Horses

[EmmaA]

Have I left it too late (15 weeks) to introduce Eric to horses? I read somewhere that socialisation should take place before they are 12 weeks, but Eric had his injections a bit late. My Mum has 3 horses and I quite often take my daughter to ride. My Mum takes her lab and there are loads of others that stable heir horses there that also take their dogs. I think it would be good fun for Eric to go. Has anyone got any tips for the introductions, etc?

[Cazzie]

Deff not too late, Goose my 2 year old Lab had his 1st introduction to horses last week and was great. Not sure about tips, but when Daisy was a pup and I looked after 2 horses, I had her on the lead out for walks whilst leading and she soon got used to them and keeping away from those hooves 

[Elmo]

no not too late. I have a horse and Elmo was introduced as soon as he has his jabs. He used to come up to the stables each morning with me and wait patiently on the grass til i had out the horse out in the park then he would help me muck out Just be very careful.....my horse stood on elmo as a pup and the pup from up the road. He went infront of the horse and the horse moved quickly The other pup lay behind the horse and the horse stepped back. Both were fine after the initial high pitched crying and limping away frantically. Elmo has gotten over it now but is still a little wary but id prefer he was causios than gung ho.

[Cob-Web]

Although it is best to socialise pups to as many different experiences as early as possible, it certainly isn't the case that they can't adapt to new experiences when they are older 

One of the reasons for early socialisation is to get them used to the experience of "new experiences" iyswim.......as a rule, a well socialised puppy will be less phased by new experiences throughout it's life 

[Helen]

go for it