Free's goat training attempts

[2dream]

I love, love, love this topic. I have been working with my new babies. They have learned to backup, wait to eat until I say its ok (I really like the foodies command, I may have to start using that), stop, and NO. I really need to get them on a leash but I don't have my halters yet and I really don't want to use their collars. I am afraid I will hurt them if they struggle to much.

 

[noobiechickenlady]

Hiya Wanda
How are those pip-poppers doing?

 

[Henrietta23]

Once my poor Thomas' head heals (he knocked a scur off) I have to start working with him!

 

[dragonlaurel]

That must be an incredible sight. Training him to pack is a great idea.

 

[savingdogs]

I've been fantasizing about training my goats to follow me as I weed and eat all the stuff I pull up so that I don't have to haul it anywhere. I don't know how to make that happen though!

I think goats should be able to be trained. They sure seem to understand language.

 

[Denim Deb]

I've been fantasizing about training my goats to follow me as I weed and eat all the stuff I pull up so that I don't have to haul it anywhere. I don't know how to make that happen though!

I think goats should be able to be trained. They sure seem to understand language.

That would work as long as you could also train them NOT to eat the rest of your garden! I was ready to have goat for dinner last year when Gidget got out, and got into my garden. I forget how many plants she ate.

 

[savingdogs]

I can imagine!

I've got quite a few rhodies and azaleas planted by the previous owner and they worry me more than them eating MY food, but I bet that would be aggravating beyond belief!

When I've tried to take one with me to "help" me weed, they always seem to be drawn RIGHT for the plants I don't want them to eat.

I've love to be able to teach a goat "leave it" they way a dog can learn that. It seems like they are smart enough and understand language enough, but I don't think they have the same desire to please that a dog has.

 

[freemotion]

That would be like putting bacon all over your house within reach of the dogs and expecting them to remember their training even behind your back. Yes, some dogs will, but.....we don't live with our goats and reinforce their training all the time. And goats don't respect the pack leader in quite the same way as dogs do. Food is everywhere, not just the kill, so they eat what they can, where they can, as fast as they can!

And they have expensive taste!

 

[2dream]

Hiya Wanda
How are those pip-poppers doing?

They are doing great.
I bit the bullet and took one walking on the leash yesterday afternoon. You all should have been flies on the wall for that. My neighbors were looking out their windows at me like I was crazy.
I also did a minor hoof trimming not only because they kind of needed one but because I want them to get use to it while still young. (That was also a funny thing to watch).

 

[Bubblingbrooks]

Our goal is to have a pack train for hunting.
One of our main hunting areas is accessed by hiking the mushing trails that start just around the corner from us.