#Riding Companion Dogs – What You Should Pay Attention To
To give your dog and horse the chance to become "two of a kind," training your dog as a riding companion dog is recommended. However, not every dog breed is equally suitable as a stable or riding companion dog. Especially the factors of physical fitness and the dog's character are crucial. In general, every dog is different, and even within the same breed, there can be different personalities. That’s why it’s all the more important to know and assess your own animal well.
Generally very suitable as riding companion dogs are
- Golden Retriever
- Australian Shepherd
- Border Collie
- Beagle
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Dalmatian
Of course, not only purebred dogs are suitable as stable dogs. Mixed breeds are also suitable as riding companion dogs. Several other factors are also important. To help you keep track, we have summarized them for you:
1. Where does your dog come from? From a breeder or, for example, from an animal shelter? Be sure to inform yourself about your dog in advance and get advice regarding the dog's characteristics.
2. Consult a dog trainer who can accurately read your dog's body language. You as a person and your animals will benefit from professional support.
3. How is your dog's physical fitness and general condition (age, health)? Can the endurance requirements, for example to keep up with the horse, be met? A bigger power bundle can certainly keep up at trot or gallop, while a small dog with short legs might be more of a calm walking companion for a leisurely stroll.
4. Consider the character traits and temperament – especially your dog's prey drive and herding instinct.
Sit!, Down!, Stay! – Extremely Important Commands
It is always important that your four-legged friend listens to your commands. But when you are sitting on the horse yourself, it becomes even more important. Because in the worst case, your dog’s prey drive might kick in during a ride and it could wander off on its own in the forest. Such potential danger situations must be managed and avoided by you accordingly. In the #bestcase, your dog listens to you even when distracted and stays by your side. As the responsible person for your #ridingcompaniondog, it is also important that you always check whether there is a leash requirement in the forest area where you are riding.
In riding companion dog courses, the dogs learn important commands such as:
- Sit
- Down
- Stay
- Come
- Heel
- Change (from one Side to the other)
Ready to Go – Equipment for Your Stable Dog
Now that you know quite a bit about riding companion dogs, all that’s missing is the right equipment for your loyal companion. As you surely know, days at the stable are not always sunny and warm. Your four-legged friend would certainly appreciate a good dog coat, like this Kentucky dog raincoat, for example. A thicker option is this fleece dog coat. Your dog won’t be cold in it under any circumstances.
Also, a leash is indispensable – even if your dog runs off-leash in the forest. In the stable aisle and generally at the stable, there will always be situations where your dog is better off on a leash. The Kentucky Velvet collection even offers dog leashes and Saddle Pads in matching styles. :-) If you’re looking for a special leash with that certain something, this faux leather leash with beads might be just right for your dog.
If you want to train your dog as a riding companion dog or are maybe already doing so, we wish you lots of success!
