It may be hard but it's possible!
Lead Training, or Is It Too Late?
I am muddling through this goat raising business. So far, nothing has gone wrong that I couldn't remedy, but it's been a steeeeeep learning curve....
I have 4 almost-year-old girls I use for eating blackberries and for being cute. They're pretty well-behaved girls for the most part. I'd like to lead train them to be able to move them more easily around the property, if possible. Two of them are very social. One is getting there. One (the largest of the 4, naturally) is scared of everything. They are all pretty big mutts (Boer/Nubian/Nigerian) who weigh >100 lbs (except for Nudge who weighs about 90) and have their horns.
I have managed to teach them some discipline with a squirt bottle. I've tried using halters, but they kicked and screamed and refused to take treats. I tried daily for weeks with very little progress. I figure collars or slip leads will be easier. But I could be wrong about that...
I'm wondering if it's too late to get them started on a lead. It really would solve some logistical issues if I could get them trained.
Advice? Opinions?
TIA and Merry Christmas!
I have 4 almost-year-old girls I use for eating blackberries and for being cute. They're pretty well-behaved girls for the most part. I'd like to lead train them to be able to move them more easily around the property, if possible. Two of them are very social. One is getting there. One (the largest of the 4, naturally) is scared of everything. They are all pretty big mutts (Boer/Nubian/Nigerian) who weigh >100 lbs (except for Nudge who weighs about 90) and have their horns.
I have managed to teach them some discipline with a squirt bottle. I've tried using halters, but they kicked and screamed and refused to take treats. I tried daily for weeks with very little progress. I figure collars or slip leads will be easier. But I could be wrong about that...
I'm wondering if it's too late to get them started on a lead. It really would solve some logistical issues if I could get them trained.
Advice? Opinions?
TIA and Merry Christmas!
1 - 11 of 11 Posts
If collars work better start with that!
Here, try this method it works very well
My sister taught our year old to lead with a collar. Using treats is very helpful. She put a lot of time into it, and now Dottie follows very well. It will just take some practice. Start with one at a time, or they will get distracted with each other.
I taught a 3 year old unhalter broke doe once to lead. Started with a collar, lead and bucket of grain. I first just let her wear the collar and follow the bucket. Then attached and short lead. Nothing she could get stuck on anything and follow the bucket. Then light pressure . And finally a long lead. After that I switched to a halter lead the same way. Lead with collar let her wear the halter then started light pressure on the halter. It took patience and a long time but worked.
I've taught a stubborn 4 year old and a bratty 2 year old to lead before without them having any experience. It is possible! I'd try collars and then put a leash on it first to get them used to walking with you. Then you could try a goat lead. Find treats that they love! And maybe they won't be actual goat treats, but peanut butter covered strawberries or something. Keep plenty of the treat with you tho so you can give them a treat whenever they do something good. It takes a lot of patience tho. Animals can sense how you're feeling and if you're mad at them or just angry in general they won't do anything for you. Just take it slow, one day at a time, do a little every day until they get used to it. Spend time with them so they know you and aren't scared of you.
Do you have any pics of them?? They sound adorable lol
Do you have any pics of them?? They sound adorable lol
I agree, it is possible. 
I've trained goats as old as 6 that had never even worn a halter or collar before so it's definitely possible. It just takes some patience and a lot of treats.
YASSS! I feel hopeful and empowered! Most threads I've read were about kids, but all of this is great to hear! I know what treats make them tick, and I will get some padded collars.
Now if would just srop raining or snowing for a few minutes, I could get started....
Now if would just srop raining or snowing for a few minutes, I could get started....
I've been training my gals to walk on a gang line, similar to what dog teams use. We got it down pretty well last summer, but I imagine there will be some retraining to do in the spring. I will have 6 does on that line...should be fun!
I think you can train a goat to do nearly anything, if you have the right motivation. They are just as smart as dogs.
You got this!
I think you can train a goat to do nearly anything, if you have the right motivation. They are just as smart as dogs.
You got this!
1 - 11 of 11 Posts
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