| Dogs and horses are common at stables - many who | | | | people and horses alike. Another popular group with |
| have one like all animals and have the other also. | | | | horse owners are the working dogs. Typically large |
| However, not all dogs like horses, and not all horses | | | | dogs like Great Pyrenees, Anatolian Shepherds, |
| like dogs. Keeping the two co-existing can take | | | | Mastiffs or Kuvasz these dogs can be a security |
| training and, for some, may never happen. Left to | | | | force around the barn and keep *other* dogs out of |
| roam unchecked dogs can, and will, do incredible | | | | the horse area. They'll also effectively dispatch coons |
| damage and even kill a horse. There have been cases | | | | and other critters that come in uninvited. However, |
| of dogs jumping onto the neck of a horse as the | | | | because of the adult size it is ABSOLUTELY |
| horse wildly runs trying to escape his tormentor. | | | | important that you set ground rules from puppyhood |
| Dogs can run in packs and chase horses through | | | | and mean it. A 30 pound Pyr puppy is cute when he |
| fences, and even take down and kill horses. Once a | | | | comes up and jumps up...believe me the cute wears |
| horse has had a bad experience, they may never | | | | off when there's a 120 pound dog splashing through |
| fully trust a dog of any kind again. On the other hand | | | | the mud running straight towards you and company |
| there's other horses who will "hunt dogs" - and would | | | | is due in five minutes. Whatever the breed you get, |
| kill a dog given the opportunity. With one the prey | | | | expect to train them. Don't let them get away with |
| and one predator it's amazing the modern animals can | | | | carrying off grooming supplies and other things from |
| usually live in peace, but when things go wrong they | | | | the barn. Keep their vaccinations up - for their own |
| really go wrong. Other horses will tremble at the site | | | | health, that of your horses as well as of visitors. |
| of a dog. While some horses may never *like* dogs | | | | Don't allow your dog to roam the area. A dog that is |
| they should be trained enough to not panic and run | | | | supposed to protect the barn is useless if he's 2 miles |
| from them. Sometimes simply facing the dog is | | | | up the road visiting the neighbors. Remember too |
| enough intimidation, or riding towards the dog. Of | | | | that you may know your dog won't hurt livestock |
| course some horses are too afraid to walk forward | | | | but in many areas a dog in with livestock, including |
| and the dog will sense this. Still other horses simply | | | | horses, can be shot on sight. The horses normally |
| wait for the dog to get in range and, rider or not, | | | | learn to relax when they get used to the dog being |
| kick or strike. If you're thinking of a stable dog | | | | around. However, if strange horses are around, or |
| consider carefully several factors. Ideally if you're | | | | when you're seriously training the horse, keep the |
| bringing a dog home you'll give much thought to the | | | | dog safely confined. You want the horse's attention |
| idea. While border collies, Australian Shepherds and | | | | on *you* and what you're doing, not watching his |
| Cattle Dogs are all found on many farms and stables | | | | canine buddy romp in the yard outside the arena. A |
| it is VERY important that when you bring any herding | | | | dog running up along the fence can startle even a |
| dog home you devote time to training. Never let the | | | | horse that is used to dogs. For the safety of dog, |
| dog chase the horses, even in play. Herding dogs | | | | horse and rider take sensible precautions. Whether |
| have the instinct to move animals from one place to | | | | purebred or, like this Cattle Dog - Beagle cross, |
| another - for safety of both horse and dog restrain | | | | "mutts" make sure your farm/stable dog is properly |
| that instinct! Hounds have long been kept around | | | | trained and socialized around horses and the horses |
| horses. Typically bred to hunt, breeds like the | | | | trained to not fear the dog. |
| Foxhound, Beagle or Coonhound are better around | | | | Ron Petracek was raised in southern Idaho with |
| horses as they aren't a threat. They still need training, | | | | horses and the great outdoors. With this continued |
| but their instincts are more to go with the horses | | | | passion He now shares through a a vast equine |
| rather than chasing or cornering them. Their normally | | | | network. Learn more by clicking the links below. |
| laid back temperament is normally welcomed by | | | | |