Horse Behavior Tip - Can You Treat Your Horse Like Your Dog?

How Do You Treat Your Dog?

Is your dog a friend? A companion? A being full of eagerness and curiosity about the world?

Do you and your dog enjoy playing together? Relaxing together? Exploring together?

Dog vs Horse

Now replace the word "dog" with the word "horse." How does that feel to think of interacting with your horse in the same way?

But WAIT!

Dogs are PREDATORS and horses are PREY! They can't be compared to one another or handled in similar ways. They are TOTALLY different!!

Are Dogs and Horses THAT Dissimilar?

Let's get fundamental about this. Horses and dogs have similar needs - to feel safe, feel comfortable, have access to food, express themselves in a natural way, have opportunities to move, play, and have social interactions.

Their brains work quite similarly. They share complex emotional systems. Both species are highly intelligent and excellent problem solvers. Either can get stressed out. Dogs and horses experience pain, fear, and joy.

Are there differences too? You bet, but the similarities far outweigh them.

So, Can Your Treat Your Horse Like a Dog?

If you want to, and your horse enjoys it, why not? Horses can learn many of the behaviors dogs are well-known for - come when called, fetch, "heel," lie down, chase a ball, and so much more. Horses are really good at picking up verbal and visual cues, similar to the commands and hand signals you may use with your canine companion.

What's the Upside?

Broadening the way you interact with your horse has a wide range of benefits, including developing a deeper bond, improving communication, and, the most important of all, having more fun together!

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