Bad run in with dog

[MrsMurs]

Hi all,
Last week I was hacking and a dog ran up to us snarling viciously, biting around my horses back legs. It was quite terrifying at the time and the handler couldnt get near the dog to get it back on the lead, although they did eventually. My horse stood quite still at the time, albeit with his head in the air. He didn’t kick. I got off after to check him and fortunately he hadn’t been bitten.

my horse is very laid back but this seems to have upset him. We passed two dogs a couple of days later, this time on the lead and the chap went to great lengths to move them off the little lane away from us. We passed without issue but when I turned and raised my hand to thank him, my horse took off in a panic!
Today I’ve hacked again and he definitely is upset about dogs, particularly when they are behind him.

I’m gutted, because this horse is a saint. How can I get his trust back? I dont want this to become an issue.

eta. What’s the best thing to do when a dog attacks? Get off?

 

[Muddy unicorn]

Poor you and poor horse. Can you get a friendly 'stooge' dog to help desensitise him? You need to start off with the dog far enough away so that he doesn't react at all and gradually bring it closer, let him spend time just processing that there's a dog there without stressing him.

 

[Miss_Millie]

I don't know what to advise but I sympathise. I have been attacked by off lead dogs multiple times this year (not when riding but by myself on a walk) - needless to say I have gone from feeling 'normal' around dogs to anxious about them when I see them off-lead in the park etc. I hope that your horse gains his confidence back in time.

 

[Sprig]

Sorry to hear this. It makes me so cross when dogs aren't under control, it just so dangerous. Your horse sounds brilliant but it is no surprise he is upset. I imagine time and exposure to well behaved dogs will do the trick. If I approach an off lead dog on a ride I always ask the owner to put it on a lead, even if they insist it us good. It doesn't help with those that are running towards you by the time you spot them though.

 

[asmp]

Sorry to hear this. It makes me so cross when dogs aren't under control, it just so dangerous. Your horse sounds brilliant but it is no surprise he is upset. I imagine time and exposure to well behaved dogs will do the trick. If I approach an off lead dog on a ride I always ask the owner to put it on a lead, even if they insist it us good. It doesn't help with those that are running towards you by the time you spot them though.

I shout out that my horse will kick - because he will.

 

[SpeedyPony]

Might it be worth carrying a hunting/schooling whip so you have something to use to back off any out of control dogs?
I've hopped off and put myself (crop in hand) between the horse and a dog before now, either because the dog was a little aggressive, or because they were friendly but dim and I didn't want them getting trodden on.
One little dog ended up trying to play tug with the end of my stick when I waved it in his direction ? sweet dog, but no horse sense whatsoever, would have been under the pony's legs in a flash if not distracted.

 

[Peglo]

Sorry to hear of your run in with a stupid dog owner! Glad your horse wasn’t bitten. Agree with above and see if you can’t get a sensible dog and owner to help out desensitising.

my TB couldn’t care less about dogs on leads but she always got nervy with loose dogs. Never did anything silly but could feel her tense up and she was on high alert. I think something must’ve happened but was before I got her.

 

[spotty_pony]

Poor you. This happened to me once… the lady caught the dog, watched me ride past and then let the dog go again. The dog came flying up alongside my boy barking and jumping at him out of the crops. My boy freaked out, reared up and chucked me off. I was fuming! He is funny still to this day with dogs. If we meet any, I tend to stop and wait until the dog has been caught before riding past. Interestingly, he is fine with Hounds because he knows seems to know the difference!

 

[MrsMurs]

Poor you. This happened to me once… the lady caught the dog, watched me ride past and then let the dog go again. The dog came flying up alongside my boy barking and jumping at him out of the crops. My boy freaked out, reared up and chucked me off. I was fuming! He is funny still to this day with dogs. If we meet any, I tend to stop and wait until the dog has been caught before riding past. Interestingly, he is fine with Hounds because he knows seems to know the difference!

Might it be worth carrying a hunting/schooling whip so you have something to use to back off any out of control dogs?
I've hopped off and put myself (crop in hand) between the horse and a dog before now, either because the dog was a little aggressive, or because they were friendly but dim and I didn't want them getting trodden on.
One little dog ended up trying to play tug with the end of my stick when I waved it in his direction ? sweet dog, but no horse sense whatsoever, would have been under the pony's legs in a flash if not distracted.

I think you’re right. I’ve been mulling over what I’m going to do if this happens again, and it will as unfortunately this dog is known to me and has previous aggressive form with other dogs also.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

This dog wants reporting to the police and the dog warden before it causes a serious accident. They may not take notice but at least it should be recorded in case anyone else reports it.

 

[PeterNatt]

I would also find a horse friendly dog and desesetise your horse with him over a period of time, which will hopefully do the trick.

The Dangerous Dogs act was updated in 2014. One example is that dog attacks on loose horses in a field are now covered as an offence. Previously it was classed as an offence only when the horse was ridden or driven.

As from May 2014 Dog owners can be prosecuted if their dogs cause injury to a rider on public and private land, including livery yards. It is already an offence under the Dangerous Dogs Act for any dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place. Currently prosecution can only be brought if the dog harms the rider or puts them in fear of being injured.

If you are unfortunate enough to suffer an attack by a dog you should report the matter to the police stating that you where in ‘apprehension of injury’ due to the dog’s actions potentially causing you to be thrown. It can be argued that there was an offence under Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. The case of R v Nash 2011 at Birmingham Magistrates Court, Appealed to Crown and upheld by HH Judge Faber, held that the offence was complete if the dog’s conduct was enough for the rider to apprehend injury by way of causation.

If the Police still refuse to take action, you should complain to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

 

[Velcrobum]

I think you’re right. I’ve been mulling over what I’m going to do if this happens again, and it will as unfortunately this dog is known to me and has previous aggressive form with other dogs also.

Personally I would make a complaint to both Police and Dog warden about this incident. If this dog has a known history of aggression its owner is being very irresponsible not having a muzzle on it. Next time things could be much much worse.

 

[zaminda]

I would report it, although given my experience with the police and dogs, it's likely to fall on deaf ears.
I tend to trot at dogs that are being aggressive whilst making a lot of noise. If they are just bouncing I laugh because mine are all good, but anything nasty will get run over if it doesn't get out of the way.
I once shouted at a dog walker to call his dog out of my horses field, the bloomin thing was running around like an idiot, and he refused. I laughed a lot when the horses charged it as a herd! The owner didn't find it so funny.
The dogs are rarely the problem, it's the people that are.