Introducing Dog to Horse ?

Horseback Rider

Horseback Rider

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My Puppy is around my horse on his lead and runs around the yard(off lead) when the horses are out in the field.

But when do you actually let them off when there are horses on the yard ?

We have 2 other dogs who are always around the horses so they are used to each other.

Any tips / ideas welcome thanks
 
It depends on the dog, he can learn from your others but I would be very careful he doesn't get trodden on, it can happen very easily when they are young and not so wise.
What age is he now?
As long as he is not pestering, nipping, grabbing tail etc it shouldn't be a huge issue, like I say, just rather watching the horse doesn't injure him.
 
Thanks both of you ! I have had dogs & horses before but can't remember how I did it last time ! ( was a while ago ! )

I cant really tie him to one of the others but then thinking about he is always gagging to run around with the other dogs so may be I will do it then ?
 
The best thing is to introduce your horse to a horse-wise dog (preferably same breed and colour). After a while, the horse will become totally indifferent to the dog as most dogs are quite able to keep out of the way. But be ready to check the dog if it becomes a nuisance.

But three months is a bit young and I'd certainly never tied/couple two dogs together in such a situation as that is asking for one of them to get stamped on, or worse.

Here's is how bothered by dogs one of my ponies is around dogs! The Welsh (on the right) is newer to dogs so less tolerant.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llLgWst3UlQ&feature=related
 
It's always a worry when the little one has no fear. With my pup, I'd got her totally used to the horses as soon as she was old enough to be allowed outdoors, but I'd had her tied up just out of reach of hooves whilst I was with the horses.

Then I started to try to train her to not go too close to them or to sniff them just by saying no, and a few smacks to reinforce it, and I'd have her off lead for 15 mins at a time, or longer if I was able to keep an eye on her 100% of the time. My pup soon understood that she wasn't supposed to go near the horses, but she didn't understand why and she had no fear, and sometimes used to get too close if I wasn't watching all the time, like a naughty school girl.

Then one day she got bitten on the back by a grumpy gelding, and she's had respect for them ever since.
 
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