[madvoice]

If he can't comply with your wishes for safety by keeping the dog at home he isn't the sort of employee you really want working for you. Stick to your guns. I'm sure you'll find a more suitable employee for your barn.

[equestsarah81]

I have to agree with all of the comments above...!!!! That dog definitely sounds like you are taking too much of a risk with it. I love Amer. Shaf./ pit bulls but they can be very intimidating and especially when you see them with a muzzle on. Also I wouldn't want to think of this dog loose with it's muzzle off if it does chase horses. As a boarding facility and a place were you have clients and kids around, you have an obligation to keep everyone and everything as safe as possible. It just takes 1 time for something horrible to happen and you could face possibly loosing everything if something happened and someone sued b/c you allowed that dog to be on your property.

So... I would say you are completely in the right and not unreasonable AT ALL!!!! Don't second guess yourself b/c you make a smart decision! And if you give into him, he may feel as if he can get away with more. You are the boss, he is your employee... He needs to respect your decision for your business and if he needs to quit b/c of your decision, then so be it. There are PLENTY of people that would love to work for you I am sure. Ask some of your students. At the boarding & lesson barns I have been at it usually a boarder that cleans stalls for money off board (I did that for board off my horse).

Stay strong and stick with your decision! You won't have a problem finding anyone to fill his spot especially if you are a small barn (not as many stalls to clean)....

[2spotslast]

Your barn, your rules.

[Kicks]

Your barn - you are responsible liability wise to allow the dog there. The dog would not have been allowed to run loose at all if it were my place - definately banned from the property the minute I knew it chased anything.

[payday]

i think you made the right decision! there is a big dog at the barn i work at and his name is simon, he is BIG but a gentle gaint. he had some dogs attack him and he did not even fight back...poor guy! but still the owner makess sure that he is always beside her(she does not bring him to the barn if she is riding) and is always silent. but hes an all round great dog but still always beside her and not running around because even the most trained dog could spazz out on a kid or adult randomly.

but if that guy cant leave his dog at home he should not work.

[sorrell]

Most barns have a dog on leash policy, where if you bring your dog, it must be on a leash and if the dog is aggressive or playful and causes harm to horse or rider, then it is banned from coming back. The dog can be a liability to you and end up costing you a fortune if he spooks someone's horse, causes a client's horse to bolt and get harmed, or even scratches a kid, so right or wrong, you did the correct thing.

[Lacys Mom]

Your place, your rules... and you're right, 100%. Ditto all the above.
edited to add:
and by the way, welcome!

[horseyfrk145]

I completely agree with everyone else. You are better off without that employee!

And welcome to HGS!

[Last Knight]

A dog that ears a muzzle because they "relax" more is a liability, any way you look at it. Stick to your guns.

I have a large German Shepherd that I take to the barn, however he is VERY well trained, and 10 years old. (This is a private barn, just me and the BO) BUT- if the BO had an issue, ANY issue, he would stay home, or be put in a stall while I was there. That could even include HER not feeling comfortable because he is big.

You did the right thing, and if he cannot be a little flexible, I'm sure you can find a better employee.

[bvhorses]

Thanks everyone!!!! All your comments have made me fell more secure about the decision I made. I will stick to my guns and do what I feel is right by letting him quit and see if he can find another place to work that will allow his dog at his side! So.... anyone knnow of a good stall mucker in western NY? LOL