Pups Interacting Through Fence

[Kody's_Mum]

I have had my parents 6 month old puppy, Allie, staying with me for the last couple of weeks. All seemed to be going well and Kody and I have both enjoyed having her company.

This afternoon my neighbour came round to complain that Allie had frightened her puppy by banging on the side fence. Apparently Allie must have run up to the fence and hit the colorbond section which made a loud noise and freighted the neighbour's' puppy who was on the other side.

The fence between us has colorbond panels at the two end sections and normal wooden palings in the middle. The fence is secure and there is no possibility of my dogs getting into the neighbour's yard. I also have a colorbond shed which is quite close to the wooden fence line which means the dogs don't have enough room to jump the fence.

My dog Kody, apparently just talks to the neighbour's dog through the fence, and has not been a problem. I tell the dog off if they do something undesirable, however as I have not seen Allie react to the puppy / fence line whilst I have been home, I am wondering what techniques I can use to stop Allie reacting to the puppy? Would introducing the pair outside of the fence provide any benefit?

I plan to eventually remove the shed and colorbond the whole side section of fencing, however this is something I will need to save up for. I could probably chicken wire off access between the shed and wooden fencing as a temporary measure.

Allie will only be here for another week or so, however I have been considering adding another dog to the family, so would appreciate any suggestions on how to dissuade this behaviour.

[Sue & Waldo]

As a temporary solution can you block off the section of the fence with something so the dog can't race along it? Lean some timber against it or the like? Is the pup bored so it is only happening when you aren't there so make a different section of the yard exciting with balls on a rope? Another thought - what about "painting" the fence with vinegar or similar?

[JulesP]

Perhaps the neighbours should be keeping their pup away from the fence.

[Sandra777]

Perhaps the neighbours could concern themselves with socialising their puppy so it's not scared of random loud noises.

If it's a big deal likely to cause problems with them in the future then I would just block off the problem area with some chicken wire, but still be sure to tell them that a dog which is seriously noise sensitive needs very intensive and careful care to ensure it doesn't have a miserable existance in a world full of random loud noises.

[Jaxx'sBuddy]

what i did was to put up a temporary fence away from the boundary fence so my dog couldnt run along the fence. then i only let her out when i was at home and i told her off every time she barked at the other dogs noise. in less than 3 months the temp fence is down and she ignores any dogs who are barking.

[spottychick]

Perhaps the neighbours could concern themselves with socialising their puppy so it's not scared of random loud noises.

Yes! I don't really understand why there is a problem here. Lots of things startle puppies. The pup would get used to it after a short while, just like it would get used to other "scary" things as it grows up.

[Sue & Waldo]

I have just had another thought-is the noise startling/upsetting the owners rather than their puppy?

[sas]

I'm sorry but what a joke, I'd tell them to bugger off.

[Kody's_Mum]

Thank you for all your replies and suggestions.

The neighbour said she was concerned about "my dog mostly, as she must be mean ;) , because Allie does this when her dog is at the fence. But she does not want to be a complaining neighbour". –She must have said that three times!

Allie does have things to interest her whilst I am working, such as toys, sand pit and kongs. Plus her 2 year old brother is always up for a game and they are walked before I leave for work.

Sue&Cindy - thanks for the vinegar suggestion - I will try it and see if that helps.

Jaxx'sBuddy- will definitely erect a temp fence if need be long term.

JulesP,Sandra777 & Spottychick, I will ask that the neighbour calls her dog away from the fence line as suggested, as to not encourage Allie, and I will also suggest that she look at reassuring her dog that she is safe etc when loud unexpected noises like this occur.

SAS, I think she just one of those people. Last complaint was she could hear my evap aircon when it was running during the heat wave last year, however she wasn't complaining, :D just worried about the electricity bill I would receive! (The unit is on the roof like everyone else's, and no louder than is normal).

Thanks everyone, I appreciate your time, suggestions and input! I now have some suggestions I can talk to her about.

Edited May 11, 2010 by Kody's_Mum

[spottychick]

That sounds silly to me. The dog at your place is a pup right? Of course she's not mean. Shes probably just playing. I think your neighbour needs to chill out and stop nagging you.

In these situations I'd feel like wearing a DILLIGAF t-shirt when I see her LMAO