11/07/2024
Why farriers and dogs do not mix.....
I love all the creatures I get to meet at work. But when I'm under a horse, your dogs are not welcome.
Having dogs underfoot is a safety issue for farriers.
Dogs can spook a horse, get stepped on, get your farrier kicked, and are generally a nuisance while you're working. Some horses don't like dogs and will accidentally injure you trying to get a dog out of their space.
I've had dogs trip me, attack my dog, fight with each other under the horse for trimmings, scratch up my brand new car paint, p*e on my tools, scare the horse I'm working on, and make an appt take double the time because I'm shooing them from my work space or rescuing them from potentially getting hurt.
The worst part is when owners laugh, ignore their dogs behavior, or tell me how to keep their dogs away. That's not my job. They're your dogs, you handle them. Even worse is when the owner says, "oh it's good for them, if they get kicked, then they'll learn." I'm here to do my job, not train your dogs or risk my or the horse's safety.
Are there exceptions? 100%. I have clients with well behaved dogs that are welcome to join us. My dog is often with me at work in the cooler months. But she's not allowed to be a problem and if she is, she goes back in the car.
Other reasons to put your dog away:
1. Glue, DIM, some thrush treatments, and other farrier materials are toxic to dogs.
2. Some wall clippings could still have nail parts in them.
3. Hoof wall bits have sharp edges and can puncture your dogs intestines - I've confirmed this with vets.
4. Some horses are less tolerant than others and could kill your dog.
5. Because your farrier deserves a safe workspace.
PS just in case it's not clear, I LOVE dogs, I love petting them and giving them treats, and I love meeting your new puppies!! Just not while I'm actively trimming. Some of my favorite dogs (don't tell Quinn) are clients! COUGH COUGH Freya Bijou and Lou 💗