How to get dog used to horses.

[TheresaW]

As some of you know, we very recently adopted my OH's late uncles border collie Aled. He really is a wonderful old boy (10.5), is absolutely fine with our cats, has been great with other dogs we've met on our walks. The only problem we've encountered so far is with the horses. Am not sure if it's fear or aggression.

Horses are kept on 5 acres, split into 2. He's been coming up when I do them, and OH has been coming with me. Whilst I poo pick etc OH has been playing with him and keeping him entertained. He ignores them for the most part, but if they come too close to the fence, he will stand and bark at them, really bark. They are completely unfazed by him and Dolly and Mac take no notice of him at all. Ollie will deliberately come as close to the fence as he can and just stand and look at him. Last night I was on my own with him, so whilst I was pottering about with the horses, I tied him on the lunge line. He could have a good mooch about, but get no closer than about 2ft to the fence. He was laying down quite happily until Ollie went over and then he started his barking. I went over and told him off, but he pretty much ignored me, so then I decided to leave him to it as both he and horses were safe from each other. He barked for a bit then gave up and had a mooch and lay down again. Once I'd finished with my jobs I untied him and we had a good play. No interest in the horses at all. (Lunge line still attached so could grab him if needed).

Any ideas how we can get him more used to them, or is it likely to never happen? I enjoy taking him up there with me, and will be nice in the winter having the company in the dark. Riding with him around isn't an issue as he wont be with me unless OH is there.

Thanks in advance.

 

[JillA]

I've always started mine off on a long line (old lunge line for example). To begin with I keep hold of the end and can reinforce a "leave" command by yanking on it (teach the leave command separately first of course). Then have the line trailing on the ground, loose, but you can step on it if necessary and they are conscious of the fact that you have control. Eventually they will be so used to being around the horses they no longer need it.
Has worked really well with numerous ones, even a totally bonkers Brittany Spaniel who could barely contain his enthusiasm most of the time.
Border collies always want to herd animals though so you might find your horses dislike him being round their heels

 

[Teaselmeg]

I would look at it from his point of view, new home, his world has suddenly changed and now large animals that he has never met before come over and stare at him, he cannot get away, so he is trying to make Ollie go away.

I would not force the situation at all, you playing with him is great and I would take a few steps back, don't ask him to be so close to the horses and gradually reduce the distance over the next few weeks, keeping any closer contact with the horses a fun thing by playing/nice treats etc whatever HE finds rewarding. It will take a little time, but is a much better long term fix for him and your horses. Suppressing his fear might work, but as well as not being fair on him, it could also make things a lot worse in the long term. Good luck.

 

[MotherOfChickens]

I would look at it from his point of view, new home, his world has suddenly changed and now large animals that he has never met before come over and stare at him, he cannot get away, so he is trying to make Ollie go away.

I would not force the situation at all, you playing with him is great and I would take a few steps back, don't ask him to be so close to the horses and gradually reduce the distance over the next few weeks, keeping any closer contact with the horses a fun thing by playing/nice treats etc whatever HE finds rewarding. It will take a little time, but is a much better long term fix for him and your horses. Suppressing his fear might work, but as well as not being fair on him, it could also make things a lot worse in the long term. Good luck.

^^this, he's probably a bit anxious about them. Let the novelty wear off and desensitise him slowly.

 

[TheresaW]

I would look at it from his point of view, new home, his world has suddenly changed and now large animals that he has never met before come over and stare at him, he cannot get away, so he is trying to make Ollie go away.

I would not force the situation at all, you playing with him is great and I would take a few steps back, don't ask him to be so close to the horses and gradually reduce the distance over the next few weeks, keeping any closer contact with the horses a fun thing by playing/nice treats etc whatever HE finds rewarding. It will take a little time, but is a much better long term fix for him and your horses. Suppressing his fear might work, but as well as not being fair on him, it could also make things a lot worse in the long term. Good luck.

Thank you. That all makes sense, and will give it a go. Will be good if we can get him used to them, as lots and lots of woodland to explore with him. There are lots of horses we will encounter though, so for his sake and theirs, would like him to not be worried. I know mine won't bat an eyelid, but can't speak for others.

JillA, will bear that in mind should he ever become comfortable enough to go into the field with them, thank you.

 

[Moobli]

I would look at it from his point of view, new home, his world has suddenly changed and now large animals that he has never met before come over and stare at him, he cannot get away, so he is trying to make Ollie go away.

I would not force the situation at all, you playing with him is great and I would take a few steps back, don't ask him to be so close to the horses and gradually reduce the distance over the next few weeks, keeping any closer contact with the horses a fun thing by playing/nice treats etc whatever HE finds rewarding. It will take a little time, but is a much better long term fix for him and your horses. Suppressing his fear might work, but as well as not being fair on him, it could also make things a lot worse in the long term. Good luck.

^^^ Definitely this. Your description makes me think he is definitely nervous of the horses - hence his reaction to drive them back by barking. He obviously doesn't feel threatened when they are further away, so I would keep that amount of distance between them for now and allow him to become habituated to them over time. Reward his good behaviour - ie when he is calm and quiet, and a fun play session will reinforce in his mind that being around the horses means pleasurable things for him. As above, over time reduce the distance - but take it all at Aled's pace and if he starts getting anxious or barky, you have moved too quickly, so extend the distance once again.

 

[TheresaW]

Thank you.