What Makes The Perfect Barn Dog?

By Cathy Sobke

After the sudden and painful loss of my dog- moment of silence for him and all of our furry friends who have crossed the rainbow bridge-, I now have something that I have not had for decades: a puppy. A small but growing, fluffy, sometimes annoying and absolutely adorable puppy.

We are starting the training process, which has me thinking about what makes a perfect barn dog. We have all known dogs that just fit into the rhythm of barn life, as well as those that just always cause headaches. So what does this pup have to learn to be my new barn partner?

Here is what I have, so far:

No biting

Duh. But that extends to other dogs, cats, and all types of people, including children and all types of adults. I have a friend who left a barn because the dog did not like men and terrorized her trainer. Bad dog.

Comfortable around horses

Maybe this is a duh too. But some dogs act differently around horses
when they are alone rather than in a pack of other dogs. I represented a client (attorney here) who had a horse at a show which was injured when the horse slipped on some concrete. A pack of dogs, who individually may have been fine around horses, caused the horse to slip and then when the horse was down, started attacking its legs. The horse never competed again. Fido may be fine when it is just him and your horse, but friends influence him for the better or worse.

Stickiness

It is quite useful to have your dog stick by your side or at least follow where you go,
especially when riding. I am not specifically referencing recall, that command you give when you want your dog to come back to you. Some herding breeds, like Australian shepherds and border collies, are called “Velcro dogs” because they stick to their person like velcro. Other breeds, like hounds, are on the job working a scent and end up following their nose rather than you. Still others, like a husky I owned, would run forever if she got off leash and would not stop until she hit the next county. She never came to the barn.

Dislike the taste and smell of poop

If you have not had the pleasure of driving from the barn with your dog panting hot breath on the back of your neck just after a horse poop meal, or vomiting horse poop in your car, please try it. Then come back and ask me why this made the
list.

Out of the Ring command

My previous dog was allowed to run around and frolic in the ring while I was riding because I thought he was smart enough to get out of the way of my horse. That was until he was playing and decide to hide under a jump as I was literally jumping it. After that disaster was avoided, he learned to stay out of the sand box until mom dismounted.

Tethering/ crating

There are times, especially at shows, when Fido just cannot come along and has to stay back at the barn. This separation may cause anxiety and you really do not want a dog going berserk and causing the horses to go nuts too.

Dislike of swimming

This one is really just for those of us living in the southeast because in
Florida, bodies of water + swimming dogs = gator bate. Sorry to all those who love their Portuguese Water Dogs.

I realize this is a lot to ask from my 12-pound fluff ball, but he seems smart and eager to learn so hopefully he will be my barn dog sooner than later!