Dear Cathy, Neighbors on both sides of our fence have dogs. Ours is a female; the other dogs are males. For some unknown reason, our Goldendoodle and their dogs behave aggressively toward each other through the fence.
None of the families can be in our backyards with our dogs simultaneously. Is there a safe way to socialize the dogs so they won't be aggressive? I've been afraid to let them get too close because our dog has bitten a small dog. — Maggie, Virginia Beach, Virginia Dear Maggie, Dealing with aggression between your Goldendoodle and the neighboring dogs requires a careful and systematic approach to ensure safety and foster positive interactions.
Begin by assessing the situation to understand what triggers the behavior, whether it's movement, noise, or visual contact through the fence. For instance, if the fence is see-through, adding a visual barrier can reduce the stimuli that provokes aggression. Sometimes, it’s because a wooden fence shakes when the dogs hit it.
I once had a neighbor staple a roll of chicken wire across our entire shared fence line to discourage her dogs from attacking the fence — and it worked. It fortified the fence and made it less fun for them to attack it. Here are some other things to try: Generally, if you can get dogs on one side of the fence to not engage, the other dogs will cease to engage if they don't get a reaction.
On your side of the fence, begin training your dog to "leave it," so you can call her back to you when she heads.
