| Training a dog vs. training a horse are two different | | | | boundaries if they feel like they can. Thus, it is critical to |
| animals (no pun intended!) but the do in fact bear a lot | | | | remain calm and focused when training your horse, |
| of similarities to each other. The ultimate goal of training | | | | and to show true leadership. If a horse senses your |
| any domesticated animal is having the animal be | | | | vigilance waning, it will become subtly more disobedient |
| compliant to our wishes and attentive to our | | | | over time. |
| commands. Whether you are setting out to train a dog | | | | By saying that, I don't mean to denigrate dogs and say |
| or a horse, that concept should be your end game. | | | | they're incapable of sensing how we feel. Dogs are |
| One important similarity dogs and horses share is that | | | | very attuned to their masters' moods. But as long as |
| in the wild they tend to travel in fixed groups with one | | | | you keep from becoming angry and abusive toward |
| dominant leader (the "alpha") clearly in charge. In both | | | | your dog, you should be able to train the dong without |
| dog and horse packs, the leader establishes his role | | | | issue. Dogs absolutely adore their owners by nature, |
| via physical dominance. That can range from posturing | | | | and it is this adoration that becomes the best training |
| and body language to harsher physical interactions, | | | | motivator. Historically we think of training dogs with |
| even attacks. | | | | treats, but the best dog trainers will tell you don't need |
| As horse and dog trainers, we want to establish that | | | | to do that. In fact, it's best if you don't. The most |
| we are the alphas in relation to our animal companions. | | | | effective way to train a dog is to remain cool and not |
| But that doesn't mean you should beat up your dog or | | | | overly affectionate with them, and then reward them |
| horse! Dogs and horses both respond best to gentle, | | | | with affection when they perform desirable tasks. |
| firm and consistent training that helps them realize we | | | | Like horses, dogs establish a hierarchy of dominance |
| are in charge. We can do this by conditioning them to | | | | and you will have to establish yourself as the alpha. |
| allow us to touch them, by not tolerating aggressive | | | | You can do this with firm authority, patience, |
| behavior towards us, and by teaching them to follow | | | | confidence, and unwavering consistency. You want |
| commands with a system of rewards and | | | | your dog to respect you, not fear you. Gentle yet firm |
| punishments. | | | | physical reminders like a tap on the nose will work a lot |
| One difference between dogs and horses is that while | | | | better then screaming at or hitting your dog. |
| dogs are good at detecting our moods and attitudes, | | | | Another thing dogs and horses have in common is that |
| horses are excellent at it. Horses are much more likely | | | | they will take advantage of lapses in your firmness. |
| to respond well to training when you approach them | | | | You must always be vigilant and not let your dog or |
| with confidence, focus and clarity. They can sense | | | | horse get away with undesirable behaviors. |
| your emotional state, and they will often push | | | | |