| ize difference between dogs and horses is usually | | | | When mixing dogs and horses, the dog, will sense of |
| that the horse is very much larger than the dog. | | | | smell the horse and be naturally curious about the |
| Nevertheless, most horses are much more frightened | | | | horse, as it approaches the boundary. Allow the dog |
| of dogs than the reverse. This creates unique | | | | to approach - but not move beyond - the boundary. |
| problems - for dogs and horses, and for the person | | | | If it tries to breach the boundary, tug on the leash |
| who has to control them both. | | | | and give a sharp 'No!' or 'Stop'. ('Stay' is a different |
| When introducing dogs and horses, unlike other animal | | | | behavior, requiring a different - and unique - |
| training areas, it helps very little to start the | | | | command.) |
| interaction out when both animals are young. Young | | | | When dogs and horses first meet your dog will have |
| horses are at least as skittish as older ones, and are | | | | a tendency to bark, this needs to be suppressed. |
| often accompanied by a mare. Neither is naturally | | | | Barking frequency varies with breed and individual |
| fond of nor curious about puppies. To a horse, nearly | | | | temperament, but horses aren't discriminating. When |
| everything but their owners and a few other horses | | | | seemingly threatened, they react - and a horse's |
| are threats - at least until they're mature. But when | | | | reaction to barking is not usually something pleasant. |
| mixing dogs and horses it can be very useful to | | | | Dogs and horses are both pack animals and will |
| introduce your young puppy to older horses at a | | | | usually follow the lead of the alpha (leader), unless, |
| very early age, as this will help to avoid the barking | | | | they're trying to be the alpha. This drive for |
| problem. | | | | dominance, coupled sometimes with fear or simply |
| But there are many circumstances where dogs and | | | | the desire to warn of a threat, can lead to barking. |
| horses interact successfully. Whether the dog owner | | | | During your dog and horse training you need to |
| is a regular visitor to stables or riding schools, or | | | | reinforce your 'top dog' status, by a sharp jerk |
| whether the dog lives on the premises both can get | | | | sideways on the leash, accompanied by a sharp |
| along well. | | | | verbal 'No bark!'. Jerk sideways, not back, in order to |
| In the early stages of dog and horse interaction. | | | | get the dog's attention without risking injury to the |
| always keep puppies and dogs restrained around | | | | throat. Dogs have very strong neck muscles, but |
| horses until they've learned what to do and what to | | | | throats can still be too easily bruised by excessive |
| avoid. A lead, for at least the first several weeks of | | | | force. |
| training, is a must. And ensure that the horse is not in | | | | If the dog insists on barking, remove him from the |
| a position to rear or run where the dog can be | | | | area and try again another day. Don't give up too |
| injured. | | | | easily, though. You don't want to train the dog that |
| Training dog and horses to interact involves a series | | | | every time he barks 'Danger', you obey by fleeing. |
| of separate, but easily learned behaviours. | | | | As with any dog training regiment, patience and |
| To start your dogs and horses training, first, the dog | | | | consistency are the keys to success. Be firm, but not |
| has to learn to respect a boundary, a dog can easily | | | | abusive, and execute the same unique command and |
| slip through a paddock with metal bars, or a series of | | | | physical movement regularly for each associated |
| stalls, or other enclosures. Begin by using a leash and | | | | behaviour taught. Teaching dogs and horses to be |
| collar and make the boundary training part of a more | | | | comfortable with each others company you need to |
| general walk where you train the dog to follow you. | | | | be sure that your commands to your dog do not |
| Be sure your dog follows you, not leads you. | | | | frighten your horse. |