![]() ![]() Interference from rival goats may form bad associations in the trainee’s mind. Check that there are no distractions from external events or other herd members. Make sure that passages and enclosures are well lit, as goats are fearful of dark spaces. Stable Environmentįirstly, ensure that the environment makes it easy for your goat to perform the desired behavior. ![]() It is harder to control a frightened animal. As a provider, you can build your relationship on trust rather than fear. With goats it is more effective to assume the role of provider of all good things, so that they see you as an ally, rather than an authority. And your goats may become bigger and stronger than you. As goats grow, they reassess their strength and challenge their superiors. However, you also expose yourself to challenges. By chastising your goats, you claim top rank. This species sets up a hierarchy on the basis of authority. I believe that positive reinforcement is worth the extra effort, especially in the case of goats. She will continue to behave this way as long as it works for her. She is just doing whatever gives her the most immediate reward. It is important to understand that your goat is not actually naughty. The aim is to reward the goat when she does what you want (desirable behavior) and remove the reward if she does something that you don’t want (undesirable behavior). Positive reinforcement is a more effective technique, but requires a little more time and planning. It is important not to drag the goat, but let the leash go slack as soon as she moves in the right direction. Gentle pressure on a leash also falls into this category as the goat walks forward to release the pressure. They quickly understand this rebuke as they are sensitive to our body language and vocal expression. We tell animals “no” when we do not like their behavior. Many people use mildly aversive techniques when dealing with animals. Nubian goat doe allows milking without restraint for food reward. ![]() each animal is an individual and may respond in a different way.visual or sound memories are often connected to each event.animals remember events and associate them with good or bad outcomes.they approach the things that they want and move away from things that they do not want.animals learn which actions get them what they want and repeat those actions.Goat training methods are based on the following principles: Aim to make each handling experience pleasant. All animals, including humans, learn certain behaviors depending on what they have found is rewarding for them and what they have found is frightening or damaging. Training certain voluntary actions is empowering for you and your goat, as you are both in control of the situation. Let them get to enjoy the situation before adding any restraint or trying any treatment. Associate the new scenario with a positive experience, like a food treat. Goats need to perceive that they have the option to withdraw to safety if they are overwhelmed. The key is to let the goats explore the new environment, person, animal, or object in their own time, with no pressure. Progress will be slower with older animals. Within this time, they need plenty of gentle handling, and to encounter the kind of scenarios that they may have to deal with in later life. During their first few weeks of life it is easier for them to accept novelty. You can habituate goats at any age, but the younger they are, the better. ![]() Habituation is gradual exposure to new things in a safe environment. Habituation-an Essential Part of Goat Training and Management Photo by David Goehring/flickr CC BY 2.0. Gradual exposure to new people, places, and equipment allows them to learn the strategies they need to cope with change. If they learn that they have options to stay safe, they can master their fear. Goats naturally fear new situations that they cannot control. These activities expose goats to events that they would not normally face in the seclusion of farm life. Many agritourism ideas are developing, such as pack goats, goat yoga, petting zoos, surfing goats, and entertainment (for example, a play with a goat cast or goats grazing on a restaurant roof). If your goats will have an unusual role that involves facing changing events, people, or places, you will need to train them from very young, so that they are not fearful in new situations. ![]()
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