It's a Natural Fact: Animals have different temperaments.

Some dog owners and horseback riders may not know exactly how their pets will react to each other until the animals actually meet on a park trail.

Everyone wants to feel safe. If a dog lunges at horse or encircles it, the horse can spook, which can endanger the horse, rider and dog. Below are some tips on how both horseback riders and dog owners can share the trails in ways that ensure safe passage for all.

Following the etiquette section is information about our monthly PUP 'N' PONY MEET 'N' GREET where dog owners can familiarize their dogs to horses in a safe, controlled environment.

A. DOG AND HORSE TRAIL ETIQUETTE

1. IF YOU ARE WALKING A DOG AND ENCOUNTER A HORSE:

Call your dog to your side. Leash dog if agitated and maintain control.

Hail the approaching rider and ask if the horse and rider are comfortable around dogs.

If both the horse and dog are calm, the proceed on trail allowing the horse to pass on the UPHILL side.

If the dog and/or horse remain agitated, continue to hold onto your dog. Place yourself between the dog and the horse and let the horse and rider pass safely. Allow sufficient time for the horse to be far enough away before releasing your dog.

SPECIAL DOG HANDLING TIP: If there's a chance that the dog might follow the horse when released, turn in the opposite direction and walk for a short spell with your dog on leash. When you feel confident that enough space has been put between your dog and the horse, release your dog and proceed on your walk.

2. IF YOU ARE RIDING A HORSE:

Stop your horse.

Hail the approaching dog owner and ask how the dog is around horses.

If you feel that the dog is under voice control (or is leashed) then proceed and pass on the UPHILL side.

If the dog needs to be collected, stay put and have your horse face the dog until itâs properly gathered and is by the owner's side or is leashed. If the dog does not respond to the owner, tell the dog to "back off" or "go home" in a loud commanding voice.

Proceed on the UPHILL side of the trail when safe to do so.

B. MONTHLY PUP 'N' PONY MEET 'N' GREET FIRST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH

DOES YOUR PUP NEED A ONE-ON-ONE TUTORIAL? Mosey on down to our monthly Pup and Pony Meet and Greet held on the first Saturday of each month, from 10 to 11 a.m. (weather permitting*). If you are not sure how your dog is around horses, PLEASE come to this clinic and continue with other obedience training to make sure your dog will return to you when called, no matter what. Look for the Volunteer Mounted Patrol person with his or her horse at Dunn Trail parking lot area at 11500 Skyline Blvd. (For further information call O'DOG at 465-0928, ext 2.)

*WEATHER CONDITIONS: It's held at a ridge location, so the once-in-a-blue-moon high winds can spook horses and/or distract dogs. Rain isn't good either.

ADDRESS: 11500 Skyline. When you turn into the parking lot, the old, ranch-style Parks building will be to your left. The horse and rider should be at the far right end of the parking lot as you face the hills. Introduce your self to the horse trainer BEFORE taking your dog out of the car.

DIRECTIONS: FROM BERKELEY/DOWNTOWN OAKLAND, HIGHWAY 13 SOUTH: Take Joaquin Miller Rd/Lincoln Blvd. exit...cross left over the freeway. Take Joaquin Miller Rd southwards up the hill to the stoplight that says "Chabot Observatory" You will see a sign showing Skyline off to the left. The road you see before you is actually Skyline Blvd. making a huge turn to your left. DO NOT TURN LEFT. Go straight. You'll be on Redwood Road. Continue about 1/4 mile and turn into the little parking lot on the left by an old ranch style building.

DIRECTIONS FROM HAYWARD, HIGHWAY 13 NORTH: Take Joaquin Miller Rd exit, turn right up the hill. Follow directions above.

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WATCH THIS SPACE FOR FUTURE HORSE AND DOG STREAMING VIDEO TRAINING CLIPS!! One hot summer afternoon back in August of 2001, under the blazing sun at Redwood Arena, the renowned animal behaviorist Dr. Ian Dunbar taught over sixty dog handlers how to recondition their animal's behavior on the trail. Ace filmmaker/dog owner Nathan Freidkin and his associate videotaped the proceedings. Soon you will be able to avail yourself of the same training on this website, sans the sunburn!

Many, many thanks to Dr. Dunbar for his generosity and expertise. It is with his blessings that we will be using footage for our web site. And many thanks go out to MHA for funding both the filming and editing of this project.

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The "Partners on the Trail" program is sponsored by Oakland's Dog Owner Group (O'DOG), Metropolitan Horsemen's Association (MHA) and the East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD). If you are in the East Bay Regional Park district remember that Ordinance 38 requires you to carry a leash for each dog and to keep your dog(s) under control at all times. As a courtesy to riders, it is important to keep your dog in sight to be aware of its behavior and be sure it is under control around horses. There is a steep $271 fine if your dog is unleashed in a leash only area and for having a dog not under verbal control in an unleashed area.

Photos of O'DOG/MHA/EBRPD 2001 Dog and Horse Workshop are courtesy of BK Doyra.