Barrier Frustration - A Training Plan

by Amy Jensen

Does your dog go nuts when restrained by a barrier? Do they get frustrated when they see something they want but cannot get to it? Check out this sample training plan and begin today to change your dog’s behavior.

Goal:

Help your dog stay calm and regulated when they see people, dogs, or other triggers beyond a fence — rather than barking, lunging, or running along the fence line.

Phase 1: Manage the Environment

Actions:

• Block visual access temporarily with privacy panels, slats, or shade cloth to reduce rehearsals of reactive behavior

• Supervise outdoor time – no unsupervised time in the yard until training is reliable

• Leash in yard: Use a leash or long line in the yard to prevent rehearsing rushing the fence

Phase 2: Build Calm & Focus Around the Fence

Goal:

Reinforce voluntary calm behavior before the trigger appears.

Exercises:

1. Reinforce Calm at the Fence

   • Sit with your dog on leash 10–15 ft from the fence

   • If they look at the fence and remain calm → mark (“yes”) and reward

   • If a trigger appears and your dog looks but stays calm → reward heavily

     
     

2. Mat Work in the Yard

   • Teach “go to mat” inside first → generalize to yard

   • Practice sending your dog to a mat near the fence, reward calm

Phase 3: Controlled Desensitization with Trigger Dogs/People

Setup:

• Have a helper walk a neutral dog/person on the other side of the fence

• Begin far from the fence (20+ feet if needed) where your dog can remain calm

Exercises:

1. Look at That (LAT)

   • Dog sees trigger behind the fence → mark (when calm) → reward

   • If the dog reacts: increase distance, wait for calm before restarting

   
   

2. Fence Engagement Game

   • Trigger appears → dog turns to you → reward

   • You can use a cue like “With me” or “This way” to break focus and move away if needed

Phase 4: Teach a Replacement Behavior

Choices:

• “Go to mat” when a dog/person walks by

• “Touch” (target your hand)

• “Let’s go” (move away calmly)

• Default check-in when something appears behind the fence

Practice these behaviors in low-arousal situations first, then add the fence + trigger gradually.

Phase 5: Real-Life Proofing

Practice:

• Have structured sessions in the yard with known triggers at increasing levels of distraction

• Vary time of day, angle of approach, and distance

• Use scatter feeding or sniffing games after a trigger passes to de-stress

  
  

Pro Tips:

• Don’t yell or recall in frustration when your dog barks at the fence — it often escalates excitement or stress

• Interrupt early: If you see arousal rising (body stiffening, ears pricked, hackles raised), calmly leash and lead your dog away before a full reaction

• Daily mental enrichment inside the home can reduce yard overexcitement

• Keep sessions short and positive: 5–10 minutes is ideal

Remember, it takes time, patience and consistency to change behavior. If you need extra help reach out to us! We’d love to coach you through this. Happy Training!