Should you introduce dogs through a fence?

Meet through a Fence If the dogs seem relaxed, and if a chain-link fence is available, allow them to meet through the fence. This gives them a chance to see each other up close and sniff each other more while maintaining a safe barrier between them. It’s also a great solution if one or both dogs tend to be leash-aggressive. If you do not have access to a fence, you can bring the dogs together slowly on a leash. Both handlers need to have control of their dog and be ready to pull the dogs apart if necessary. Pay close attention to their body language during this time–you can prevent things from escalating by identifying negative body language early, such as tucked tails, rigid stature, staring, or raised hackles.

This type of meeting isn’t suitable for dogs with barrier issues, such as leash reactivity or fence fighting, because seeing another dog at a distance might trigger an inappropriate response. Avoid a head-on, face-to-face approach, as it’s a stressful and unnatural way for dogs to meet. The first step in the process is for two people to walk the dogs in parallel, keeping them at least 30 feet apart. This way, they’re aware of one another but not close enough to focus on trying to reach each other. If you’re not comfortable with how the dogs are responding to one another or you’re unsure about the behaviors they’re displaying, consider enlisting the help of a certified behaviorist or trainer to keep everyone safe. The introduction should happen in a large outdoor space that’s neutral to both dogs, meaning neither has “claimed” it by frequent visits or marking. Ideally, this location should have enough space so the dogs can be at least 30 feet apart at first. Note Your Dog’s Body Language Be familiar with dog body language so you can react appropriately if either dog starts showing signs of reactivity or discomfort. A dog who’s feeling unsure about a potential meeting might: Watch the other dog with a hard stare or hyper-fixate without breaking eye contact Bare their teeth Raise their hackles Have a high, twitchy tail Walk with a stiff gait Growl or bark If either dog exhibits these behaviors, call off the introduction and reassess whether it’s the right thing to do.

Introducing dogs through a fence can allow them to sniff, look at and play chase games next to each other with a reduced risk of injury if there is a fight. Dogs can injure both others and themselves through fences, but not as badly as is possible with full contact. While introductions through a barrier have less potential risk of physical injury, there is an added risk of increasing barrier frustration and fighting through the fence. This type of behavior may result in misinformation about a dog’s potential to play off-leash. The goal is for this to go as quickly as possible to remove the barriers of possible frustration if relaxed or friendly body language and normal play is observed through the fence. This method can be used for first-time introductions, and/or for bringing dogs into an ongoing playgroup. If the dogs exhibit relaxed and/or playful body language during the fence introduction, allow the dogs to interact in the same yard.

I would really love to let my dog socialize with others but he lunges and snaps at other dogs particularly if they bark at him or if they are male/ bigger. I let them sniff noses through the fence. My dog doesn’t bark either. Does this count or help at all? What are your thoughts about reactivate dogs socializing through fences? The owner of the fence line dog was not aware no. The dog was just in its own property unattended as we walked by. I had not considered the other dogs terms I assumed it wasn’t barking meant that it was ok but that may not be the case indeed.