Article Title: Dogs And Horses
Author: Valerie Dancer
The size difference between dogs and horses is usually that the
horse is very much larger than the dog. Nevertheless, most
horses are much more frightened of dogs than the reverse. This
creates unique problems - for dogs and horses, and for the
person who has to control them both.
When introducing dogs and horses, unlike other animal training
areas, it helps very little to start the interaction out when
both animals are young. Young horses are at least as skittish
as older ones, and are often accompanied by a mare. Neither is
naturally fond of nor curious about puppies. To a horse, nearly
everything but their owners and a few other horses are threats -
at least until they're mature. But when mixing dogs and horses
it can be very useful to introduce your young puppy to older
horses at a very early age, as this will help to avoid the
barking problem.
But there are many circumstances where dogs and horses interact
successfully. Whether the dog owner is a regular visitor to
stables or riding schools, or whether the dog lives on the
premises both can get along well.
In the early stages of dog and horse interaction. always keep
puppies and dogs restrained around horses until they've learned
what to do and what to avoid. A lead, for at least the first
several weeks of training, is a must. And ensure that the horse
is not in a position to rear or run where the dog can be
injured.
Training dog and horses to interact involves a series of
separate, but easily learned behaviours.
To start your dogs and horses training, first, the dog has to
learn to respect a boundary, a dog can easily slip through a
paddock with metal bars, or a series of stalls, or other
enclosures. Begin by using a leash and collar and make the
boundary training part of a more general walk where you train
the dog to follow you. Be sure your dog follows you, not leads
you.
When mixing dogs and horses, the dog, will sense of smell the
horse and be naturally curious about the horse, as it
approaches the boundary. Allow the dog to approach - but not
move beyond - the boundary. If it tries to breach the boundary,
tug on the leash and give a sharp 'No!' or 'Stop'. ('Stay' is a
different behavior, requiring a different - and unique -
command.)
When dogs and horses first meet your dog will have a tendency
to bark, this needs to be suppressed. Barking frequency varies
with breed and individual temperament, but horses aren't
discriminating. When seemingly threatened, they react - and a
horse's reaction to barking is not usually something pleasant.
Dogs and horses are both pack animals and will usually follow
the lead of the alpha (leader), unless, they're trying to be
the alpha. This drive for dominance, coupled sometimes with
fear or simply the desire to warn of a threat, can lead to
barking.
During your dog and horse training you need to reinforce your
'top dog' status, by a sharp jerk sideways on the leash,
accompanied by a sharp verbal 'No bark!'. Jerk sideways, not
back, in order to get the dog's attention without risking
injury to the throat. Dogs have very strong neck muscles, but
throats can still be too easily bruised by excessive force.
If the dog insists on barking, remove him from the area and try
again another day. Don't give up too easily, though. You don't
want to train the dog that every time he barks 'Danger', you
obey by fleeing.
As with any dog training regiment, patience and consistency are
the keys to success. Be firm, but not abusive, and execute the
same unique command and physical movement regularly for each
associated behaviour taught. Teaching dogs and horses to be
comfortable with each others company you need to be sure that
your commands to your dog do not frighten your horse.
About The Author: I have owned dogs for 42 years. Learning to
train from my mother who trained to county level. Over the
years I have found that the old ways of training are not always
the best, that praise is the best form of training, and the
younger the dog, the easier it is to train.
http://www.dogtrain
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