Bright white fluffy dog- how do I stop frightening horses?

[Newfluff]

I have a large very fluffy and very white dog. He is well trained and is at heel/sat whenever we meet horses. He does not bark or interact.

We've had a few issues with horses spooking when seeing him, if the horse seems spooked I stop, put him in sit and wait for the horse to pass.

Today a horse rider shouted that I needed to learn how to pass horses, so I am here asking.

I step to the side of the road, dog sat at heel, I couldn't get further away as ground off road is bog and I don't see this as a reasonable option. Rider said that my dog was spooking her horse.

Is there anything I can do to stop this? I don't want to spook horses but I can't walk elsewhere and these are rural roads/bridleways.

Thanks.

I would crouch so dogs head was in my lap - shielding his eyes from seeing the horse/making eye contact with the horse/the horse seeing his face. Make it a nice thing where you're stroking his ears back maybe,

A human crouching over a dog would 100% make my horse spook 🤣

Sounds like you’re doing the right thing. Maybe something else to try…
Is your dog staring at the horse? Maybe you could try scattering treats on the ground for your dog to search for or have a treat in your hand so dog is focusing on you and just keep moving?

I have nothing but respect for you brave crazy people that ride such animals.

It is slightly funny reading about what spooks them, funny such a big animal being so flighty.

@Newfluff - oh they are amazing! 😻 mine is very woofy but does keep quiet and respectful around the horses

Tge only thing I can suggest is to make sure you're not inadvertently "hiding" by stepping into the hedgerow/trees.

Sometimes it is better if you keep going, but you can't possibly kniw that as depends on the idiot horse.

Tractors are no issue
Invisible nothings are the scariest followed closely by leaves
Also puddles if cantering (only at canter though so he can do a quick swerve right or left)

They are fabulous creatures but sure to send you to an early grave 🤣

Tractors are no issue
Invisible nothings are the scariest followed closely by leaves
Also puddles if cantering (only at canter though so he can do a quick swerve right or left)

They are fabulous creatures but sure to send you to an early grave 🤣

FWIW, mine wouldn’t turn a hair at a big white hairy dog or a tractor but if there’s a different coloured leaf in the hedge…

They are prey animals so the first instinct is flight hence the spooking

Hahaha cross post 🤣

I have no advice but would love to see a photo of your lovely dog!

Are you putting the dog on the lead as you haven't answered? If you're just calling it to heel then perhaps the rider is nervous and it spooking the horse?
Make sure your dog is always immediately on a lead (although if your walking along a road it should be anyway)

I'd also be distracting the dog so they are focusing on you not the horse. Horses don't like other beings staring often.

No I'm not. And having walked these routes for 20+ years and still walking it with another dog I know this isn't the issue. I haven't had the problem with my previous dogs and don't with my parents dog, and I've never used a leash.

My dog knows 'look away' he isn't staring at the horse, he is looking into the hedge.

Just because a dog is on a leash doesn't mean it is under control.

Yeah, sounds like a horse/rider problem rather than you/your dog problem, unless, as others have said, you're hiding behind a tree or bush and the horse can't work it out, so there's not much you can do. I have my own and been around horses for decades - very grateful people like you are so conscientious! I'm sorry if the rider has made you feel bad, you definitiely shouldn't.

Personally I always say hello and talk to a dog from horseback, especially if I see one that's nervous/young and tell them everything is okay and how good they're being. I've had people stunned that their dog has behaved as we pass! Dogs too will pick up on rider/horse anxiety in my experience, so if your dog is being well behaved and under control, maybe try speaking reassuringly to the horse and tell them there's nothing to worry about (won't help much though I'm afraid, if the rider is feeding the fear, but you never know!).

You’re not doing anything wrong and I can’t see what else you can reasonably do. Our horses are completely used to dogs of all shapes and sizes but once we had a friend to lunch with a Pyrenees Mountain dog (very large, white and fluffy). Every single one of our horses in different fields went bananas at the sight of it walking past. Never seen anything like it.

My TB x Welsh couldn't abide Shetland ponies, or donkeys. A Shetland in fancy dress was the end of the world for him ...

Another vote from me for a rider problem. If there is a next time ask her sweetly what she suggests. As you are a pedestrian, she should be keeping out of your way.

Just because a dog is on a leash doesn't mean it is under control.

You're right, but to a rider who doesn't know you or your dog, it's an added piece of reassurance and comfort that the dog isn't going to suddenly come flying at them and do something dangerous.

I would be using a lead - if your dog is as well-trained as you say, it shouldn't be an issue to pop one on for a few minutes?

I just put my dog on a lead and walk on, bridleways and roads should be wide enough to be able to pass without me needing to stop. If the riders are on narrow paths not designated bridle ways then it's harder but it's their choice so their problem.

They are on public paths so should train their horses to deal with well behaved dogs

Rider is probably nervous that, without a lead, there is a lack of control if your dog decided to go for her horse. Remember, she doesn’t know your dog. Also possible she’s had a bad experience in the past.

My dogs would absolutely walk at heel past a horse, or calmly sit to the side. I still always put them on the lead as it's a clear signal to the rider that my dog is not going to do something unpredictable.

It’s not about what the dog will or won’t do. Obviously there are many well trained dogs who would comply with the heel command. But that doesn’t mean that’s how the rider feels about it.

Next time shout up her horse is scaring your ddog.

Entitled woman.

Just seen this thread: I have four horses and a samoyed. None of mine react any differently to him. Not do any other horses on the yard.

It's a them thing, not you.