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Post by portiabuzz on Dec 22, 2009 14:07:18 GMT 1
I am very interested in this as one of our pygmy goats (the male) has been with us for 2 years, and has had alot of behavioral problems (he was a rescue).
Hes come on really well and he has accepted us as head of herd & hes a happier goat. However when we have to trim their feet & we put the girls on my OH knee as they are small and feel safer.
Nym however is now too big & finds it uncomfortable so needs to have his feet trimmed and checked like you would do a horse. The front legs aren't too much of an issue (stll unhappy with them) but his back legs are untouchable! I have started high up his leg but cant get very far. He had an injury in one back leg but thats been cleared by the vet, so i think its more he remembers it hurting.
I know its not strictly horsey question, but having seen horses behave the same way didnt know if the methods can help as hes also a prey animal!!
Thanks!
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Post by Garry on Dec 22, 2009 14:34:39 GMT 1
I would try advance/retreat as you would with a horse. I guess some of the clicker people on here will be able to offer you some tips also. Keep us posted. (this will probably be moved to the 'non horsey' section)  |
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Post by portiabuzz on Dec 22, 2009 14:36:31 GMT 1
thanks Garry, i will do
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Post by ashleigh on Dec 22, 2009 14:48:37 GMT 1
Have you tried the whole 'glove on a stick' thing, then removing it when he stands still, and building it up from there?
Would that work with goats?
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Post by mandal on Dec 22, 2009 14:53:31 GMT 1
Advance and retreat worked well with my sheep for their feet.  I have paired scratches and god boy/girl and tone of voice with food as a reward so I don't use in hand food with Titch as he being a male has a tendency to butt which I do not want to encourage.  You could start with the 'hand' then work closer gradually. I found the sheep really good for my timing practice, not sure why as I don't think they're anymore responsive than the horses but perhaps I find them easier to read.  Mta... lol yes Titch does think he's a God! |
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Post by portiabuzz on Dec 22, 2009 15:30:26 GMT 1
yup, Nym had alot of problems with butting/attacking us, so he has big issues with food rewards....he does love polos though!!
I will try the 'hand' thing...Have to be careful he doesnt eat it though!!
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Post by SarahW on Dec 22, 2009 15:34:06 GMT 1
It also worked with Johannes although in time my job with him was to just hold his head and cover his ears because his owner used to really shout at him whenever she was paring his feet. You may be able to teach an old goat new tricks but I could never convince the owner that that made him more frightened, not less.  |
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Post by portiabuzz on Dec 22, 2009 15:41:36 GMT 1
ahhh v cute! Sorry to hear about his owners behaviour though....
Nym is nearly 4 years old, and we've had him for 2 years. He was very spoilt and overweight hence all the bashing/aggression so i don't know his experience with trimming his feet...Will have a go with the 'hand'....Will have another read through your book Sarah
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Post by portiabuzz on Dec 22, 2009 15:48:28 GMT 1
 Here he is! King of garden....!! |
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Post by SarahW on Dec 22, 2009 16:16:57 GMT 1
He's gorgeous. Cool colour. I do like goats.....
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Post by portiabuzz on Dec 22, 2009 16:49:47 GMT 1
thanks xx hes a little star when people come round, so they think im lying when say he used to make me black & blue! I will make a 'hand'...assume just stuff a glove and wrap onto a stick?
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Post by mandal on Dec 22, 2009 16:52:20 GMT 1
Titch and Totty have to get a look in now! Can't leave them out!  Portiabuzz has some great pics of her goats in the garden on the table etc.!!! |
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Post by portiabuzz on Dec 22, 2009 16:55:13 GMT 1
i want some mandal!! Maybe when we have the land.....?!
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Post by mandal on Dec 22, 2009 17:09:45 GMT 1
;DI was going to say on your other thread that forget the house just get land,land,land!! They're Suffolk X Vendeen and a total delight but they do expect to go everywhere with you and generally in Titch's case if his head can get through then so can he!!  Oh luckily that's Totty with her head through there! |
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Post by portiabuzz on Dec 22, 2009 17:21:06 GMT 1
thanks, thats what we're looking for!!!
they are sooooo cute!! x
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I have paired scratches and god boy/girl and tone of voice with food as a reward so I don't use in hand food with Titch as he being a male has a tendency to butt which I do not want to encourage. 
