Dogs at your Barn

[FoxFireEMT]

This is an opinion question and don't mean to cause no "gruff" over anything. :) I guess it's more out of curiousity.

What are your "barns/farm" rules about the farm/barn that you board/live at? (If you have boarders)

I own & have 2 very wonderful dogs. I would sometimes take my 1 dog to the barn when he was a puppy to get him use to the larger animals. That barn I boarded at then, welcomed dogs but I was 1 of 2 boards. She owned dogs as well as did the owner of the barn. All our dogs got along well and there was no problem. All the dogs were respectful & the 2 boarders (myself included) were very respectful with their dogs & what they did when others were riding! With that being said MOST of the time once the dog was "associated" well with others I stopped bringing him because it was truly more of a hassle to have the dog there (keep an eye on them) and be respectful and pay the needed attention to my horse.

My current complain. People who feel it's 1. okay to bring a dog to a boarding faciality with no prior approval. 2. The person doesn't pay attention to their dog while at the barn 3. And have disrepect for the other owners present at the barn. I now board somewhere else and I never asked if I could bring my dog (back to it being more of a pain in the butt then a pleasure to have them there). But this one lady brings her lil yip yip dog that barks constantly, jumps up on people, crowds you & the horses and runs rampade around the farm. Point being some people don't like dogs, some people like them but dont' appreciate the disrespect that some dogs or (lack of manners) the dogs have NOT been taught. To some extend, yes, I helps with the horses "despooking" process but don't you think there is a more "controlled" manner of doing that with a dog?

Whats your opinion or your barn's rules?

Side note: I am not against dogs & horses together but with some respect and manners taken care of first!

[ownedby7horses]

When I used to board up at the public barns here in town, I would sometimes take my dog with me to do chores when she was a puppy (Great Dane). I stopped doing that once she got big enough to look over the horses stall door while standing on all 4 feet. A lot of the horses got really freaked out by that (which I can understand) so I stopped taking her with me then. She was always mindful and full of manners and obedience (I don't accept less of my dogs) but just simply from her size there were people who weren't appreciating her presence.

Out of curtiousness, I just respected that not everyone liked dogs, especially dogs that were bigger than them, and just left her at home. Chores were a lot quicker once I started leaving her behind too.

When I start boarding horses, I guess I'll play it by ear. If people want to bring their dogs, that's fine (as long as their shots are UTD and they are friendly & well socialized with people & animals alike). If there's ever a problem after that point, then it'll have to be dealt with accordingly. But for us, it's either everyone can bring their dog or no one can bring their dog.

[WashingtonBay]

At my barn people will not be able to have dogs in the horse area. I don't let my own dogs mingle with the horses.

Now, I may have a fenced dog area where my own dogs live and even a dog-sitting/boarding side-business, and I can envision an off leash doggie play compound people could bring their dogs to play while they ride, assuming they're fairly well socialized and get along, otherwise, there would be kennels.

[rums_mom]

This is a concern everywhere, that is why many barns have a "no outside dogs" policy. I understand it completely. Bad enough having to deal with the BO's dogs, but we have had some boarders that have brought dogs that jumped on you, chased the horses and were just all around bad mannered. I would love to bring Kabota with me to see Ludicris a the barn but our new BO has a "no outside dog" policy.

I would express my concern to the BO, and ask what the policy is, if it is not clearly posted.

[EnglishGuy]

Our barn is a public barn owned by the community association, and they allow dogs as long as they are on leash and "under control". When I say allow dogs, I mean they allow them anywhere. They can be around the arenas, in the indoor, even in the barn aisles.

I don't mind most of the time as most of the boarders have dogs, and they all have excellent temperments and are very good around the horses. Plus since the horses are exposed to these really well behaved dogs they aren't afraid.

Now its the dogs that people who are just visiting bring in that are usually the problem. Since there are trails all around the place and houses just across the stream a lot of people bring their kids and dogs to come see the horses. Not all of them are bad, but there are plenty that bark and growl and pull their owners around, and it does get some of the horses nervous when they don't stop barking. Its usually a problem with an owner who thinks its okay to just let their dog go insane when people are trying to work with their horses, because most people will keep going if their dog won't quiet down.

The real problem in my opinion is the screaming little kids that come with them and get in the way and won't quiet down. Again, its usually a problem with the owners.:innocent:

[ownedby7horses]

If someones dog was posing ANY kind of a problem to ANYONE on our farm, I would be the first to say no more dogs allowed. That being said, the dogs that do come around will NOT be allowed to run willy nilly all over. My dogs do not go into the pasture or pens when I am in there, nor will anyone elses. As much as my dogs try, they know that as soon as they hear "shht" they are doing bad & they ALWAYS turn around head down/tail down & walk out & lay by the gate to wait for me.

[oursarge]

The barn our mare is at has 3 of their own dogs. 4 really but one is in the house all the time. They have 2 German Shepherds that are kept in pens when their owners [The barn owners kids] are not there to watch them and another mixed breed who is always around looking out for everything. She's very well behaved and stays away from the horses, the German Shepherds are young and like to chase, that's not appreciated and why they are only loose when someone can watch them. My friend who owns the place did have her own GS and she was always around, went on trail rides etc. She was a great dog. Having all of their own dogs they really do not encourage other people to bring their dogs to the stable. My dog is welcome because we are friends but I don't take him since he doesn't like other dogs or horses.

In Aug. she had a little horse show for the boarders and one family brought their dog. It was barking and carrying on and they were asked to get it out of there. They had it in the dog run, once it was on a leash with it's owner it was better behaved. We have other boarders who bring their dogs but they stay in the truck unless they are being walked. She doesn't tell the people not to bring dogs but doesn't encourage it either, if it's a one time thing and the dog is not barking or nipping nothing is said, if it was a habit I'm sure she'd ask them not to because with all their own dogs we don't need a dog fight or a dog getting kicked by a horse. We've been to horse shows where people bring their dogs and they do nothing but bark, that is annoying to everyone and I am a dog lover. I noticed at alot of the big shows it seems everyone has their dogs with them, maybe it's because the shows go on for more than a day.

Our barn owners will put their own dogs in the house if there are little kids around because you just don't know. The GS dogs are big and can knock a kid over. If I am there alone I like having the dogs with me, they make me feel safe, anyone who would dare come in with those lunatics barking is really crazy!

[vicklynn]

WB, from working in a doggy motel, even the most friendliest dogs can turn when they are irritated, so IF you plan on having a doggy play area, I suggest it be supervised, other wise, single runs or kennels. I like your idea though, having a side business like that.

I think that dogs IF and only IF they are horse friendly, could be allowed and only on a leash. If a people jumper, nope, not allowed, and NO constant barkers(SHUT UP..lol). When I boarded, I had my dog on the property but he was my riding and trail companion, he knew my rules and respected horses. If a dog is not horse, people savy, then nope, gotta go. People liked Ruffus on the trails cause he was not under foot, nor a problem to their horses. He was fun to watch too, always showed at a whistle, he'd swim up stream while the horses drank, sometimes just to get a leaf...lol There were times I would leave him in the tack room while I was working, paying attention to the dog while working is not neglect.

[lovesfortune]

Add me to the list of those who think that if the dog isn't SUPER wellbehaved, especially around livestock (horses, etc) AND other dogs, then they should be left at home when you go to the barn.

I don't board and we have one dog. He comes out with me occassionally. He does GREAT with the horses, the horses don't mind him... BUT our dog thinks he's a cattle dog and constantly tries to herd the cattle. It drives me NUTS.. so I've started to leave him in now that everyone is up in the winter pasture.

If a dog did that to my horses at a place I boarded at, I would be SUPER upset.

[Ryderd65]

I'm the only boarder at my barn, but the property is evolving into a lessons business soon, so I expect a few more dogs to appear. The rules at this point are an agreement between myself and my BO:

All dogs must be current on shots.
All dogs must learn how to interact with the horses or get out of the way.
Whatever happens to the dogs, the owners are responsible for. No exceptions.
If a dog bites a person (unless they had it coming) they can't come back.
All people on the property MUST throw the ball for Edgar. He has OCD and will drool himself dehydrated if you ~don't~throw~the~ball~.

I think that covers it.

[walkinthewalk]

In the early 90's I had to board for a few years. No one brought their dogs to the barn.

It was just an unspoken rule that "Poopsie" stayed home. Plus the best deterrent for dog visitors was the fact the barn owner had several dogs roaming around that she had taken in.

All those strays & dumps became fixed as soon as their health returned and they were allowed to mingle with the horses, but none of us ever brought our dogs out. One lady even left her children home because she wanted "quiet time" with her horse - lol lol

My horses have been on my property for many years now, and they are very used to my dogs and any neighbor dog that stops in to say "hay!".

However if anyone shows up with a dog in the car, I let them know if the dog goes after my horses, I have one that will stomp the snot out of it and be prepared for a vet bill I'm not going to pay. The leash generally comes out of the trunk after that comment:p

[natisha]

I allow dogs but not in the arena if anyone is riding

[Buckpoco]

Most barns I've been at don't allow dogs off of a leash.

[alittleoffkey]

I probably won't let dogs come to my future barn, unless I know them beforehand. Leggy doesn't put up with dogs - if a dog nips at his heel, there's a good chance the dog won't make it to the pasture fence. Mind you - Legacy and Ringo (Papa's dog) played together all the time when they were younger (their version of 'tag') and they still sleep together, and Legacy completely ignores dogs trotting through the pasture. But, if they bark at him (not playing), it's a whole 'nother story.

I love dogs - my dogs will always be expected to be respsectful and well-mannered around the horses... the second they aren't they won't go to the barn again, ever. I would make a rule that dogs are not allowed near riding rings - when I took lessons a woman had an obnoxious dog who insisted on wandering around the arena during lessons, and she kept having to stop and chase him out. There were people whose dogs would go and sit on the mounting block and watch during lessons, the barn owner had several dogs who couldn't have cared less about the horses - but the few really do ruin it for the many. ;)

[Annasmom]

well we don't have rules at our barn about dogs. If your not responsible I know one of my two trainers would be very upset (and you don't want to see either of them upset) they are really strict. So.. as long as your repsect the horses your fine if not you'll be told otherwise (im sure!)

[Cat]

In my opinion, if dogs are around horses they should be on leashes. Some horses have a way of taking care of pesky dogs, even if those dogs are coming up for curiosity sake. My Toby has been known to kick a dog or two in his life - all started when the neighbor's 3 dogs (a neighbor who has thankfully since moved) would try to pack up on him, Raider and the 2 minis we had at the time. Toby only took so much of it and he got into the habit of just kicking any dog he sees now. Our donkey can be the same way - strange dog means an immediate kick out. Why risk the dog or horse being injured? Simple solution is a leash and everyone will be happier.

[offgridgirl]

Yes,I allow dogs @ my place as long as they get along with my dog and the horses:)! I take care of outside dogs and don't allow them to tease or run @ the horses. Mostly they are all well behaved and I don't have any problems. I did have one potenial boarder with a dog that didn't get along with mine and I just told her that her dog would have to be left @ home when she came to ride. She didn't have a problem with it.

If the rules are clear up front, then I don't bring my dogs to any place where they wouldn't be welcomed.

[FoxFireEMT]

Yep, I agree with most of you. I love dogs personally, I love cats. Don't mind any animal as long as it's resepectful enough & mannered enough to be around ANY livestock. What irriates me is the one's that believe their dog is cute when it jumps up in the air at humans or jumps on them or jumps at the horses and runs around like a crazed lunatic. But it's not my barn so who am I to say??

I mostly find once I started leaving my pup at home, it was easier to get around with out worring about him! :) But I do love having him around with the horses from time to time & he likes to go when we go trail riding! He just runs along wiht us!

Thanks everyone for your opinions!

[Stalknndashadows]

I don't have a public barn so this thread doesn't really apply to me.

But for the heck of it...

Dogs outside of my own are not permitted on the property UNLESS they stay in the vehicle or the owner recieves permission to let them out of the car. My farrier brings one of his aussie shepherds with him on occasion but he stays tied to the vehicle at all times.

[mare]

It's a given here that you don't bring your dog to someone else's place unless it works stock and has been invited.

Brief vent: I've had people stop at my place and let their dogs run in my pastures. When told to pack up "Fido" and leave, I've heard, "Oh, we didn't know anyone owned this," (right... the woodland fairies built all that fence) and "You mean those cows aren't in a fence?" (yes... the same one you crossed)

[jmshasta7]

i have property & i lease to people. there is a rental agreement & on it, it says" no dogs allowed". some people had brought their dogs out & all they did was chase the horses-- so, no more dogs. i own a couple of horses that will take care of unruley dogs, so i decided it was best not to allow them at all.:nono:

[Palogal]

I boarded at one farm that said if the dog was on the property he was on a leash and the leash was in your hand.

I worked at one place that did not allow dogs in the arena or the barn. That's wan neat, I'd bring mine when there was no one there and train him to lay down and watch.

Presently I work at a stable that does not allow anyone to bring dogs unless they stay in the vehicle.

It all depends. At my house on the rare occasion I'm keeping a horse for someone I do not allow his/her dogs on my property. I have a small child and I don't want someone elses dog there.

I personally don't like dogs in the arena or underfoot of people or horses and I don't like being barked at. On the othe hand, how will you train your dog to quietly watch at the barn if you don't take him?

[gaited07]

When we owned our own stable, NO DOGS ALLOWED PERIOD!

Since I've been boarding in Vegas (just this place for 13+ years) The B.O. let people bring their dogs, but those who brought their dogs kept them under control and they did not bother horses or the riders. Now lets fast forward to today. Our current BO has been so lienant with people and their pets, however, these inconsiderate PIGS bring their UNCONTROLLABLE MUTTS to the barn and let them RUN, CHASE HORSES, PEOPLE and POOP ALL OVER THE PLACE! And WAIT, they get indignant if you ask them to control their GROWLING MUTT against my 7 year old child:mad:.
I did tell one that if she doesn't put the dog up, I will shoot it! I will NOT put my CHILD/CHILDREN, myself, and my horses in the harms way with POOR animal OWNERSHIP!
In a public place (public Boarding facility) should only have people, horses and the BO animals (if any and under control).
I understand this ruins it for the people who do know how to control their pets but safety is NUMBER ONE!

[Joey A]

I let my dogs run around with the horses, so long as they aren't nippy. I do have a horse or two that will stomp on them (or try) and that keeps them pretty well mannered around the horses, and the horses stay pretty calm around the dogs.

I keep them in the yard when I'm in the first week or two of working a horse, but then Fido get's to visit Dobbin during our work sessions. IMO, it helps to teach the horses to focus on me and not the distractions.

I don't like people just stopping by with their dogs, unless I know the dog. I shot one myself a couple months ago that wandered onto the property and caught us off guard at the back door as my girlfriend and I came home with a 18 month old baby, and started growling at us. (I don't give warnings to owners with loose dogs like that)

[FoxFireEMT]

It's a given here that you don't bring your dog to someone else's place unless it works stock and has been invited.

Brief vent: I've had people stop at my place and let their dogs run in my pastures. When told to pack up "Fido" and leave, I've heard, "Oh, we didn't know anyone owned this," (right... the woodland fairies built all that fence) and "You mean those cows aren't in a fence?" (yes... the same one you crossed)


:funnypost: Hee hee woodland fairies!! Yay I hate when people act stupid like that!

[Vegashorselady]

Grrr, there is a boarder at my barn who's dog is about to eat a few poisoned hot dogs. The dog likes to chase horses and she doesn't watch him. She thinks it's "cute" when he chases her horses around and feels that everyone else is overreacting. Someone almost got thrown off their horse in the arena the other day because of it.:mad: I've caught it chasing my horses and told her he's gonna get smacked with the lung whip if I see him do it again.

I take my dogs to the barn occasionaly if I'm just going to turn the horses out for a little while or I'm riding out on the trail and want them to come along. But, mine listen when I tell them to "heal" and if they don't feel like listening they have to sit in the truck. I won't allow them to be a nuisance to others.

[Kowgirlkate]

I've never boarded when I had a dog also, but I would leave it at home. We currently have 4 dogs now, 1 old one, 1 middle-age, and 2 youngsters. Only the husky mix youngster is naughty, he likes to run when the horses do and I fear he's gonna get whomped. He also has a pea-sized brain and cant be caught when he does this, so if he's gonna be stupid, maybe a whomp will teach him. The other dogs could care less, and snitch grain (weird I know) while the horses eat it, they dont care. One of my terriers even likes to ride instead of walk lol.