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  Discussion on Protection from domestic dogs chasing horses???
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Posted on Thursday, Feb 24, 2000 - 6:26 pm:

In the past we have had difficulties with neighborhood dogs running loose. The attitude in the country is "we live in the country so that our dogs can run loose". How rediculous this statement is, not to mention, that many times, people who live in the country tend to end up with large, herd chasing breeds/mixed breeds of dogs! I cringe when I read ads in the paper, to give away border collie/shepard cross to a good country home! Anyways, I'm getting off topic for my question, to prevent these dogs from chasing our horses, we have thought about purchasing a donkey. I've done some research, but would love anymore information on other alternatives for preventing dogs from entering our pastures - including fox, coyote and perhaps the occassional wolf that may cross through - especially to protect our new born foals & weanlings?

Posted on Saturday, Feb 26, 2000 - 3:59 pm:

Well recently going through an episode with a
neighbors rottweiler, WE finaly had to take steps
to keep other peoples dogs from getting in as
opposed to them Keeping their own dogs on their
own property, Aarugh!

We ran a low hot wire around the OUTSIDE of the
field fence so when the little so-n-so went to dig
under our fence he got a smart crack of juice on
the tip of his nose. We were fortunate enough to
have the joy of watching it. In fact I thought I
was going to pee my pants hearing the yelping.
*snicker snicker*

We had informed the neighbor numerous times and
told them that if this didn't work that the next
thing was buck shot. Well we have not seen hide
nor hair of that dog since.

As for protective animals I hear that Llamas are
great as well as a goose. Don't know much about
donkeys other than they are LOUD.

Good Luck

Posted on Saturday, Feb 26, 2000 - 8:16 pm:

Hello!
I have seen mules first hand warding off dogs. They seem naturally very aggressive towards them.
I don't yet have horses on my property but have tired of the country dogs running at large. This isn't safe unless you know the dog and wont get bit. But I attached notes to the dog's collar. They weren't real neighborlike notes but I never saw the dogs again!
~barbara

Posted on Sunday, Feb 27, 2000 - 1:12 pm:

Hello, we have a donkey in with our horses,and believe me ANYTHING that comes in HIS pasture is fair game. He can see a squirel going up a tree from the far end of the pasture and he's off. He's a gelded 2 yr old standard and a real sweet hart. He nows the differance between our dogs and the others. He can be a bit ornery but show him a can of mountain dew and he'll do anything you want him to! He consantly plays with our horses.
he's really not loud. He will brey when you go out to feed and if you drive out when you come home he'll great you but he doesn't constantly stand around and yell. But the neighbors always know when we come home or go out to the barn and they don't mind they think he's cute. They are extemely smart which are why so many of them are abused and then they get the rep as being stupid. You do have to be patient and try to figure out why they are "acting stubborn" usually theres a reason. They are cheap to feed and are very tidy in their stalls.He gets a handful of grain and a flake of grain twice a day. He really doesnt need the grain but feel guilty feeding the horses and not him. Sorry this is so long but I can go on and on about him. If you want something that will keep dogs and anyother varmits out of your pastures plus have something cute to look at, that you can also ride and drive I would recomend a standard size donkey, but on the same hand i'd start with a weanling.
Mary

Posted on Sunday, Feb 27, 2000 - 5:21 pm:

Had the same problem here. In this county it is LAWFUL to shoot any dogs that are chasing livestock or wild game.Have only had to do it once.The owners were not to happy ....but they were asked to control the dog....told what would happen if they didn't....and they still did nothing to control the animal. sad story....but can only be nice for so long.

Posted on Monday, Feb 28, 2000 - 12:00 pm:

Wow, thanx for the response. In answer to most of what everybody wrote - I like the donkey idea the best, because... we have a dog ourselves - and he keeps dogs away from the main yard, but we have 160 acres and through the spring, summer and fall, most of the horses are pastured at the other end of the property, as we have two pastures each of 20 acres fenced there. There are trees between there and our home, so we can't see whats going on until we go out there. We've done the threat of killing the dog, but that caused us much greif as the owners rebelled and threatened to kill our horses, cut the fence, mame our home & vehicles, the list goes on! The police had to become involved several times and told us "you don't have problem dogs, you have problem neighbors!" Ain't that the truth. We moved to this property because of that problem, but I don't want to recreate that scene again. Not to mention, around here, if a dog disappears, they just get more!!!! The donkey sounds like exactly what I want, and I did here that they are very smart. Could you email me some more info. on what to look for and care etc...Mary? Thanx, Lanna
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