Getting horse used to dogs

[crazyhorsegirl]

I have recently purchased a yougster who is really nice and working out well but i have come across one thing he doesnt seem so keen on and that is doggies!

If dogs come near him he is not frightened but always tries to kick them. He is calm when kicking out and does think about it for a split second before kicking but if they are anywhere near him he will definitely kick!

So does anyone have any tips for getting him used to dogs because in every other way he is very quiet? I would eventually like to hunt him so could be a bit of a problem with the hounds!!

Any help greatly appreciated!

 

[polyphonic]

i started with just popping my dog over the stable floor, flint wasnt too fussed about dog but dog was bout horse and bit him. which then put him off. never tried to kick though. do it as a gradual excercise, maybe if you have a pen that you could pop dog into next o horse but out of kicking distance? im now able to have dog on lap or sit on flints withers whilst im riding (i mean sttod still not like jumping god that sounded stupid!)

all in all just take the time and dont rush him, he'll come round

 

[leanne123]

you could do with our yo dog, as soon as a horse comes out of its stable shes there trying to round it up, shes very good of keeping out of danger but does manage to get underneth them and alsorts.
when anyone rides in the sandschool she runs up and down one side until they come out its so funny. but none of the horses seemed bothered by her at all not even my big nervious shaking lump of a horse.
shes quite taken to mine and even comes in his stable to try and nip his ankles i nearly shut her in this morning as i didn't see her follow me in lol.
but he always drops her a bit of breakfast over his door so i think he likes her too.

 

[Clodagh]

Don't push him, it probably is fear or not understanding what they are. After all, dogs are predators and horses are prey!
My youngster kicked dogs (and hounds

) when I got her, shes better now but still will kick out if the hounds are around her for too long, its like her courage breaks.
I beat her if she kicks and stroke and talk to her the whole time she stands nicely! She is much better but I still keep her well away if at all possible. Our dogs can now go in and out of her stable quite happily, and if my lurcher comes out for a hack with us she parks right under her tail!

 

[Torryvald]

When my youngster arrived he was terrified of my cocker spaniel. I just let him get on with it and he soon got used to the sight of him in the field, and now doesn;t bat an eye lid when he runs around him.

I would just ask friends to bring their dogs around to your field ( as long as they are not the type to chase your horse) and get him desensitivised. It will be safer in the long run especially when you are hunting or hacking, if your horse is not bothered by dogs runnning up to it. I personally would not introduce them in a stable as your horse may feel trapped and it could be dangerous for the dog.

 

[filly190]

You say the horse is not frightened of dogs which is a really good start. I would be tempted to consider being ready with a crop for when he kicks out and give him an immediate small tap. Just a gentle little reminder that there are consequences if he kicks out.

I would'nt do anything to hurt or frighten him. I suppose I am thinking down the lines of when you start teaching youngsters to pick their feet up and handle their legs, if they raise a leg etc, you give them a subtle tap.