How do we tame 4H goats down?
I hope someone sees this soon, my son has two 4H goats he got in August. We were told to leave them wild until right before the show as they 'show' better that way, muscles tense vs puppy dog relaxed. Well, they are wild alright. And more than a handful. We have only one of them eating corn from our hand. That is just about it. The first show is only a week away. Any ideas appreciated.
Right now we are brushing them and putting the dog collars on them seeing if we can get them to walk with us to no avail. They dig their hooves in and won't budge. The training halters aren't working either. Sometimes they just fling themselves up into the air.
I've never had this problem with goats, but I've had dogs that acted very wild. (Yes I know it's not the same) Have you tried getting a VERY special treat, (corn, cookies, whatever you think they would like the best) let them smell it and then walk around, letting them continue to smell the treat but not letting them have it?
Another thing to try, try postponing their feeding time for about an hour. Then let them eat, but only with you petting them and/or leading them, making them walk to eat.
Re: How do we tame 4H goats down?
Boy...I must say I totally disagree with whomever gave you the advice to "let them stay wild"...makes no sense to me, and I'm sure to you NOW...my best advice is like previous reply..keep working with them as often as possible using treats and lots of patience! My goats LOVE animals crackers or vanilla wafers and will do anything for them. Try penning them up in something small for a few days so that you can quietly sit with them with a pocketful of treats and move very slowly while talking softly. Once they find out you have goodies and that you won't hurt them, (which should take a few days perhaps), they'll be climbing all over you. When teaching them to lead, it helps to keep one hand on their rump to push while you pull...if they take a step or two without going nuts...reward them with a treat and some soothing words...keep in mind also that when in the ring...generally animals are all walked at a very slow pace anyway...so slow, deliberate steps are good. Good luck and have fun at the show! patty:)
Re: How do we tame 4H goats down?
Thanks so much for the replies. Last year our goats were gently and my son got a third place with one and fifth with the other. I totally agree with you Patty, it now makes no sense at all to have left them wild. I mean, they were more tame when we bought them than now! I'll shut them up in the horse barn in a stall and see how we do. The first show, this coming Saturday is only a small one but the big show is the first week in January.
Another quirk is that we are sponsoring a boy with a goat. We bought his goat and have paid for all the feed. However, his interest is nil. I'm torn between trying to gentle his goat, which is the largest of the bunch, for him or just letting him learn the hard way. We've told him repeatedly that he needs to work with his goat. If we've learned anything at all here, other than to tame them down early, that is if we ever sponsor a kid again the goat will have to be at their own home under their own care.
I'm thinking this is the last year we'll do goats. I love them dearly and have enjoyed watching them play but it is so hard because they are meat goats and go for slaughter. It breaks my heart. My lifelong dream is to have my own little herd of fiber goats and sheep to get fleece to spin yarn with for my knitting designs.
Re: How do we tame 4H goats down?
Goats are just like dogs, only smarter. They use their intelligence like a dog to please when they want something and like a cat when they want something that you won't give them. Never let any goat, for show or not, "go wild". It will do nothing but bring both you and the goat pain and distress. You would never let your dog go wild. Goats are extremely emotionally sensitive, as well as smart. Treat them with the love, kindness and training you would give any pet or child!!!
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