Cheap and easy solutions to dogs fence fighting???

[Miss_Sassy_Pants]

Just moved a couple of months ago to rural SoCal area on an acre (fenced with chain link all the way around). I have one dog of three that likes to fence fight under certain conditions (a dog initiating obvious aggression with her or repetitive and close high-pitched barking from a small dog). My next door neighbors on one side have 7+ dogs (7 outside plus a litter of puppies inside). Their dogs seem to be outside almost 24/7; my dogs stay inside most of the day, but they go out for potty breaks and play time (I work from home).

All my dogs were doing okay with their dogs until recently. The neighbor’s GF seems to have moved back with her enormous husky mix (maybe wolf hybrid?) and they are letting their little yappy dog run loose in the yard all day without supervision. When the little dog sees me or my dogs, she rushes the fence and barks her head off, which sets off my dog, which sets off the giant husky, which starts a free for all. My other two dogs generally don’t bark or growl but will participate by running the fence with the barking ones. I’m worried about my smallest dog getting caught up in the melee or the fight escalating to the point where one of the dogs tries to get under the fence or gets hurt somehow. Otherwise, I could just let them wear themselves out, but I understand it’s also stressful for the dogs participating and it raises their overall aggression. Of course, there’s always the possibility of displacement aggression too, if my dog gets frustrated enough with the neighbors’ dogs.

Pertinent details:

• Neighbors are tweakers and don’t pay any attention to their dogs or interfere in the fence fighting, no matter how much they hear me yelling at both their dogs and mine.

• Head of the household sometimes does work for my landlady, who also owns their house, so I don’t want to get on her bad side by complaining to them or her.

• Yard is an acre, so putting up solid fencing is out of my budget, especially after just finishing a $15K move. Screening might be an option in a few months, but even that is expensive given the length of the shared fence.

• I don’t feel it’s fair to have to put my dogs on a leash every time they go out just because their dogs won’t let us be. I can’t walk my dogs off the property because there are huge coyotes and mountain lions that prowl the neighborhood even during the day.

I don’t think talking to the neighbors is going to accomplish anything, even if I can do it nicely. I think they already know I’m PO’d and don’t care. I’m sure they think I’m high maintenance, dogs will be dogs, and all that BS. My dogs need to go out for at least 15-20 minutes 4-6 times per day, and it’s getting to be a drain on my schedule to have to be outside with them the entire time to monitor/prevent fights.

I’m looking for suggestions that will stop the neighbors’ dogs from rushing the fence, so my dogs can go outside in peace–ideally something that will train them to stop their behavior permanently. Without them provoking her, my dog is fine outside for hours at a time. Air horns, super soakers, cayenne pepper in water spray? Prozac or similar for my dog? It has to be legal and not dangerous. Am I missing an easy solution?

Thanks in advance. I’m very stressed about this, and my fence fighting dog is already a handful (she was dumped on me in Mexico with no shelters available, so I took her in–not a dog I have by choice). I’m trying to get her socialized with the cat, but it’s impossible with her threshold so high.

[JanM]

Don’t even think about going to the tweaker neighbors and discussing anything. The next action on their part will definitely be hostile, and maybe dangerous. Any action on your part is going to be viewed as a declaration of war by the tweakers, so you might want to stop thinking about that. Maybe one of the birdhouse, high frequency bark stoppers?

https://www.chewy.com/petsafe-outdoo…afe&utm_term=&

Is there some cheap landscaping cloth or something that you could put on the joint fence with step in poles that would block the view? Unfortunately, my guess is the second the little yapper hears your dogs it will still start barking, firing up the big dog, whether it can see them or not.

[LauraKY]

You can try invisible fence, it’s not overly expensive…for your dogs, not the neighbors.

[Miss_Sassy_Pants]

JanM and LauraKY, thanks for the replies. I’ve thought about the invisible fence, but I assumed it was prohibitively expensive because I’d have to do some sort of loop, right, not just the line shared with the neighbors? IDK, maybe they’ve gotten easier and cheaper since I first had one 20-something years ago.

The birdhouse bark-stopper might be a good idea for all concerned. No one would know I’m using it, and I think only the dogs can hear it.

I priced privacy cloth, but even that would be hundreds of dollars, and like you said, there’s no guarantee that the sound wouldn’t set them off. While it would keep them from being able to get at each other through the fence, I wonder if it would make them more intent on trying to dig under it…

I think the high-frequency gizmo might be the first thing to try. Many thanks.

[shayaalliard]

Invisible fences are not terribly expensive, but I would not use one in this situation.

One of the downfalls is that the shock can be mis-attributed by the dog. So now these intruders who they are fighting with also BIT ME in the dog’s mind and it escalates. Not all dogs have problems associating the boundary and shock, but since there is already aggression, I wouldn’t risk it.

[Sswor]

Invisible fence won’t work. Ever notice dogs will bark and run back and forth along their fence even when you cross the street?

You’re going to have to spend the money. That’s just required as a responsible dog owner. You need to obscure their view AND provide a no-man’s land buffer. I’ve done it and it works. Cloth or equivalent on the permanent fence to block the view and a roll of wire fence with hammer in posts 8’ to the inside of that. It will take the dogs a few days but it’s boring to run back and forth that far away when you can’t see anything. Especially if you provide other stimulation. I got a chicken coop for my backyard.

Additional upgrade option: consider setting anything to the inside of the temp barrier that will obstruct the straight line running path. In a perfect world your inside barrier temp fence will be shaped like this: ||-------||-------|__|--------- you get the idea, rather then this: _____________________. It’s not really possible to run in and out like that with an irregular, staggered fence line. Straight lines back and forth are self rewarding. In and out of the “nooks” not so much. You can accomplish a similar shape by leaning wheelbarrows, garbage can(s), ATV parking against the fence, anything that breaks up the straight run aspect of a row of fence line.

It’s going to cost money. I don’t think you can get around it. It’s worth it, oh my is it worth it. I heard a story about a dog who got pulled under a chain link fence by neighbor dogs and shredded. The dog did not live. It started with fence fighting. Fence fighting increases aggression and is repeatedly self rewarding. Break the habit now.

[LauraKY]

@Miss Sassy Pants

JanM and LauraKY, thanks for the replies. I’ve thought about the invisible fence, but I assumed it was prohibitively expensive because I’d have to do some sort of loop, right, not just the line shared with the neighbors? IDK, maybe they’ve gotten easier and cheaper since I first had one 20-something years ago.

The birdhouse bark-stopper might be a good idea for all concerned. No one would know I’m using it, and I think only the dogs can hear it.

I priced privacy cloth, but even that would be hundreds of dollars, and like you said, there’s no guarantee that the sound wouldn’t set them off. While it would keep them from being able to get at each other through the fence, I wonder if it would make them more intent on trying to dig under it…

I think the high-frequency gizmo might be the first thing to try. Many thanks.

There’s a wireless invisible fence that might work for your situation. Word of warning on the high frequency bark stopper…some dogs are very, very sensitive. I have one dog that is and it completely freaks him out for days.

Yes, you have to have a loop for the wired invisible fence, but the wire is the cheap part. You can buy additional wire in the hardware store, you don’t have to buy it from the invisible fence manufacturer.

Here are some links to wireless systems.

https://petlifetoday.com/best-wireless-dog-fences/

[HannahsMom7]

@Miss Sassy Pants

JanM and LauraKY, thanks for the replies. I’ve thought about the invisible fence, but I assumed it was prohibitively expensive because I’d have to do some sort of loop, right, not just the line shared with the neighbors? IDK, maybe they’ve gotten easier and cheaper since I first had one 20-something years ago.

The birdhouse bark-stopper might be a good idea for all concerned. No one would know I’m using it, and I think only the dogs can hear it.

I priced privacy cloth, but even that would be hundreds of dollars, and like you said, there’s no guarantee that the sound wouldn’t set them off. While it would keep them from being able to get at each other through the fence, I wonder if it would make them more intent on trying to dig under it…

I think the high-frequency gizmo might be the first thing to try. Many thanks.

around here, I can get tarp cheap at Ocean State Job lot. its blue and not see-thru

[HannahsMom7]

@Sswor

Invisible fence won’t work. Ever notice dogs will bark and run back and forth along their fence even when you cross the street?

You’re going to have to spend the money. That’s just required as a responsible dog owner. You need to obscure their view AND provide a no-man’s land buffer. I’ve done it and it works. Cloth or equivalent on the permanent fence to block the view and a roll of wire fence with hammer in posts 8’ to the inside of that. It will take the dogs a few days but it’s boring to run back and forth that far away when you can’t see anything. Especially if you provide other stimulation. I got a chicken coop for my backyard.

Additional upgrade option: consider setting anything to the inside of the temp barrier that will obstruct the straight line running path. In a perfect world your inside barrier temp fence will be shaped like this: ||-------||-------|__|--------- you get the idea, rather then this: _____________________. It’s not really possible to run in and out like that with an irregular, staggered fence line. Straight lines back and forth are self rewarding. In and out of the “nooks” not so much. You can accomplish a similar shape by leaning wheelbarrows, garbage can(s), ATV parking against the fence, anything that breaks up the straight run aspect of a row of fence line.

It’s going to cost money. I don’t think you can get around it. It’s worth it, oh my is it worth it. I heard a story about a dog who got pulled under a chain link fence by neighbor dogs and shredded. The dog did not live. It started with fence fighting. Fence fighting increases aggression and is repeatedly self rewarding. Break the habit now.

wow! what a great idea!

[Sswor]

@HannahsMom7

wow! what a great idea!

Thanks, it worked for me. I have an especially neurotic sheltie/ACD which it broke of fence pacing/running almost overnight so I know it works. It is always cheaper/easier to do the right fix the first time. Invisible fence will be a waste of time and money. Your idea of tarps is a good one too.

[Miss_Sassy_Pants]

Thanks, all, for the additional input. I would love to do 100% opaque screening and/or another fence to create a buffer space, but I just don’t have the money, so it’s not an option at this point.

I’ve looked at the high-frequency barking deterrents, and they’re cheap enough that it’s probably worth a try. If any of my dogs seem freaked out by one and I can’t use it, I guess it won’t be a big loss financially. I may try a long-range squirt gun as well. I suspect their little dog won’t like getting wet, but I don’t know if she’s smart enough to connect action with consequences.

I’ve heard horror stories too about dogs getting dragged under fences and about paws getting bitten off through chain link fence. So, right now, until they either keep their little dog in or I have another solution, I’m outside monitoring the dogs whenever they go out. I don’t really have another choice. It’s not just the time issue that’s a bother for me; my problem dog starts to think I HAVE to be outside with her whenever she goes out once I start doing that for a while, so I’m sort of training her that she can’t be outside on her own. But that seems to be the only safe solution for the time being.

[TCA_Arabians]

I really like the broken line concept by SSWOR. You can certainly buy tarps to block the view. Cheaper yet are the vinyl tablecloths you can pick up at the dollar store - they’re usually 5’-6’ long. You can put the white side on your side. Just stick some wire thru them to affix them and put some duct tape on both sides where you put the wire so the cloth doesn’t tear easily.

One of our darling dogs suddenly learned how to dig out at the age of six. I bought lengths of hard, hog-wire. I cut them and sunk the lengths along the fence-line down a foot or so in a trench. It also comes up the fence. You could use that to construct your broken-line fence in a sort of zig-zag along the length and use garden stakes to hold it.

If I were you - I’d use a solar hot-wire on the fence about 8" up from the ground. In SoCal, most counties require you to post “danger-electric fence” signs. These are easy to make on your computer. My local UPS laminates. Your dogs and their dogs would likely hit it. It only takes once or twice before they get it.

Keep in mind: Their dogs are on their property. Even something as benign as a long-range squirt gun is intruding on their property.

Course, walking along with a lunge whip when they all are having a party and cracking it a few times on your side of the fence also sends a message - to all the party-goers.

[BEARCAT]

How long is the shared fence?
I would set another fence line about 5 feet in using T posts and rolls of wire fence with tarps or fabric covering it. Even if it were a few hundred bucks, it would be worth it for my dogs’ safety and my own peace and quiet…

[Zu_Zu]

@BEARCAT

How long is the shared fence?
I would set another fence line about 5 feet in using T posts and rolls of wire fence with tarps or fabric covering it. Even if it were a few hundred bucks, it would be worth it for my dogs’ safety and my own peace and quiet…

^ this until you have the resources to install a solid fence section along that common line .

[Bicoastal]

Um, a handful of treats and some time. Pretty cheap and effective https://vimeo.com/4503786

You can’t control the neighbors or their dogs, so focus on what you can control. I would supervise my dogs when out in the yard 100% of the time for, say, four weeks, and be ready to intervene. Shoes on, treats handy, a leash within easy reach.

[Equibrit]

Something like this ? http://www.yourfencestore.com/chain-link-fence-slats.htm
or
https://www.amazon.com/Green-Ridged-…/dp/B00ZDRG75C

[ClaraL110]

Hey,
I am researching on some best dog fence for dogs.
Equibrit, thanks for sharing this product.

[4horses]

What about an electric fence? The same fence you would use for horses. My neighbor has a German shepherd. I have a Belgian shepherd. My dog was very dog aggressive and even to this day, they still hate each other. I got the 3 inch poly tape and ran a 4 strand electric fence. There’s no way she can go under or over it and it gives a good shock. I didn’t run it along my fenceline. I ran it from the barn across. It keeps her far enough back that there’s no fighting or running the fenceline. I took it down this summer as the neighbors dog is now elderly and not as interested in fighting.

My dog would often come in limping and need to be rested because she would race full out along the fenceline and step wrong- the electric fence stopped that.

I didn’t buy the electric fence for that purpose - it was for the horses.

[stargzng386]

Amazon has privacy cloth that’s pretty darn cheap. I spent $50 and covered an entire fence line of a full acre. I’d also do t-posts and get a roll of mesh fence from tractor supply. That way there is some distance between the dogs.

[BravAddict]

@Bicoastal

Um, a handful of treats and some time. Pretty cheap and effective https://vimeo.com/4503786

You can’t control the neighbors or their dogs, so focus on what you can control. I would supervise my dogs when out in the yard 100% of the time for, say, four weeks, and be ready to intervene. Shoes on, treats handy, a leash within easy reach.

This!