Neighbor's Dogs Provoking My Dogs to Bark

[Johnny]

Hello Everyone,

There was a recent complaint against my neighbor's dogs and my dogs barking at each other too much during the day. My dogs are very mild mannered but get extremely riled up when other dogs are barking at them.

I guess my question is how can I train my dogs not to respond back to my neighbors dogs excessive barking? Most of the ideas I've read deal with the owner being there to tell there dog to "QUIET" when the occasion arises. However, it's hard to tell your dog to do that if your at work.

I don't really want to revert to kenneling during the day. I like the idea of leting them roam around the back yard and having access to the garage during inclimate weather.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for all the help!

[glaiza]

Try and coordinate with your neighbor. Maybe they can curb their dog's barking. It is also possible to get the dogs better acquainted with each other. Take them on play dates so that they won't be such strangers to each other. Doing so can help them from acting territorial with your neighbor's dogs.

[dogtrainingful]

You hit the nail on the head with the territorial thing.

However dogs are designed as animals that group together for survival...they may be trying to connect so I think its a good idea to introduce them...I'm actually not entirely sure on this one so reply back and let me know how it works

[glaiza]

Then again, it should be up to your dogs to not react when your neighbor's dohs are provoking them. Do some obedience training, it can really help.

[uberglamorous]

The hardest thing to teach a dog is probably to ignore the people who distract them. You can start by talking to your neighbor so you can help each other address the problem.