Taking your dog to a horse event? Read this first!

A major horse trial or horse show can be a challenging day out for some dogs, or fun for others depending on their age, temperament and how you plan and prepare for your day. It really pays to find out if your dog is likely to be one that barks at moving horses, and put some training time into managing your dog around horses. And be mindful of the things which may be stressful for a dog.  Read our guide on how to keep your dog calm at equestrian events.

The key is training before you get to the event rather than trying to teach your dog what to do on the day, surrounded by loads of other distracting smells sights and sounds. 

Is it safe to take a puppy or an older dog?

• Pups aged 8-16 weeks could be socialised well at events like this or carried around but for no more than 1-2 hours before needing a long 3-4 hour sleep. They shouldn't be expected to walk around the site all day as that level of exercise would damage growing joints and of course leaving them in a car would be unsafe. So this would mean a shorter day visit or thoughtful management in hospitality environments. 
• Pups between 5-7 months would be better off at home as they're in a developmental fear phase that can exaggerate the dangers or any accidents or spooks they might have at events like this
• Dogs aged 7-18 months are teenagers, so struggle with impulse control and are likely to be the highest risk of barking or chasing horses 
• Dogs over the age of 8 might have mobility issues and struggle with the amount of walking required

If the event is on a day over 21 degrees there is a potential risk of heatstroke. This risk becomes significant if the dog is brachycephalic (or short-nosed).
Short dogs might struggle in longer grass paddocks or deeper muddy puddles. 

Think about where your dog would be able to rest and recharge during the day if it gets overwhelming, especially if you have travelled using public transport.   
  

What should you pack? 

• A broad buckle collar or a harness, rather than a slip lead or choke collar, to protect the dogs mental and physical health. Slip leads were designed to move gun dogs short distances between shoots rather than for a full day’s use at an event or as a painful training aid. 
• Bring lots of high value meat treats, and consumable chews for chill breaks.
• Your dog’s favourite toy as a positive chase and play outlet away from the horses. 
• Consider a portable dog mat they can lie down on in social and relaxation spaces, especially if the weather has been very dry.
• A bottle of water or visit the Agria dog water stations at Blenheim.
• Poo bags 
• A high vis aspect like a strip on the harness, collar or dog lead will help them to be seen more easily in crowds.

Simple things you can do to make your dog’s day more enjoyable..

1. Train before you come - show them how to stay calm as bikes, joggers, other dogs, and horses walk past or run past!
2. Keep your tone light and encouraging with your dog on the day. Their safety and often their behaviour choices depend on how safe they feel with us so try not to scold or yank at your dog if they're doing something you don't like.
3. Allow time to rest and recharge in a quiet spot. Communication is important so if your dog is stressed, growling, barking or uncomfortable, move away from the environment for a while and let them sniff somewhere else calmly until you're both ready to step back into the situation at a pace and distance your dog can cope with. 
4. Distractions can be really helpful. Teach your dog some tricks like middle or a fun hand touch game so they can nose your palm as a fun game of wackamole should you be sitting down for a while or if you think your dog will get too over aroused by watching the action around them. Pattern games help the dog use language you have at home to give them a sense of security in new social environments. 
5. Walk around the edges and perimeters every once and a while. Dogs want to sniff gates, hedges, fence lines and bins as this is where all the interesting action is. It's also less visually stimulating and less noisy so they can take regulation breaks in these places. 
6. Take treat scatter breaks. Every now and then scatter a handful of treats in the grass and let them sniff them out. They can de-prioritize their eyes and ears for a second and just sniff and eat which is super calming for dogs