Fence/Boundary training

[mctraill]

I live on a corner plot with the post boxes right outside my back fence. As a result of this we get lots of kids walking past to get the school bus or people going to collect their post.

Here is my problem, everytime someone walks past the fence my dog a Lab mix charges at the fence, jumps at the fence and barks, she sounds really nasty, we have had to replace part of the fence as she has broken it.

How do I train her not to do this, I have tried putting her on her leash and only letting her out when I am with her, I have tried being there when the kids come out and asking her to sit and quite, however when I am training her off leash and someone comes by she is off like a rocket and I try to walk calmly over to her and ask her to sit, my garden is to big for me to stop her running up and down the fence.

How should I go about this and what command should I use?

Any help would be good the poor girl next door to me is to scared to play in her garden, her mum calls me to let me know she is going out in the garden so that I dont let the dog out.

[adojrts]

I would turn her loose in the yard, I (of course the people would have to agree) and say nothing to your dog, have your dog's meal with you or some excellent treats. When your dog is quiet, toss her a treat then progress to asking her to sit etc, always rewarding for calm, relaxed and quiet. If she in none of those things wait her out but don't speak to her (she not likely to listen at that point anyways).
When you have success, then have the child come out and come as close as she is comfortable with and direct her to toss the treats at the correct time.
You can also do the same with the people out on the sidewalk. Your dog will soon look forward to hearing anyone approach and hopefully some stupid person doesn't do anything negative or abusive to her to make her start barking again or worse.

A couple weeks of this should solve the problem.

Good luck
Lynn

[lizzybeth727]

Lynn's advice is good. I'd just like to add - you can also treat your dog anytime she gives you attention, even if it's just a quick glance. THis will make you more important to her while she's in the yard. Also practice during a quiet time - not when kids are going to the bus, or after work when everyone's getting their mail. THe first several sessions, you want her to only see one or two people in a 30 minute or so period. When she gets better at it, you can practice more in busy times.

You might also consider keeping her on a long leash - a long rope, 20 or 30-foot leash from the store, or a 20-foot retractible leash when she's in the yard, just so that you can prevent her from jumping on the fence and cause any more damage. Don't use the leash to correct, though, just to manage her.

[mctraill]

Thank you both for the advice I shall let you know how we get on.