[lE3l6Lgn]

It is getting more and more difficult to walk my 9 month APBT around our neighborhood due to other dogs running right through their electric fences. He is still in training and is doing very well until...out of nowhere...a dog comes charging across a yard at us. I watch as the dog whips right past the posted sign reading: invisible fence! Now, Cooper loves to play so he starts jumping around like crazy, I can not motivate him with treats at this point. He is too interested in the other dog.

I find it very annoying to be disrupted in this way. No matter which way we walk there are dogs who totally disregard their electric fences. I now refer to walking in front of certain houses as "walking the gauntlet." The owners I have encountered are all very apologetic, but quite honestly I don't understand why they continue to leave their dog unattended if they know the dog doesn't stay in the yard.

Right now Cooper is excited about this intrusion, but at some point I am concerned that another dog is going to attack him. So my question is, since these encounters are unavoidable, how should I be teaching him to react? What can I do to train him to ignore this? and how can I be ready for or possibly avert a negative encounter? Thanks in advance for your advice!

[SQiTmhuY]

You might want to go by yourself, and let your neighbors know that the fence isn't working with containing their dogs.

Other than that, you might try to find a fenced in ball park that you can take your dog to to let him run.. work on the leave it, and watch me command. Maybe put him in a sit and stay and try to get him to focus on you instead of other dogs. Of course, that doesn't help with the other dogs getting loose. I'd try to let the neighbors know the fences aren't working. This is one of the reasons why I do not like electric fences, they aren't reliable.

[VottCetaVeivE]

Carry a break stick, citronella spray, and be ready to take their hurt broken dog up to their door with the explanation that maybe NOW you will do something more to contain your dog than an electric fence.

[lE3l6Lgn]

Thanks for the replies. We are working on the leave it--he does great with squirrels and birds--right now other dogs are just too exciting. I have talked to two of the neighbors, bu this is definitely something to try with the others. I am looking into break sticks and will start to carry the spray. How do other dogs tend to response with the spray?

[CevepBiageCefm]

I have to say skip the citronella.. get mace. Mace doesn't always stop dogs... Citronella might deter a testy dog, but not a dog going for an attack.

A big stick might not be a bad idea either. I have a lightweight, but very sturdy, 4' stick that goes with me on walks, it can give a good whack if another dog is pestering mine.

If it continues to be a problem, like someone suggested, fenced tennis courts, and ball fields are great, just get the landowners permission to use it..

[lE3l6Lgn]

A fenced in tennis court is a great idea; I will try that. I think Cooper might really enjoy that! Also I do alot of hiking, so maybe I should start bringing one of my walking sticks along with us. I just don't want to come across in a negative light.

[CevepBiageCefm]

Unfortunately it does look a bit odd... And if people ask, I tell them; Because dogs try attacking mine, and I have to do something.

I haven't tried out a tennis court... But I can imagine it would be fun, but make sure to lock the gate up when you go in so nobody surprises you by bringing their kids/dog in or something..

[Anteneprorid]

That's the reason I loathe invisible fencing and think its a waste of money and an accident waiting to happen.

[loikrso]

A tazer is awesome.....lol