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Porches & Decks Design Dilemma Exterior

Dogs and Deck: At the bottom of the deck panel

6 years ago

My neighbors let their dogs out on the deck constantly for long periods. Their toys end up sliding under the divider panel And their dogs constantly nose at the corner and base of the deck.

My dog is a rescue who can get intimidated by other dogs. My guy doesn’t like spending much time alone but he used to love sunbathing on the deck. I spent time and money teaching my dog not to run the fence. Because their dogs used to get into our backyard and because they nose the edges of the divider pane, it triggers his anxiety. He spends much less time on the deck now.

Last year I put all of my plant boxes at the bottom of my deck and I have a box of chives at the corner. I plan to give away the boxes but am interested in a more attractive but small barrier between the deck. The chives stay!

Any suggestions for how I can block their dogs? A pleasant conversation to schedule deck sharing isn’t the answer. These people have had domestic situations and DUIs and all manner of problems. (As a related request, please wish for them to move.)

I attached a couple photos. For added fun, note the Christmas tree skeleton on their side in March, in a town with free curb side pick up for trees.

Featured Answer

chiflipper

6 years ago

Report the "dead tree" (anonymously) to the building manager AND the Fire Department as it is a fire hazard.

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Comments (7)

User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I guess you missed the comment about the training I have done with my dog. My dog is not the problem. My dog gets up and comes into the house.

I hardly think putting up some wire is a solution that looks nice.
User
6 years ago
Thank you, klfische, forbyour empathetic response.
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User
6 years ago
Blocking the fact the other dogs are there will not work well.

Having rescued and retrained several dogs(one with much worse dog to dog anxiety), I found working on my dog's situation is the better long term solution. It is NOT the short term solution, however, often seeming to be not working well at all.

What can be done is to sit with your dog when the stress level is high(the other dogs are doing what affects your dog) and be calm(your dog will respond to the calmness) and do the kind of things your dog likes. Stroking, playing, whatever comforts your dog. This will tell your dog that being calm when the other dogs are doing their thing is the desired state of mind you want your dog to have and keep.

Other than the time required, the most difficult part of that is for you to truly remain calm and relaxed. That can take a bit of work on your part. Once a day if possible, three times a week would be the minimum.

It is a pain to have to modify your situation because of neighbors, but training your dog to ignore the problem results in a happier dog for you.
Marilyn B thanked User
User
6 years ago
Thank you, HandyMac. He was taken in as a stray from the inner city. He has come a million miles from his days on the street. I keep working with him and he is amazing dog. I do go out and sit with him. Like I said, he rarely responds back in kind to their dogs barking and growling now but instead just comes inside.
enjoythejourney
6 years ago
I feel for you, and your dog. To block the bottom of the fence, you could purchase (or make, if you’re handy) door, draft stops. To make them even more effective, you could dust them in cayenne pepper or sprinkle vinegar on them. Obviously, that would bother your dog too but it doesn’t sound like he goes anywhere near that fence panel.

If that’s not something that works for you, you could try attaching some sort of white trim along the bottom or maybe use plastic draft stoppers, like this.

https://www.amazon.ca/Door-Bottom-Seal-Weather-Stripping/dp/B0779Q5HDB

On the side, you could place a potted plant in that corner, with a tall, shrub or fairly bushy plant. If that doesn’t appeal to you, you could also try adding a piece of trim to your panel or maybe hanging a decorative, outdoor drape on both sides, maybe with some outdoor wall sculpture or wall-hung planters, in the middle. (Either way, I’d hide a bowl of vinegar or cayenne there too).
Marilyn B thanked enjoythejourney
User
6 years ago
Enjoythejourney, those are great suggestions. Thank you!

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