Super soakers and dogs

[Caol Ila]

I was joking around with a friend about hacking out with a water gun for dealing with out of control dogs. Then it ocurred to me that it isn't a stupid idea. Or is it? It might be over the top on Gypsum, who has a good sense of humour about dogs trying to chase her -- better than mine -- but what if I was riding a young horse, or one more likely to bolt or put me on the floor when 'attacked?' Most dogs, in fairness, will run off when you ride at them and yell. But man, I would have paid good money for a water gun when a German shepherd pinned us for ten minutes. Gypsum kept a cool head, but it was the sort of situation that could have ended badly on an inexperienced or highly strung horse.

So, would you? Is it a totally naff idea? Would dog owners be upset (probably)?

 

[meleeka]

I’m not sure it would work from as far away as horseback, unless it was one of those huge things, then you’d need a holster and that would be a bit wierd. ?Some dogs wouldn’t let it stop them either. I wouldn’t ever ride without a long schooling whip and I have used it before (I’m sure the owners weren’t happy but they didn’t even try and recall the dog).

 

[Caol Ila]

Some of them have a range of 38ft!

I'd envisioned one of the big ones, strapped to your back. You'd look like a twonk, but could be effective?

I always have a dressage whip which I've brandished and waved around like a deranged Lord of the Rings orc, while making similar noises, but it's not long enough to reach a dog on the ground (lucky for them).

 

[DonskiWA]

I wouldn’t want to fall off and and on one. Could be quite painful.

 

[Lots of Gift Bags]

I wouldn’t want to fall off and and on one. Could be quite painful.

That's what I was thinking!

 

[Nudibranch]

If the dog was anything like my collie, a water gun would be the ultimate wind up toy and you'd end up with a mad, yelping, out of control dog desperately trying to get nearer to the source of water.
Not that mine is either out of control, lacks recall, or allowed off lead near other people's horses!

 

[planete]

The only whip that will reach a dog effectively on the ground is a hunting whip. I have got off my horse when confronted by a pair of lurchers intent on making my horse run and that was enough to stop them when told to do one but then most lurchers are not human aggressive. Many dogs are freaked out by the combination of horse plus rider and suddenly realised they are out of order when confronted by the human on foot. Human aggressive dogs are rare and I have thankfully not met any yet so would also welcome tips.

 

[rabatsa]

Having used one when on a bike with a village dog that chased bikes I would go for it.

However I would like to get the horse used to you using the water pistol before needing to use it in anger.

 

[Roxylola]

I'd be worried that it might deter some dogs but could excite or rile up others. In my opinion it's too variable and I wouldn't want to do it.

Additionally the big ones are awkward and possibly pretty heavy, if you're needing to use it the situation is already out of control and youre dealing with a possibly spooked horse and trying to aim and fire a water gun one handed.

And the likelihood of somebody calling the police about the person riding round with a weapon - if they see something but not enough to know it's a water gun...

I might consider a small one to spray owners of out of control dogs though, that could be fun

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Through the 1st month of lockdown I dug out my hunting whip and convinced B Fuzzy that it wasnt for using on her. Was v handy in removing dogs that tried to attach themselves to us....
I know most of the regular dog walkers as ride at similar times most days, but back through April and May it was dreadful for badly behaved humans as well as dogs.

 

[emilylou]

A hunting whip is the best thing. Desensitise the horses and get handy at cracking it, they’re also great for gate opening

 

[scruffyponies]

Best way to deter a chasing dog is to stop and face it.
We were chased by a lurcher as we cantered a week or so ago. It wasn't aggressive, but it was big and came after us because we were moving. Owner had no control at all. Very proud of both horses (one a stallion, and the other a welsh wuss), who pulled up calmly and stood until the idiot mutt could be recaptured.

 

[Ranyhyn]

I would get off my horse to deal with a chasing dog. A lot of dogs cannot cope with the stimulus of moving legs+prey animal and the fact a human is ontop is really too much for them to comprehend. I'd get off to deal with the dog. Hitting in while its attacking is rarely useful as its just heightening drive and water for all mine would be brilliant fun!

 

[FinnishLapphund]

In the hypothetical situation that one of my bitches tried to chase a horse, I would be upset both over my failure as a dog owner, and/or that the bitch chose that moment to not listen to me.
I would be grateful if the rider used a water pistol/gun/bazooka on them, or a whip. It would only make me think **I hope that'll teach them to never do that again**. ETA My bitches likes an easy life, I strongly suspect they would be easily deterred./eta

I'm not perfect, I screw things up sometimes, and when I do wrong, it's not easy for my bitches to do right. And they're not perfectly behaving robots either, it can happen that they have temporary brain malfunctions.
Although if you're unlucky, you'll meet a dog owner who doesn't like it, and like most other humans, it is probably that dog owner you'll remember the most.

As for where to keep it during your rides, if you have/buy saddle panniers with drink bottle holders, maybe the drink bottle holder could become a water gun holder?

Saddle panniers with drink bottle holders

A Zilco drink bottle saddle bag

Nylon scabbard/holder for pruner, knife + saw, for Western saddle but might work on English saddle, too?

 

[cowgirl16]

I keep seeing a picture of PC Angle, riding into town in Hot Fuzz!