Barrier Frustration

Dogs have a very strong urge to greet and smell people and other dogs around them.  When a dog has been in a kennel, behind a fence in a backyard, tied out or locked in a car, they do not have the opportunity to greet the people and animals passing by.  This creates Barrier Frustration which may include barking, lunging and looking aggressive.  The dog is physically prevented from doing something it really really wants to do.  Dogs who have spent a considerable amount of time experience barrier frustration may then experience these reactions while simply being walked on a leash. 

There are two ways of helping improve this situation and they are listed below.  If you have a dog who spends all day, everyday in the backyard tied out or on a leash, please consider crating him indoors.  This can be a much healthier solution for the dog.

What You Can’t See - Can’t Hurt You

This can be very simply resolved by preventing your dog from seeing people and dogs walk by.  Put him inside, close the blinds or leave him in a covered crate in the car.  Your dog will be much more calm.  If you have a dog who already reacts on leash, distract him or walk to the other side of the street.  If you can avoid the visual stimulus altogether, your dog will not even have the chance to bark or display aggressive reactions

Make Them Feel Excited Instead

If your dog experiences barrier frustration when people or dogs walk by, then you can change his mind about those people by having them feed him.  Have a sack of treats by your yard that say people can give them to your dog.  Have strangers who meet your dog feed your dog treats.  If your dog isn’t ready to be near strangers just yet, then you can feed him treats.  “Good boy, I love people.”  He will start to associate the strangers and other dogs as signal that his favorite snack is coming.  Eating treats is also counter productive to the barking and lunging that usually occurs. 

NOTE:  If your dog has serious barrier frustration and you are worried about other people’s safety, contact an advanced dog trainer immediately for assistance in making this behavior better. 

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