Dogs and horses are very different creatures when we try to look into their behavior, nature, or even their sizes. The main difference is that horses are animals that other animals often hunt, while dogs are animals that often hunt themselves.
But, despite their differences, dogs and horses share one thing in common: they share a home with people. Both creatures have a long history of domestication going back thousands of years. Horses were used for transportation, agriculture, and leisure activities, while dogs were bred specifically for hunting, herding, and guarding.
Now if we talk about the coexistence of dogs and horses then it is quite a challenging task but also a wonderful experience. Fostering harmony among these animals is truly captivating, leading to a distinctive bond and numerous advantages. Here is a rundown on how to train your horses and dogs to coexist.
Familiarize Your Dog with Horses
Dogs and horses can become best friends, depending on how they are introduced. However, before introducing your dog to your horses, it is best first to allow your dog to observe horses, which may be done by keeping your dogs near the barn. After that, you can gradually decrease the distance between your dog and the horses.
When your dog is comfortable with the presence of horses, you should proceed to the next step, direct visual interaction under your supervision. But here comes an important point to remember before the visual interaction you have to make sure that your dog is literate about some basic commands like “Sit,” “Stay,” and “Come.”
Consider Pet Insurance
When integrating dogs and horses into a shared environment, one important aspect to consider is pet insurance. This can provide peace of mind by offering coverage for unforeseen accidents or health issues that may arise. With dogs and horses interacting more frequently, having a safety net ensures that both animals receive the necessary medical attention promptly, without a financial burden. When looking for dog insurance, make sure to read reviews from trusted sources and choose a policy that meets your specific needs. While pet insurance may not prevent accidents or illnesses, it can ease the financial strain and provide you with more resources to focus on training and bonding with your animals.
Choosing the Right Breed
The coexistence of dogs and horses depends heavily on a key factor: the dog’s breed. While each dog breed has its own benefits and drawbacks, some breeds are incompatible with horses. For Example, Terrier breeds, such as Jack Russell Terriers, Fox Terriers, or Rat Terriers, are known for their high prey drive. These dogs have a strong instinct to chase and may perceive horses as prey, potentially leading to conflict or dangerous situations.
On the other hand, breeds like Greyhounds, Salukis, or Afghan Hounds have a strong instinct to chase small, fast-moving animals. Their prey drive and high-speed pursuit can pose a risk when around horses. While individual sighthounds can vary in their tolerance for horses, caution should be exercised.
Breeds that are good with Horses
If you’re thinking about dogs that can be friends with horses, breeds like Labrador Retrievers and Border Collies are usually a good pick. Golden doodles can also be a good choice because they can adjust well. Just remember, it’s really important to teach them how to behave around horses and to always keep an eye on them when they’re together.
So, if you’ve already decided to get a Goldendoodle for adoption, you should give it a shot because they are the finest friend for your horses.
Reward Calm and Appropriate Behavior
When your dog behaves politely and calmly around your horses, it’s a great idea to reward them with some treats and show your appreciation. This helps encourage their good behavior and strengthens the bond between your dog and horses.
Letting them know they’re doing a fantastic job is always nice. On the other hand, avoid punishing and scolding your buddy in front of horses for any fearful or reactive behavior as it will just increase the tension between your horse and dog.
Dog chews can be a valuable tool for training, offering both a reward and a way to keep your dog engaged. High-value chews, like bully sticks, dental treats or natural dog chews, can be used as positive reinforcement during training sessions, motivating your dog to focus and learn.
Obedience Training
In addition to your dogs, you must teach your companion a few respectful ways to communicate. You should train your horse to respond to some cues and commands effectively. For Example, you can use the reins or your body movements to tell the horse to turn left or right or to stop. Horses can also learn to listen to verbal orders such as “walk on” or “whoa,” which signify to begin or stop moving.
By teaching these commands, you will have more control over them and will be able to keep them safe. It creates a pleasant environment since everyone understands what to do and how to act.
Patience and Consistency
Here comes the most important aspect when training horses and dogs to coexist: patience and consistency. This is quite a challenging process, and things require some time to change. As it involves changing the attitude of two opposite creatures, it will require a lot of constant effort and patience too. So, you need to be calm throughout the process and most importantly have some faith in the process.
On the other side, consistency suggests reliability and performing things repeatedly. Animals, like people, learn better when they follow a constant pattern. So, during training, use the same words or signs each time you want your horse or dog to do something. This helps them learn what you expect from them and makes learning easier.
For example, if you want your dog to sit, use the same word each time, such as “sit” and the same hand signal. This constancy teaches your dog to place its bottom on the ground when you say “sit” and make the right-hand gesture.
Your horse and dog will feel more secure and at ease if you are patient and consistent in your training. They will learn more quickly and know what you are asking of them. So, be patient and continue to practice with your horse and dog, using the same words and signs each time. With patience and consistency, you will see growth and develop a strong bond with your animals.
Closing Thoughts
It’s a great and meaningful experience to teach horses and dogs to get along. While dogs and horses have their differences, they can form a special connection with the right instruction and approach. You may create a secure setting for both animals by gradually introducing your dog to horses, selecting the proper breed, rewarding positive behavior, and offering constant training.
Patience and constancy are essential throughout the process since they require time to comprehend and adjust to each other. Remember that the goal is to build trust and respect between your horse and dog to form a unique and delightful partnership. So, embrace this training process and enjoy observing the incredible relationship that can emerge between these two.