Many equestrians like to bring their dogs to the barn to enjoy the fresh air and company, but it is important to consider the potential risks a horse farm can pose to your pet.
Considerations For Bringing Your Dog to the Barn
Barn dog life is not for every dog—some dogs do not enjoy spending time at the farm while others might not be able to exist safely in the environment. Consider your motivations before deciding to bring your dog to the barn.
“(The decision to bring your dog to the barn) depends primarily on the barn/dog owner’s needs or desires,” says Jeffery Shields, DVM, managing veterinarian at Cross Creeks Animal Hospital, in Pickerington, Ohio. “Are they interested in a security or guard dog to prevent theft of tack, equipment, or even potentially the theft of animals? Are they interested in rodent control like rats in the feed room? Are they interested in human companionship when the owners are in the barn?”
Consider your dog’s physical characteristics, such as breed, age, size, and physical characteristics. Some dogs do not fare well in excessive heat, while others might not be fit enough to endure extended periods of activity. Some dogs are fearful of horses or people which can pose a danger to the dog and others in a busy barn.
Barn owners should also consider setting dog rules for the farm to help avoid any dangerous situations caused by dogs, especially those who are not used to being at a barn. Notify anyone visiting the farm of these rules and enforce them if needed.
Barn Dog Safety
Training is the first aspect to consider when thinking about barn dog safety. If dogs don’t have basic training to a certain level, it could lead to a dangerous situation, especially if they are off leash.
“Basic training should include the ability to make the dog cease and desist,” says Shields. “If the dog is heading toward a hazard, like heading into the paddock of a not-so-friendly breeding stallion, you want that dog to stop immediately where it is at and return to you if commanded to do so. If the dog owner has to plead with the dog to stop and turn around, bad things can happen while he’s hesitating.” Teaching your dog a “leave it” command can be useful if they pick up something toxic or sharp, he adds. “Some barn dog owners will want their dog to stay within the confines of the barn to avoid tractor or truck and trailer traffic outdoors,” says Shields. “Other barn dog owners will want their dog to roam the property and thus will need to teach the dog to avoid the vehicles.”
Promoting barn dog safety takes time and patience but can help keep your dog, horses, and humans safe.
“Since every barn situation is a unique experience, the barn owner will need to devote time early on to training the dog and educating it to the limits the barn owners want to set,” says Shields. “Dog-proofing the barn should be very similar to child proofing because most hazards are the same. These can include sharp things, heavy things, toxic things, big animals that kick, etc.”
Take-Home Message
Before bringing your dog to the barn, consider your motivation, your dog’s personality, and the surrounding environment. Some might not be suited as barn dogs and would be unhappy in that environment. If you do plan to bring your dog to the barn, spend time training him so he understands boundaries and basic barn safety and remove any hazardous items your dog might be able to ingest.
