Dogs following horses whilst out hacking

Exactly. I take mine with me all the time, never had any problems with him. He stays within 20 meters away from me, hasa spot on recall and is very well socialised. Had he ever gotten attacked I should hope he would return to me while I dismount and be able to help him. Saying that we have off road hacking in a national park at the door step. I would never take him out if I had to go on any roads (and not because I wouldn't trust him, it's the other road users). It is great, fun way for him to burn off the energy and he loves it so I don't see why I should ban him from our fun outings :)
 
Used to hack with collie but he wouldn't leave back of horse, we went on quantocks and mendips, he never chased other horses and knew his job was to stay with the horse. I did also take him on roads but stopped as roads got busier. Must admit he once or twice circled back round behind another rider as they were very close, I apologised, called him, let them pass and never an issue but he didn't ever run after them just wrongly assumed they were with me.

Hoping to start taking new collie out but will have to see how she is on private land or with oh tagging along before venture further.
 
I hack with my dog. She recalls, stays to heel and waits when she's told and is focused on me 100% and when I ride along lanes she goes on the verge. I'm in a heavy populated horse area, she's never followed another horse and loves coming out
 
Ok, this particular dog wasn't under control but I also can't believe how many people don't think you can have enough control to hack out safely with I dog. I happily hack out with my dog if we are away from roads and he will heal, stay, down and knows left and right and will not run off after a rabbit or whatever.
 
It obviously depends on how well behaved the dog is, but in reality NO dog is ever 100% guaranteed not to misbehave and cause or be involved in an accident.
Sadly, my experience has always shown dogs to be uncontrolled and a nuisance. I am sure there are well behaved dogs who are fine out with their owners on a horse hack.
 
I've never had a problem with my dogs riding out with me. My black dogs (shepherds and collie) are very well trained and they're fine off property too as they do whatever I tell them and they're not the slightest bit interested in anyone else or other horses. My white dogs (livestock guardian dogs) never leave the farm so even if they do come some way with us on our ride they go back to the house once we exit the farm boundaries. These days I don't ride much with my dogs as I'm often with other riders so I tell the dogs to stay at home; they almost always hear us coming back onto the farm and they'll run to meet us which is nice.
 
huskydamage said:
don't mind anyone with a loose dog as long as they can control it (which 99% of the time it seems they can't!) unfortunately my horse is very aggressive to dogs for some reason... tries actively to bite them and stamp on them! :s
I have yet to come across a dog owner who can stop their dog running up to my horse, without grabbing it. Same with when I walk my dog (who I never let off lead because I would have no chance in hell of stopping him chasing if he wanted to!).
I'm sure there must be some people out there who can control there dog's off lead, but it's not me and I don't think it's most people!
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This! My absolute bug bear............what is wrong with people; I get sick to death of my hacks being ruined by dog owners who let their dog run up to my horses and either worry them or snap at their heel, and if you say anything you get a load of verbal! My little dog is always on the lead when we go for a walk unless on my own land. The amount of people that let their dogs come and sniff her ( she is petrified ) is unreal! I'm going to really snap one of these days :(
 
Are you saying dog owners shouldn't let dogs greet each other? If you keep the dog on the lead then may be easier to avoid those few places where people can safely let their dogs off. I totally agree if you are on the road, street but on lovely open land I like to let mine run, she is brilliant with all other dogs and even if yours snapped at her she would just leave you alone.
 
meesha said:
Are you saying dog owners shouldn't let dogs greet each other? If you keep the dog on the lead then may be easier to avoid those few places where people can safely let their dogs off. I totally agree if you are on the road, street but on lovely open land I like to let mine run, she is brilliant with all other dogs and even if yours snapped at her she would just leave you alone.
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If I see a dog on the lead mine are called back and put on leads when out walking, the dog is on a lead for a reason fear/aggression/no recall, I wait for people to call out their dog is ok/friendly then my dogs are allowed to go say hello one at a time-just because yours is ok does not mean they all are.
 
AngieandBen said:
I get sick to death of my hacks being ruined by dog owners who let their dog run up to my horses and either worry them or snap at their heel, and if you say anything you get a load of verbal!
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This ^
Where I hack its a bleeding nightmare. Lots of heathland & woods, no roadwork at all, but also v close to local town & has 3 large car parks.
We have great hacking BUT only if you go out v early to avoid the 'townies' exercising their dogs. Cannot say they are walking, most dogs are off lead & not under control at all.

At least most of the the early ones (before 8am) are 'proper' dog walkers who call up their dogs when they see us approaching.

If I want to go for a good hack (get out of a trot), I have to box up & go elsewhere...
 
The Xmas Furry said:
This ^
Where I hack its a bleeding nightmare. Lots of heathland & woods, no roadwork at all, but also v close to local town & has 3 large car parks.
We have great hacking BUT only if you go out v early to avoid the 'townies' exercising their dogs. Cannot say they are walking, most dogs are off lead & not under control at all.

At least most of the the early ones (before 8am) are 'proper' dog walkers who call up their dogs when they see us approaching.

If I want to go for a good hack (get out of a trot), I have to box up & go elsewhere...
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Well next time you want to go for a hack in a public place you should put up signs, ring a bell and let people know your in the area just so they don't spoil your hack...goodness me, nothing like having a bit of self importance!

If your riding in a public area then I'm afraid you have to put up with dogs, children, cyclists, traffic, joggers and walkers.

I find cyclists are far worse than dogs, they often go around in packs, never slow down, move over or warn you they are coming from behind, however as much as I think "bloody cyclists" I'm sure they are thinking the same about me.

In response to the OP I'm glad your ok and nothing happened to you or your horses. Yes I think it's ok to go for a hack with your dog but only if that dog is well behaved.
We often go out with the yards Jack Russell but he keeps himself to himself and just potters along with us.
No harm done OP and try not to live in a world of 'what if's'

Safe hacking everyone xx
 
I take my dogs out with my horses all the time .
They are extremely well trained would never ever not recall they are trained to sit behind my horse as I stand by them when I need them to .
I never ever go on a pubic road with them but take them to the forest and to the beach.
Of course it's acceptable if your dog is trained , mine are .
 
We are all entitled to enjoy the countryside without having any hassle Spit that out! Nothing to do with self importance; I don't hassle anyone else so why should dogs hassle me? Bridleways are just that, NOT a free exercise lane for uncontrolled dogs!

The post is about dogs running around on the roads/bridleways not children or traffic or cyclists!

I don't agree; cyclists around here always let us know if they are coming up behind, come by single file, and always say hello.
 
I've always kind of believed dogs and horses go together. I think horses need to be used to dogs and dogs (well those in the country and horse populated farming areas) should be as used to horses as they can. It's only generally owners who cause problems either way, but that is my opinion.

My little dog comes out on hacks. Ever since she was little she would hack around our farmland with me. I now have a mare at livery and although she doesn't come out every time when she does she's as good as gold and she absolutely loves it. She is a small obedient Jack Russell (yes I know, hard to believe!!!) I never felt my old lab was as trustworthy as her so he never came out. We have a circuit through woods that has a section of country road (and it's very very quiet as in only liveries and a few residents use it). In all honesty it's the only section around here I would feel safe hacking on with her as other parts are too busy.

So as long as the factors all add up and it's perfectly safe I don't think there is an issue really. But perhaps it's because it's just something I've grown up with.
 
bonny said:
Why do so many people on here like to boast about their horse's dog killing capabilities ? Any horse can kick and a lot will obviously if attacked by a dog but thinking that your horse would kill a dog for simply being there is wrong. Now I'm thinking of what if's.....maybe replace the dog with a child, would you be so boastful of your horse's prowess in that situation ?
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This. I got chased by a child waving a massive stick the other day pretending my horse was a dragon, now I don't like children- but I also wouldn't boast that my horse would've kicked and killed the child (he could have- I'm just lucky he didn't.) I could have killed the parents that stood there and let it happen though.
 
AngieandBen said:
We are all entitled to enjoy the countryside without having any hassle Spit that out! Nothing to do with self importance; I don't hassle anyone else so why should dogs hassle me? Bridleways are just that, NOT a free exercise lane for uncontrolled dogs!

The post is about dogs running around on the roads/bridleways not children or traffic or cyclists!

I don't agree; cyclists around here always let us know if they are coming up behind, come by single file, and always say hello.
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If you read my post I didn't say it was ok to be hassled by anyone or thing but I replied to someone else's post who was complaining that when she is hacking in a public area she has to out to avoid 'townies'...as if people don't have the right to be out with their dogs because then she can't have an decent hack.

I then went on to comment about the original OP post.

Your very lucky to have polite cyclists where you are, however in my experience they are rude. Just like I haven't had a bad experience with a dog however I appreciate others have.
 
Spit That Out said:
Well next time you want to go for a hack in a public place you should put up signs, ring a bell and let people know your in the area just so they don't spoil your hack...goodness me, nothing like having a bit of self importance!

If your riding in a public area then I'm afraid you have to put up with dogs, children, cyclists, traffic, joggers and walkers.
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I totally accept your second comment, we do accept much of what comes along.

However, am not (IMHO) self important, just fed up with badly behaved/trained dogs that chase, bite and often attack ANY horses on a daily basis here. The council dog warden spends a lot of time out there educating, but he is also ripping his hair out (metaphorically) at lax owners, some of whom just open car door to let doggie run around for half an hour or more.
My hunting whip is kept busy most days, this despite my current mount being a saint, but even he gets tee'd off by dogs hanging - yes, hanging - onto his tail above the hocks & swinging from it.
What do you suggest we do then?
 
meesha said:
Are you saying dog owners shouldn't let dogs greet each other? If you keep the dog on the lead then may be easier to avoid those few places where people can safely let their dogs off. I totally agree if you are on the road, street but on lovely open land I like to let mine run, she is brilliant with all other dogs and even if yours snapped at her she would just leave you alone.
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No, you really shouldn't let your dog run up and greet. Especially if the other dog is on a lead! And if you can't call it back before it reaches another dog/person/etc then you don't have control of it.

I like to let mine run too - guess what? He doesn't approach other dogs. Or humans. Or cats. Or anything else. And if another dog approaches him he will immediately return to heel and stand behind me. Because he's trained to, because I'm sick of people saying "Oooh, Fluffy is just being a dog!" as their dog steals his toy or tries to mount him etc. He's very obedient indeed, but I still carry a lead and if I see an on lead dog, livestock, traffic, horses, free roaming toddler etc, he goes back on the lead until I know that there won't be any issue from the other party.
 
The Xmas Furry said:
I totally accept your second comment, we do accept much of what comes along.

However, am not (IMHO) self important, just fed up with badly behaved/trained dogs that chase, bite and often attack ANY horses on a daily basis here. The council dog warden spends a lot of time out there educating, but he is also ripping his hair out (metaphorically) at lax owners, some of whom just open car door to let doggie run around for half an hour or more.
My hunting whip is kept busy most days, this despite my current mount being a saint, but even he gets tee'd off by dogs hanging - yes, hanging - onto his tail above the hocks & swinging from it.
What do you suggest we do then?
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Have you tried telling the owner your horse has ringworm, or mange, or something along those lines? I find that works really well with the owners who like to let dogs be dogs and play with each other without asking. It's amazing how quickly they get them back on lead then...
 
meesha said:
Are you saying dog owners shouldn't let dogs greet each other? If you keep the dog on the lead then may be easier to avoid those few places where people can safely let their dogs off. I totally agree if you are on the road, street but on lovely open land I like to let mine run, she is brilliant with all other dogs and even if yours snapped at her she would just leave you alone.
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My old dog would have loved to have another dog come and greet him when he was on the lead (or if he had ever been allowed off the lead). The other dog wouldnt have been going back to his owner though once mine had finished with it. He hated every dog he met, and would quite happily attack anything.

So unless you know the other dog, I would never, ever let my dog go and "greet" another one...
 
I can call mine back and she actually waits for others to approach her rather than the other way round. However if I had a dog agressive dog on a lead it would be muzzled, I would also not choose to walk that dog in an area where others are off the lead. I walk up the mendips and almost every dog is off the lead and they all mix happily.
 
Dogs should be under close control in public places, ie walking to heel or on a lead.

Running around everywhere IMO does not constitue under close control
 
Arizahn said:
No, you really shouldn't let your dog run up and greet. Especially if the other dog is on a lead! And if you can't call it back before it reaches another dog/person/etc then you don't have control of it.

I like to let mine run too - guess what? He doesn't approach other dogs. Or humans. Or cats. Or anything else. And if another dog approaches him he will immediately return to heel and stand behind me. Because he's trained to, because I'm sick of people saying "Oooh, Fluffy is just being a dog!" as their dog steals his toy or tries to mount him etc. He's very obedient indeed, but I still carry a lead and if I see an on lead dog, livestock, traffic, horses, free roaming toddler etc, he goes back on the lead until I know that there won't be any issue from the other party.
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*Like* :)

My little dog isn't very good with other dogs approaching her, I end up having to pick her up a lot of the time, I always have her on the lead while walking on the roads, ( she has 5 acres at home to run around on ) Most owners who let their dogs come and "sniff her" just ignore the fact she's petrified!
 
Yes I let mine run off lead but she always comes to whistle and doesn't go far, sad world if we all had to stop dogs running off the lead when appropriate. I totally agree it's a problem if dog has bad recall or approaches others uninvited.
 
I used to with my old dog she wouldn't move away from my side. The new one however can only go off his lead on the field, daft as a brush and wouldn't hurt a fly but training and recall goes to s**t as soon as he is out of the back garden!
 
We had a bit of a situation whilst walking our two dogs a few weeks back one Sunday afternoon with an ignorant dog walker. Our dogs run and play off the lead but I always call them back to put their leads back on for their own sake when I see another dog coming. In my opinion it is just good manners. My two are not nasty in any way but you never know the temperament of other dogs and I would be devastated if one of mine was bitten and/or attacked by a nasty dog if I could have prevented it by making sure mine were on their leads and under control.
 
Arizahn said:
Have you tried telling the owner your horse has ringworm, or mange, or something along those lines? I find that works really well with the owners who like to let dogs be dogs and play with each other without asking. It's amazing how quickly they get them back on lead then...
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If I get to see an owner, its worth a try;) tho mostly dogs are walking themselves.
However, don't want to start something that could get out of hand in taking horses out with transferrable (or ficticious) diseases :biggrin3:
 
wench said:
Dogs should be under close control in public places, ie walking to heel or on a lead.
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Last week magistrates in London decided that the owner of a dog which bit a police horse was not guilty of being unable to control her dog in a public place. The police horse had puncture wounds. The dog owner is reported as saying that her dog was just excited and that incident might have been avoided if the police officers had concentrated on controlling the dog. Of course some of us might think that the incident would have been avoided if she herself could control her own dog and maybe even have it on a lead. If we are to believe the newspaper reports she seems only to be concerned about herself and her dog - no mention of any concern for the horse or its rider http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ukn...ed-after-her-dog-attacked-a-police-horse.html and http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/1...tacked_police_horse_in_Greenwich_Park/?ref=mr
 
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