Re: What is proper fence etiquette?

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

And while we're on the subject, I'm just going to throw this out there.....

In reading about barking dogs, they will bark for any reason imaginable, if they're allowed to continue - visual stimulus, lack of socialization, wanting attention, bordom, fear, as a bathroom cue, sometimes it's inbred, sometimes it's actually been reinforced by the owner inappropriately rewarding it - you name it, it can be anything. I am not making any direct accusations, but while I can't see a fence being a solution to an annoying, constant barker, I can see a fenced yard being problematic in a couple of ways. I know people who get tired of dealing with their dogs so it's just easier on the people in the house to put the dog(s) outside so they don't have to listen to them. IMO, it's really pretty selfish on the owner's part because the dog hasn't been properly trained, so it's not the dog's fault, but as long as he's out of their immediate surroundings the owners are happy, yet everyone else in the neighborhood has to listen to it. We had this happen here. A neighboring family had a few dogs and they'd be out all hours, barking very late at night. We weren't able to enjoy sleeping with the window open because they would get going and wouldn't stop barking and/or howling. It was frustrating for many of the neighbors and some did call the police and eventually it stopped. But beyond that, remember the thread about someone who was going to leave their dog out over a long, hot weekend and a poster here was worried? Well, that could happen with anyone who has a fenced yard and just finds it easier to leave the dog outside all day or all night. It's a convenient, easy way out for an owner to abdicate their responsibility to walk their dog or play with them and to think letting them out in the fenced yard is good enough. JMO, but if you're going to be a dog owner, you need to OWN being a dog owner. It's not just that you have a dog sharing the same space as you. You need to invest whatever time is needed to properly train the dog, spend time playing, taking them out to potty throughout the day/evening, walking, and socializing the dog. Otherwise, don't get one if you're not prepared to do that every day.

september · ‎03-09-2010

I do agree, Surfk. I can go out into my yard to quietly water my plants with a watering can, and the dogs on either side of me....hear that, and go crazy with their barking !

Anonymous · ‎08-18-2015

Moved:

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Sweetbay magnolia · ‎04-14-2013

Well yes, @surfk, and @wismiss. Fences don't prevent sound necessarily - we live on a rock shelf that transmits sound for miles. One of my dogs lives to find out what is on the other side of a tall stockade fence adjoining my property. I don't allow him to bark. I mean, of course he does, but he knows as soon as he hears the door open that he is "busted". I pay attention to what the dogs bark about, and I'm glad they are a presence, but they are absolutely prohibited from going on endlessly. Or announcing my neighbor's comings and goings, as I respect privacy and they respect it too.

My dogs are "indoor dogs" and only go out in the yard when I am home and can supervise them. The fence just contains them.

Again, good luck and best wishes.

Cogito ergo sum

oceanbreezy · ‎03-05-2011

Erecting a fence have little control as to how much a dog barks. A dog not properly trained, neglected or left outside long periods of time will bark at what it sees and bark at what it hears beyond the fence.

september · ‎03-09-2010

sweet bay, you sound like a good neighbor. Your dogs go out when you're at home, and you can hear if any barking gets started.

Unfortunately, a lot of people leave their dogs outside all day (and often after dark, too). These dogs are lonely and bored, and bark at everything. Whether they can "see" it, or not.