How to Train Your Dog to Get Along with Horses

As a general rule, dogs are much smaller than a horse. Despite this, many horses are much more afraid of dogs than dogs are of horses, which can create problems for the dog, horse and owner.

This is the only instance where it hinders, rather than helps, to begin interaction when both animals are young. Young horses tend to be extremely skittish, and are often accompanied by a mare. Neither is naturally fond of nor curious about puppies. Until they mature, most horses see everything but their owners and a few other horses as threats.

This doesn’t mean that horses and dogs can’t interact successfully though. With careful training both can get along well, whether the dog owner is a regular visitor to barns or riding schools, or the dog lives on the premises.

Until puppies have learned what to avoid, keep them restrained around horses. It’s vital that a leash is used, at least for the first several weeks of training. It is also important to ensure the horse is not in a position to rear or run where the dog can be injured.

Training a dog around horses involves a series of separate, but easily learned behaviors.

Whether it’s a paddock with metal bars a dog can easily slip through, or a series of stalls, or other type of enclosure the first thing the dog has to learn is to respect a boundary. Make the boundary training part of a more general walk where you train the dog to follow you, making sure to use a leash and collar in the initial stages.

Its keen sense of smell will naturally cause the dog to be curious about the horse as the boundary is approached. Allow the dog to advance to - but not move beyond - the boundary. If it tries to cross the boundary, tug on the leash and give a sharp 'No!' or 'Stop'. ('Stay' is a different behavior, requiring a different - and unique - command.)

Simultaneously barking behavior needs to be suppressed. Barking frequency varies with breed and individual temperament, but horses aren't discriminating. When they feel threatened, they react - and a horse's reaction to barking is not usually something pleasant.

Both pack animals, unless they’re trying to claim the position, dogs, like horses, will usually follow the lead of the alpha (leader). This appeal for dominance, usually accompanied by fear or simply the desire to warn of a threat, can lead to barking.

To reinforce your 'top dog' status give a quick, sharp jerk sideways on the leash, accompanied by a sharp verbal 'No bark!'. To avoid injury to the throat, jerk sideways, not back, in order to get the dog's attention. Despite having very strong neck muscles, dog’s throats bruise easily with excessive force.

Don’t give up too easily, but f the dog continues to bark, remove him from the area and try again another day. You need to be careful not to train the dog that every time he barks 'Danger', you obey by fleeing.

To reach your training goal, patience and repetition are required for success. Enforce your alpha status with firm, unique commands, remembering to praise the dog when correct behavior is displayed. With guidance and persistence from you, your horse and dog can live harmoniously together.

         

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