It is a good way. Never smack or touch his head in a challenging manner. Water sprayer and stick is handy deterant
Little buckling trying to butt people
Ive had about 30 goats now, bucks, does and wethers, and never had issues with any trying to butt people. We are very careful to never encourage that behavior in the little ones and none of the older bucks have seemed at all interested in doing so.
I purchased a registered mini-lamancha buckling in the spring and when I was spending time in his pen two days ago, he was very interested in rubbing his head and pushing against me. I smacked him, thinking that would dissuade him, but I think he just saw it as encouragement, so then began to rear up. I then reached down, grabbed, his off side legs and plopped him on his side and held him there for about ten seconds till he stopped struggling. He is a very, very sweet affectionate boy, and loves to be petted, so I think he is just playing, not being mean, but all the same it is absolutely unacceptable behavior, given he could hurt someone.
The above was my in the moment response, but I was curious as to the best way to teach a "butty" goat to stop attempting to play with people this way.
I purchased a registered mini-lamancha buckling in the spring and when I was spending time in his pen two days ago, he was very interested in rubbing his head and pushing against me. I smacked him, thinking that would dissuade him, but I think he just saw it as encouragement, so then began to rear up. I then reached down, grabbed, his off side legs and plopped him on his side and held him there for about ten seconds till he stopped struggling. He is a very, very sweet affectionate boy, and loves to be petted, so I think he is just playing, not being mean, but all the same it is absolutely unacceptable behavior, given he could hurt someone.
The above was my in the moment response, but I was curious as to the best way to teach a "butty" goat to stop attempting to play with people this way.
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Yes definitely try the water squirt bottle.
I know you said he loves to be petted, but if he's displaying this behavior try to encourage people not to pet him on the head. Head pets can be considered as challenges for head butting. Stick to scratching his brisket and under his chin, armpits, etc. When you pet him, bring your hand in from under his chin and not over his head where he might get nervous. This might trigger him to butt less.
I would also teach this little guy to lead. Put a collar on him and teach him to respect you leading, asking him to stop and move away and stand tied. If he's rutty, that can also lead to some challenging behavior. I push the shoulder, but not the head or face. Takes a few minutes daily, but helps in overall control. Mine are trained to stand tied and to the milk stand, even in rut. It really helps a lot. That all being said, I never turn my back in rut - no matter the age - in rut.
All great advice.
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
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