Barking question...

[heathea]

Okay, I am completely at a loss. This isn't a "huge" deal, but it seems to be a bit stressful.
My 2 dogs bark at my neighbors. They have since we moved in. They generally listen to me, however esp. with my "left" neighbors it seems to be escalating. When we first moved in I provided dog biscuits for them to meet the neighbors, it all went pretty well except my "left" neighbors were pretty scared and didn't do very well. they have no interest in meeting the dogs again. I have tried teaching ignore, which works when I am out there with them, but if they are out there alone (we are talking for the 15-20 minutes when they are peeing and playing and I am watching out a window) they fling themselves at the fence.
I know the 'solution' would be to build a privacy fence, but that is approx. $3000 and well out of my price range so I was wondering if anyone had any ideas.
Thanks,
Heather

[Melissa Brunoehler]

Hi Heather~ Sounds like your dogs view your neighbors as weirdos that are too close to their yard. We can work on changing your dogs’ perception of the “weirdos”.
Next time the left neighbors are outside take your dogs out on leash. Bring your dogs to the middle or right side of the yard & immediately feed them really yummy treats. Continue to feed them until the neighbors go inside or until you bring the dogs in. Practice this often, gradually moving closer to the left side of the yard. You may see results really quickly or it may take days(or longer). But they will eventually associate your neighbors with good things.

Okay, I am completely at a loss. This isn't a "huge" deal, but it seems to be a bit stressful.
My 2 dogs bark at my neighbors. They have since we moved in. They generally listen to me, however esp. with my "left" neighbors it seems to be escalating. When we first moved in I provided dog biscuits for them to meet the neighbors, it all went pretty well except my "left" neighbors were pretty scared and didn't do very well. they have no interest in meeting the dogs again. I have tried teaching ignore, which works when I am out there with them, but if they are out there alone (we are talking for the 15-20 minutes when they are peeing and playing and I am watching out a window) they fling themselves at the fence.
I know the 'solution' would be to build a privacy fence, but that is approx. $3000 and well out of my price range so I was wondering if anyone had any ideas.
Thanks,
Heather

[heathea]

Good Idea!
I can do that.
To be fair to my dogs, my neighbors ARE wierdos. For example, they seem to collect used 2 liter soda bottles half filled with water and line them up on the fence. When asked why, they said it was because they could only get rid of one at a time. During the heavy winter the one guy asked my husband if he used a computer, when my husband replied, not really, the guy said that that was good as computers bring snow...
so, anyway...:)
I will work on the treating when the neighbors are out. Sounds great!
Thanks!
Heather

[Melissa Brunoehler]

To be fair to my dogs, my neighbors ARE wierdos

Hmmm, aren't dogs a good judge of character? ;)

[Jesse Cruz]

hi heather,
i just read this thread and maybe your doggies are in right for their behavior. your neighbors do sound quite strange, with the responses that come out of their mouths.
like mentioned before dogs can sense things.