Everything You Need to Know About Taking Your Dog to The Horse Barn

If you're a horse owner, you're probably a dog parent, too, and you may want to take your dog to the horse barn. After all, what could be better than spending quality time with your two favorite animals?

However, dogs and horses don't always get along, especially since one is a predator while the other is a prey animal with different instincts. But don't let this fact put you off. Let's look at how you can safely prepare your dog for a trip to the horse barn.

Know The Barn Rules

First, check with the barn owner or manager to see if they allow dogs on the premises. As a responsible pet parent, you must abide by the barn's rules, which are in place for everyone's safety.

Your Dog's Behavior

Horse barns can be full of activity, so assess if your dog has the right temperament to cope in this environment. A dog with high energy levels that barks excessively or is anxious would not be ideal for being around horses.

You want a dog that would be welcome at any horse barn, so your pup should have the following qualities:

• Good temperament - friendly, calm, and adaptable.
• Trainability - must respond well to training and commands.
• Socialization Skills - A well-socialized dog will be more comfortable. around other animals and people.
• Low Prey Drive - Breeds less likely to chase animals will be safer around horses.

Training Your Dog for the Horse Barn

Not only should your pup have a good temperament, but it should also be obedient and have solid basic training before you even consider taking it to a horse barn.

An untrained dog can be extremely dangerous to have around horses. A scared horse may kick or trample your dog, causing them serious injuries or even death.

Your dog is barn-ready if:

• They respond to the commands "sit," "stay," and "come."
• They walk on a leash without pulling, which will help you manage it around horses, people, and other animals.
• They have a good recall, returning to you regardless of distractions, which is vital around horses.

Seeing Horses for The First Time

Can you imagine what is going through your dog's mind when they see a horse for the first time and try to figure out how this strange creature fits into their world?

You want your dog's first horse experience to be positive. The best way to introduce your dog to horses is to view them from a distance in a secure paddock with your dog on a leash. If your dog or the horses become scared or restless, stop and leave it for another day.

Keep the sessions short. Reward your pup for good behavior by praising it and giving it its favorite treats. Gradually, bring the interactions closer as your pup gains confidence and stays quiet and calm whenever it sees horses.

Meeting Your Horse

Now that you have done all the early preparation with your dog and they are comfortable seeing horses, it's time for them to meet your equine friend!

The best way to introduce your two favorite animals is to turn your horse out into a fenced paddock and keep your dog on the other side of the fence. Ensure your dog is wearing a harness with a sturdy, non-retractable leash.

Allow both animals to assess one another. If both remain calm and relaxed, you can bring them closer together. It is best to have someone put a headcollar on your horse and hold it while you control your dog.

Bring your dog into the paddock and allow the two to meet for a few minutes. If all goes well, praise and reward both animals and finish on a good note.

Potential Hazards

Even if your dog is well-behaved around horses, there are still some other hazards you must be aware of when bringing your pup to the horse barn:

Horse Wormers

Many horse wormers contain ingredients unsuitable for dogs, which may cause serious health issues if ingested. Ivermectin is incredibly toxic, especially to herding breeds, as they carry a genetic mutation that makes them more sensitive to it.

Ensure your dog cannot get hold of any worming pastes, either new or used, and clean up any drops on the floor your dog might lick and ingest.

Dogs often love to eat horse poop, much to their owner's disgust! But although eating droppings causes no harm, it can do so after deworming, as ivermectin in manure is toxic to dogs.

If your dog has ivermectin poisoning, you will notice the following symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Unable to stand
• Seizures/tremors
• Loss of appetite

Take your dog to the vet immediately for urgent treatment.

Hoof Trimmings

Most dogs love it when the farrier is at the barn, as they love the taste and odor of fresh hoof trimmings! While eating these is usually safe, problems can arise when hoof oil is applied or a horse is treated for thrush, as the chemicals used on the hooves can harm dogs.

Be aware of old trimmings, as these contain bacteria that can cause mycotoxin in dogs, while oversized pieces can perforate a dog's stomach.

Horse Feed

Many dogs love horse feed, which is fine as long as the dog doesn't eat large amounts and the food contains no medicine, such as Bute (phenylbutazone). If your dog does get into the feed room and starts displaying the following symptoms, take them to the vet immediately:

• Trouble breathing
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Signs of pain

 So long as you understand your dog's temperament and prepare them to be around horses safely, you can enjoy some fun days hanging out at the barn with your dog and horse.

Resources

Pet Poison Helpline - Beware of These Nasty Canine Toxins in Your Tack Trunk

PetMD - Ivermectin Toxicity in Dogs

Dr. Bray’s Corner - Should I worry if my dog eats horse feed?

EquiMed - Horse Hoof Trimmings – A Suitable Dog Treat?

Contributor: Alison Ocallaghan

ocallaghan462@gmail.com