Dog training How best to train your furry friends to behave around the yard and horses

Putting some time into training your dog to behave around horses could transform life on the yard. Andrea Oakes finds out how best to go about it

PICTURE the typical yard dog and an obedient pooch probably springs to mind — the sort that comes when called out hacking, keeps his muddy paws off your clean white breeches and curls up quietly in the lorry cab for trips away.

The reality can be quite different, according to Sue MacFarquhar, a dog trainer and behaviourist based in West Wales who runs Lampeter and District Dog Training.

“Many dogs are not under control and are not as obedient as they should be,” she says. “We’ve all seen yard dogs that bark and jump up at visitors, eat manure or get under the horses’ feet while they’re being fed. People invest hundreds in training their horses, yet many don’t know how to train their dog or just don’t put in the time.”

Add a naughty dog into the yard mix and accidents can happen all too easily.

“A dog can be kicked or even killed,” says Sue, adding that canine-related incidents can also put horse and rider at risk. “Every dog should be trained — the process is nowhere near as time-consuming or expensive as training a horse. A dog who is obedient, reliable and well-behaved is a pleasure to be around. It’s well worth the effort.”

SO where should an owner start? You may have a dog already, of course, but thought should ideally be given to the type or breed most likely to fit in.

“Decide what you need him for,” says

Sue. “Do you want him to look imposing for