Can dogs and horses get along – PLAY

By Melissa Kauffman on June 19, 2022

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One of the benefits of owning a dog and a horse is the ability to bond with them. A lot can happen when the two animals first meet when you try to get them to get along, and it’s impossible to know exactly what will happen until then. Although some dogs and horses are afraid or despise each other, in many cases they can learn to get along.

Can dogs and horses get along?

Yes! Even though they are two different animals, horses and dogs are surprisingly close. Dogs, like horses, are very social creatures who enjoy spending time with their canine companions. Horses and dogs enjoy each other’s company, as both are very social creatures.

How do dogs and horses live together?

Getting your dogs to get along with horses is a gradual process. If you want your dog to be comfortable around horses, you must first expose him to the barn and the animals that live there. Horses and dogs, however, should be introduced slowly. The first step is for your dog to get used to the sights, smells, and other animals in the area without becoming overstimulated. If you’re just getting started, try taking your dog for a brisk walk around the barn.

As soon as your dog is comfortable in his environment, you can start socializing with other animals. Now is a crucial time to work on fostering favorable associations between the two animals. Trying to get your puppy and adult dog getting along with horses requires different processes.

How to get Puppy to get along with horses

The peak socialization period for horses and dogs is comparable, and new experiences are readily accepted during this period. Taking a puppy under 16 weeks old to meet a loving horse and letting him watch you around the barn from his kennel or someone’s lap will suffice as an introduction to the barn for this age group.

To minimize risk to the pup, it is best to use horses that have had pleasant encounters with dogs and also consider horse grooming. When it comes to puppies, some people suggest letting nature take its course, however, this can result in significant vet bills or even the death of a puppy if hit, stepped on, or otherwise injured. With puberty comes the testing of adult wings and stronger hormone levels, so you may need to step up your monitoring as your pup matures.

You can prevent your dog from forming unpleasant habits by training him to sit, stay and walk on a leash. Many of them start innocently enough, but when the horse is startled, the bond can break down. These can involve jumping on the horse, grabbing the tail, barking at an angry horse, or even starting to chase the animal. By far the most effective strategy is to avoid the problem at all costs. A trainer or behaviorist may be needed if your dog or horse develops a dangerous habit.

Getting an adult dog to get along with a horse

To make introducing an adult dog easier for both of you, make sure the dog knows a few basic rules. These commands should include “come”, “wait”, or “stay”, as well as “down” or “sit”, so that you can avoid a chase or silence your dog if a horse, yours or another’s , takes offense to the presence of your dog. Make sure your dog knows how to come and go as best you can, even if you don’t think it’s necessary. In case your dog gets stuck, these two should be enough to free him.

If one animal is suspicious of the other, try introducing them at a distance where they can still see each other and respond to treats and directions. Only work with one frightened animal at a time, if possible. If your dog is apprehensive, choose a calm horse that can stay tied for long periods of time without becoming restless or worried.

What if your dog is 16 weeks or older and you are taking him to meet your horse for the first time? Make sure your the dog is on a leash and come to the horse from an angle. Stop approaching your dog and give him a treat as soon as he shows signs of interest. If in doubt, ask for a simple obedience instruction like sit to make sure he is not completely run over by the horse. Push yourself forward, then breathe again. Give him a treat and praise him if he stays calm. The best way to calm him down is to simply walk away and spend time with him.

Start by taking small steps forward and teaching your dog to understand simple instructions like “come here and leave it.” Maintain his confidence and curiosity by giving him short rest periods between training sessions. For some dogs, 40 feet may be enough, while for others, 10 feet may be enough to pique their interest in the horse. Keeping the horse and dog calm and responsive requires a step-by-step approach.

If your dog is frightened by the smell of the horse, keep encounters as brief as possible. The dog may react badly if the horse tramples a fly or hits the dog with its tail. For both animals, a few seconds of sniffing followed by a “leave it” and a tasty reward are significantly less stressful.

Conclusion

It is well known that horses enjoy spending time with other animals, such as dogs and cats. As long as the dog is well trained and knows how to behave around horses, you should be fine. You can get up and personal with a horse without fear of attack. In order to ensure the safety of all parties, it is crucial that the pet owner teaches their pet what is and is not allowed in this new shared location.