522]

Is there a way to get your dogs to learn that the backyard is also not a time to continually eat bunny poop? They become like little children in a candy shop that all training goes out the window. I want to be able to train/have fun in the backyard with them, but the focus is all gone because of bunny poop

[@pamkamuchey3993]

My dog barks and runs back and forth red lining while in our backyard when people, dogs, joggers or bikes go by. However… when she is on the other side of a fence with a dark barking at her, she looks up at me in reinforcement zone and completely ignores the barking dog behind the fence. ????? Why can’t she maintain control in her own backyard when the path behind our home is 50 feet away?

[@haleyheffley2501]

Do you have any contacts for dog behaviorist in NJ? I live in southern NJ, and I’ve had 0 success finding any positive reinforcement trainers. The “positive reinforcement” trainers I’ve found still just use collar corrections or worse, bribery techniques. There was a trainer recommended to me that I was excited to research. I quickly discovered that in all of his training pictures, the dogs had e-collars on. I was originally looking for a unique training to help me with positive gundog training, and now im just looking for a behaviorist to help me work through some reactivity issues that have developed. I understand these are issues that I missed coping with earlier on. I was following a gundog training program that was “positive training.” I read Mike Stewart’s material and later discovered a trainer Jeremy Moore of DogBone Hunter. I thought I was going the positive route. Gun dog trainers and buddies of my husband’s thought I was ridiculous for trying that method- those men all use aversion training, e-collars, and force fetch. The thought of taking pliers to my dog’s ear was disgusting to me and was never going to happen. I have a background in marine science and animal training working with seals and in dolphin stadiums. This is why positive reinforcement more aligned with my views. However, I followed the gun dog training program that used chain collars and corrections. It was the mentality that “you’re going to do what I say because I said it… and you should respect me.” After attending a training workshop in Wisconsin and still not making progress, on top of not having fun with my dog, I started researching new techniques. The programs and types of training worked for the people at the workshop, but training a poodle is much different than a lab I’ve seen. I know things need to be fun and short lessons. I found homeschool the dog during Covid and started incorporating games into training. It has made my relationship much better, but there are issues I feel I need professional help with to progress that I allowed to develop… with following the other techniques. I told my husband I have put the “waterfowl retrieving” on the back burner and simply just want to work past reactivity to other dogs and vehicles. My husband’s friends make comments that they knew I would get a poodle to hunt, but I don’t focus on their negativity. I told my husband if that’s his focus, he can get another dog and let his buddy’s train that dog with a collar. People keep forcing the idea that I need a collar to correct my dog’s behaviors and get her to listen to me when she’s retrieving at distances. I’m firm with that’s never happening though. I apologize for the novel. Once I started typing I couldn’t stop. I have a tremendous backstory with my 2.5 year old standard poodle. I’ve been searching and searching for a professional I can work with, and it’s disheartening when people scoff when I ask for positive reinforcement trainers and behaviorist. Any recommendation are greatly appreciated!

[@DogsThat]

Hi Haley, send a note to us at [e-mail] and we'll send you resources.

[@Whayoucallme]

This is super helpful in understanding barrier frustration - thank you. However my main challenge is that my dog isn't very food motivated so these games and strategies don't tend to work well. If I use play as a reward either a) again she isn't interested, or b) it puts her into a high arousal state. Any tips of how to approach this?

[@DogsThat]

Hi Rose, we have two videos to help you with the food motivation: - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpvMkoKvlM6Kr9k - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHaxoaiVZ8SsaJI

[@57colliegirl]

Using a spray bottle with water and vinegar discourages this behavior from my dog and the offending neighbor dog. My dog calms down to avoid the spray. She makes a better choice. My neighbor's dog initially provoked this aggression in my dog. The neighbor NEVER monitors their dog. I have already put up a lattice barrier over the chain link. My dog hates this dog . They gnash teeth and growl terribly at each other! My GS wants to please. But I prevent this behavior from escalating at all times. Sometimes I will take her out on a leash if I think she's hyped up at the door-- to prevent this behavior. When she listens and chooses to " leave it" she gets lots of happy praise and hugs and a couple of treats when we go inside.

[@lindamcclellan8434]

My husband started coaching my dog to chase squirrels. He thinks it,s hilarious….and so my dog thinks it’s okay to chase what ever he sees.

[@katherinecollmer1094]

Hi, I have another quick question. What is the purpose behind having the dog not only look back at me when he crosses the threshold, but also to come back inside or into the room? I notice that this seems to be a part of the introductory mechanics but not in the final stages. Thank you for any clarification you might be able to offer.

[@DogsThat]

Hi Katherine, would thinking of it as an extension of Crate Games help?

[@katherinecollmer1094]

@@DogsThat do you mean like “Yer Out, Yer In?” So that he is excited about coming back to me, like he’s excited about going back into the crate?? And then once he’s good at doing this from a distance, indicating that he wants to come back to me (as in a recall), then I can discontinue the part where he comes back inside? I’m trying real hard here, trust me!

[@DogsThat]

Hi Katherine, this would be an awesome question to post in Recallers where we can dive keep with you.

[@makinois]

hi how do you introduce client dogs into your dogs if the dog is showing frustration and excitement but friendly in nature? im drop out of recallers as I stopped mine interacting other dogs in the beginning, and tried to counter condition, she got worse as she is deprived. she is relaxed with familiar dogs as we always greet. is it ok to let safe neutral dogs interact occasionally in safe environment? or let her greet only when she is calm and let her ask for permission? i felt like creating frustration. please help.

[@DogsThat]

Hi MT, there are two videos to help. You can see an older puppy and younger puppy meeting in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKDCk6J-gLF7a6M And there are a lot of strategies in "Project Togetherness" kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWKaqWuflLaVb80

[@makinois]

@@DogsThat Thanks!! #24 also helps adult dogs and you don't have to work thru barrier. Help for the Dog who Chases Chipmunks, Bicycles, and the Neighbor’s Cat kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGrLiX6CeLBjeck

[@alexandrawhitelock6195]

Erect a visual barrier. Stop the fence frustration.

[@dottynarvaez2622]

Y ou really spell it and I wonder why didn’t I think of that