Training/behaviour in dogs vs horses

[Starbucks]

This may be a bit of a stupid argument, but here me out. Something my non horsey husband said the other day and has made me think about things in a different way.

If you have a naughty (adult) dog, whether it be aggressive, pulls on the lead, jumps up etc. then most would agree it’s down to bad or not enough training or bad leadership, i.e. the owners fault.

However, with horses, people don’t seem to think it quite the same way (me included!). My dogs pull on the lead and I know that’s because I haven’t been consistent enough with training them not to pull on the lead, my horse pulls too, but I’ve always thought that’s just what he’s like rather than it’s because he hasn’t been taught properly in the first place, or that I’ve not been doing enough to discourage his behaviour. (just an example, my naughty dogs and naughty horse aren’t really an issue for me)

Maybe I’m talking rubbish but looking at it in this way has made me feel more that if you get a “bad” horse, it is probably 100% down to its management/training, a bit like if you got a “bad” dog down at the pound.

Thoughts?? Am I talking utter rubbish lol?

 

[SavingGrace]

In my opinion how dogs and horses act is pretty much all down to how they are handled. So I think I am agreeing with you in saying that bad manners in horse and dogs is solely down to their training its just that some animals find it a bit more difficult to take things in than others... like some people

 

[Starbucks]

Yes good point! And some are more strong willed than others as well!

Overall think my horse is a lot better behaved than my dogs, good job really!

 

[PucciNPoni]

I'm of the opinion that the animals behave as we allow them to (good or bad). Some will have stronger will/personality and be therefore harder to teach. But I think for the most part it comes down to us, the owners/handler on a day to day basis.