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Driveway Verge Solutions Reactive Rescue Dog

IHateWeedingIHateWeeding Posts: 49
in Problem solving
Our driveway has a wide 80cm or so verge that at present is a bark-covered muddy mess, no room to plant as we need to open car doors.  It's out the back of our house so it's also where our dog spends a lot of time.  My little rescue dog Jack Russel Whippet Cross (to give you an idea of size) is quite reactive. When something happens he doesn't like in the garden he will often, growl, jump at the fence, run and come to a thundering halt near the fence, kick up the area near the fence.  

We want to neaten the area so I thought gravel or larger pebbles but I don't want the dog to kick it up on the car or push it around as he messes about in the area.  Also want to keep the area accessible in case fence needs replacing.

Oh yes, and we have taken him to puppy training.  He is actually a really lovely dog just a bit scared.

Any ideas?




Posts

  • SkandiSkandi Posts: 1,723
    You need to walk on it occasionally, it needs to stand up to a dog running about and skidding to a halt on it and you don't want anything that can be flung around? My thought then is paving or cobbles. or expand the drive.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I would just leave it be for the time being but maybe add a layer of larger grade chipped bark.  He will learn, gradually, that his new garden and home are safe but still be wary and aware of what's outside.

    We have 2 rescue dogs now aged 13 and 11.  Both have been to training classes and the older is a very laid back dog, not bothered by anything whilst the younger, a Labrador, was nearly 3 when we got him and had never been outside a small terraced house and its yard and he is still nervous despite years of adventures with us and long country walks off the lead.

    They are both lovely dogs and great fun and love play and walkies and cuddles but both also defend their territory and announce to us, and each other, anyone who walks past, cycles past, drives up to deliver post etc.  Yours will probably do the same so a soft surface underfoot is best for him and your car and bark is easy to keep tidied.  
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • HeliosHelios Posts: 232
    edited November 2020
    Paving slabs spaced out on the bark/gravel? I found that with ours, the slabs slowed down the mad rush as she likes to avoid the gravel in between if at all possible.
  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    Have you thought of those blocks with lots of holes in them that grass can grow through?  I can't imagine his behaviour will seriously interfere with them but a Jack Russell isn't exactly prime material for training.  You shouldn't need to engage outside help.  His mother would have done it all via meaningful growls. 
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Rescue dogs usually have "issues" of some sort and definitely need some proper training and socialising when it's OK to go to classes again.  How well they depends on their age, their experience of people and other dogs and their breed. 

    Our older dog is cross of some sort tho she looks and behaves like a Wheaten Terrier.  She was depressed and distrustful when we adopted her at 11 months old but she's intelligent and responded well to loads of TLC and then group classes after a coupl eof individual sessions for assessment.   The younger is the soppiest, cuddliest dog you can imagine but also easily frightened or worried and then either hides under the furniture (electrical storms and surges, loud bangs)  or goes running and jumping at whatever set him off - passers-by, doorbells, other dogs - and can get too excited to listen to commands.

    I'd go for a soft surface that won't hurt him if he trips or falls or turns badly.  Give him time.  Change it later if or when he calms down.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • IHateWeedingIHateWeeding Posts: 49
    Sorry for delay roof being done and not able to fully concentrate.

    Thanks all, I agree with all you have said, he has been here a while (5 years) now.

    Have tried training he is an areally lovely dog with the kids and no bother other than the fear aggression. 

    Will think about your ideas, thanks for your help.   
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