Shetland biting problem?

Question

My Shetland never bites me he has warned me once or twice when I first got him but he seems to have complete trust in me now, he is very relaxed round me. However he does not like strange people and get very upset if he has a crowed of about 3 people round him. Then he does bite. I am not sure what steps to take next as I don't want him to loose his faith him me but I eant to show him that biting is totally not acceptable. He is my daughters pony and I am affraid that he will have to go if we can't control the biting problem. He is 101% in every other way it just the fact that he really does not trust anyone else. I must add that he has never attempted to bite my daughter but I don't let her close enough to give him the chance. I don't know if something has happened to him with his previous home. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

ha i was going to say the same as the first guy

try joining up or t-touch or something

or a muzzle, if they have them for horses

maybe you need to build trust between you and the pony, because if he was mis-treated in a previous home he may not trust humans muchh..

aha im not too good at explaining XD

Answer 2

Hi Sarah W above has said all I agree with  - sorry but I don't agree with many of these who are advising to hit your horse.  This will only increase nerves and could result ina  worse response from him.

I believe that something is making him react this way and I'm guessing it is because of where he came from.  Either a fear/ defense action or just plain naughtiness that he's got away with.

Many Shetlands have a bad rep for biting and being naughty but IMO all horses can be the same not just the little ones.

I think ignoring it would be the best course of action, I dont mean allowing him to bite but don't pay him attention when he's threatening and if he gets a bit too close just make an 'accidental' nudge with your elbow - nothing too quick or harsh, just as if you'd accidently knocked him and he'll think he's done it himself lunging to bite.

Have you had his teeth checked?? I know he's a bit old for teething but he may have some pain that is causing him to bite.  Another option so that your daughter can enjoy him is to maybe use a grazing muzzle so he cant hurt her but he gets used to her being in control when grooming etc and she can build confidence and learn to handle him.

I also agree with the titbits as once my mini shettie sniffs out the mints he goes into 'mug' you and won't leave off until all traces are gone :)

Hope this all helps

Good luck

Kelley

Answer 3

You are doing all the right things for him already and as such he is improving.  As you say he doesn't bite you then he is just nervous around groups and strangers.  This is understandable if he hasn't had the best life up to recently.  He needs to get to know your daughter but make it supervised and if you are woried he will bite her, put a muzzle on him whilst she is about him.  However, from what you have said I think the biting is only really an issue for groups and strangers in which case you just have to eliminate and be careful around them.

Nobody other than you and people you authorise should touch your pony and by stopping anyone else touching him his trust should grow further and the problem slowly ease further away.  Also make sure that he does not get tibbits as these will encourage nipping as he will want more.  If you have friends up to see him tell them he is nervous in crowds and let only one approach him with you at a time.  

Put a sign up at his stable or field saying not to touch, feed or pet him or he may bite.  State on it that touching him is at their own risk and you will not be held liable.  We have the same issue with a shetland and a horse at our stables and have done this and as such they have improved greatly.  Also nobody can complain if they do go near him and get bitten as it is their own fault.

Answer 4

I know all about Shetland ponies and it is not the biting you need to watch they will give you a swift kick with their back legs without any warning. My friends daughter had her leg broken by her pet Shelty even though she had this animals full trust. They really can be fickle and vicious little creatures and will lash out when you least expect it.

So be warned never stand behind a Shetland pony if you value your life.  Lived In Shetland for many a year so I do know what I'm talking about.

Answer 5

maybe he feels insecure in front of lots of people, just be confident around him!

Answer 6

A smack on the nose when he even threatens you should do the trick, accompanied by a firm NO or a growl.  I agree that he must be stopped before too long.  I do not usually advocate violence, but in this case it is just about the only thing to do, other than make him wear a muzzle or never go near him!  And NEVER EVER FEED TITBITS on demand.  Give them when YOU want them.

Part of it could be dominance related.  He could also just be a bit claustraphobic.  He is a wee little chappy and maybe, like humans he does not like to be crowded.

Stranger danger, I can also understand.  He is trying people out to see how far he can mess with them.  They too need to be firm with him and touch him possitively and not tickle him.

Let other people handle him who are strong enough and consistent enough to manage him.  He might start to gain trust in them too.  

Why do you not tell us the pony's age!?  That could also have something to do with it.

Answer 7

Its a dominance issue. Tell people NOT to hit him(that will make him head shy) but to hold their elbow out of they are petting/leading him so when he goes to bite he will hit himself which will teach him not to bite

Good Luck! :D

Answer 8

bite him back on the ear. i did that to my shetland when i was akid, and it worked like a charm. he went on to become a perfect ony, and taught lots of kids how to ride.

Answer 9

There's another horse at our stables that HATES when you do the girth, mess around with her in the pasture, etc. Crowding problems are most likely nervousy. Is he/she pinning it's ears?

Answer 10

Get other people to work with him that know horses. If he bites them, have them smack him back on the nose. It's just plain rude, it's not a lack of trust. He probably just gets excited and overwhelmed by everyone and gets carried away.

Answer 11

get three friends (family) to come to your horse with you.. out him on a lead rope.if he tries to bite ANYONE you smack him walk him in circles and back him up.. do this everytime he tries to bite. it may take awhile... it took my horse 43 tries.. yes i counted...and do the same procedure for a week.. ( or just a few days ) then wait a week.. have your friends / family come out again and if he bites repeat process.

Answer 12

first of all dont crowd him, its ever likely just think how small they are with 3 people stood all around.

give him a smack (not on his face though this will make him headshy) and let him kno hes not to do it, its just rude and lack of mannors. be firm with him let him know whos boss.

dont feed him treats and make sure your daughter doesnt too, that could be whats making him nip if he presumes hes going to get food when people are around. best of luck cus its a shame when theyre so good in every other way.

Answer 13

Maybe he gets nervous around crowds because they are noisy, and maybe he has had bad experiences with groups of kids. Either way, biting is aggression and unacceptable.

I've bitten back myslf, no kidding. Right on the tender part of the nose, and it worked! But thebest thing is to be ready, and pop him right in the lips IMMEDIATELY - even better if you can anticipate his move and pop him the second he starts to move towards a bite.

I don't advocate beating a horse and striking them on the head can make them head shy, but a few sharp pops only when he starts to bite should nip the problem in the bud,   pun intended.

Another remedy - have a sharp nail or pin in hand, and when he moves to bite, let him " run into" the sharp point. Ouch! He'll learn biting hurts!

Answer 14

When he trys to bite you yank down on the leadrope and halter...the halter needs to be kind of loose though!

Answer 15

Bite him back.  Have you got big teeth?  Ha ha ha ha.  

Or, just don't surround the poor little thing with people.

Answer 16

I would have both you and your daughter carry a crop any time you are around your pony. Whenever he threatens to bite, give him a sharp tap with a crop. Don't just beat him with it, but just a little reminder that you are in control. It's very sad that you have to be afraid to let your daughter around her own pony. Hopefully, with some time and a little effort, he will learn that threatening people isn't worth being tapped with the crop.

Answer 17

He is gelded, right?  If not, geld him ASAP.