subject: Having Dogs Around Horses [print this page] Horse lovers are typically animal lovers, and therefore many are dog owners as well. Dogs and horses seem to go together in theory images of cowboys on horseback with their loyal dogs at their side, and hunting parties following barking hounds across the countryside come to mind.
We spend many hours at the barn, and the idea of being able to bring our dogs with us can be appealing. But how realistic is it to combine horses and dogs? Horses spook easily, and their sheer size and powerful kicking ability can mean great danger for dogs. Dogs can stir up horses and lead to serious risk to the safety of both horse and rider. Its important to evaluate each individual situation, as the personalities of the horses and dogs youre working with can make all the difference to the success and safety of a situation. If youre lucky and have a horse and dog with the right personalities, then with some caution it may be possible to bring your dog to the barn along with you.
Before you consider exposing your dog to horses, take your dogs character into consideration. Is your dog high-energy and easily excitable? Is he difficult to control if there are multiple unfamiliar stimuli present? Is he reactive and highly independent? If so, he probably wont be a good fit for interaction with horses.
Similarly, consider your horses character. A high-strung or easily spooked horse, or one with a tendency to kick, is not likely to be safe around dogs. If your goal is to have your dog accompany you on a trail ride, your horses temperament will be especially important, as both your dogs and your own safety will depend on it.
Before a safe introduction can take place, your dog should be well-trained. He should understand and obey a no-barking command such as no or quiet. He should also obey commands such as come, sit, and stay. The dogs response to these commands is paramount to his safety, so be sure that the dog will recognize and obey the commands even in an unfamiliar setting.
Introduce your dog to your horse gradually, and always in a controlled situation with your dog on a short leash. Watch both your horse and your dog for signs of excitement or unease. Its hugely important to make sure that your dog keeps a safe distance from your horses legs, especially his hind end. This is where a strong come command is vital for the safety of all involved.
If you should head out on the trail with both your dog and your horse, be sure to invest quality time on the ground beforehand to make sure that theyre both acclimated to each other. Keep a careful eye on where your dog is at all times, and be prepared for your horses reaction if your dog is to suddenly race up ahead or back towards you. Always try to keep your dog ahead of you and your horse on the trail to avoid the possibility of him running up too closely behind your horse.
Even if your dog doesnt accompany you on the trail, it doesnt mean he has to be banned from the barn altogether. Restraint is key, here when dogs roam freely they can get into trouble, such as running up behind horses or chasing them in pastures. If youll be working inside the barn and the horses are all turned out or in their stalls, closing the barn doors may create a safe place to let your dog roam, as long as anyone else present is aware and approves. Beware of any hazards found in the barn, though, such as medications, rodent poisons, or even manure containing traces of dewormer. Bringing a crate or a leash along can allow your dog to spend additional time at the barn safely while you also spend some quality time with your horse.
If you want to take your dog to a horse show, check well in advance that the show permits dogs on the grounds. Due to the liability, many shows now prohibit canines, even if they are on leashes. If you are able to bring your dog, plan ahead. Who will be with your dog while youre riding? Will you have a way to keep him cool from the summer heat? Hell need to be on a leash or in a crate the entire time, and sometimes it may just be simpler to leave him at home.
Remember, even after extensive training and preparation, and no matter the precautions you take, when dogs are around horses, accidents can still happen. Severe injury and death can occur to the dogs, and dogs can cause sudden reactions from horses. Always use caution and supervise closely when you have your dog around the barn.
