New neighbours

**rusty** · 06-04-2008, 03:54 PM

Just when things were going perfectly, we got new neighbours this weekend behind us. Rusty was used to all the neighbours on the three sides and accepted them fine. Now for the first time the people came into their yard and Rusty was barking like a mad man at the fence. How can I get him to understand they're not going anywhere and he better accept the new people asap?! Any tips? Thanks

JavasMom · 06-04-2008, 03:58 PM

Java does the same thing until the 'strangers' are invited in by us - once she understands that they are not intruders, she is her old mellow self. I always get her to sit and hush when new people come into the house and it helps to have them give her a cookie at 'hello'.

**rusty** · 06-05-2008, 01:25 PM

The problem is worse than I thought...they have a dog!! There are no other dog neighbours near us. I wonder if Rusty can ever co-exist with a dog on the other side of the fence as he's not very tolerant of other dogs.

**Megs** · 06-05-2008, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rusty

The problem is worse than I thought...they have a dog!! There are no other dog neighbours near us. I wonder if Rusty can ever co-exist with a dog on the other side of the fence as he's not very tolerant of other dogs.

Have you been working on socializing him around other dogs? Are the puppy classes helping?

Perhaps a friendly introduction on neutral ground with the new neighbours is a good idea. It might ease the tension the 2 dogs are feeling by not being able to get properly acquainted through the fence. And it's just a nice thing to do, to welcome your new neighbours.

2RescuedDobies · 06-06-2008, 10:55 AM

One of the things that my trainer suggested is walking the dogs together. Invite your neighbors to go on a walk with you. Do not allow him to fence fight.

gracieface · 06-06-2008, 11:25 AM

I go with those suggesting introductions, see if the new neighbors are willing, le the dogs meet in a neutral spot, let everyone get to know each other. if the two dogs can become friends all the better, someone for Rusty to play with, expel some of that dobe energy.