kicking

[Marty McGee Bennett]

Hello, Marty,
*
I've read your book and your articles in the Alpacas Magazine and have found your instructions to be very helpful. I have a behavior problem with a 1.5 year old fiber animal--male, not yet gelded. He has started kicking out at people whenever anyone gets too close. At first it was if someone touched his back, and now he just seems to lash out. We have not worked with him much, but he is semi-trained on a halter. Have you written an article about that that you could refer me to? Or any suggestions? Thanks.


Have you looked at page 361 in the book? There are two pages of reference for kicking that are described in the book. Hopefully one or more of those suggestions might help... the body wrap would be a good idea to try!

[pdhmaine]

Marty,
I hit another milestone today, thanks to you and the clinic last month. I have a 7 year old mama who is a real whiner and kicker whenever I try to do anything. Well, today she was scheduled to be bred, so I couldn't put off doing her nails any longer. My husband was supposed to be home early to help but got hung up at the office, so I decided to try on my own.

Catch pen, wand with catch rope, halter, lead, abalone touch, body wrap (aka calming wrap), clip to post. Ready. I picked up her foreleg per your instructions, and every time she panicked, I gave it back to her. Once she realized she could have her leg back whenever she wanted it, she found her balance and let me clip her nails. I was really nervous about the hind legs, but as long as I gave her back her leg whenever she got off-balance, she settled down and allowed me to proceed. AMAZING! I got so confident that I decided to wrap her tail with vet wrap. No problem! She was so good and I felt like she really appreciated being treated so respectfully. I feel so empowered and confident -- I can't wait to do the nails on the rest of the herd tomorrow afternoon.

Thank you!!!!!
Pam

[Marty McGee Bennett]

Well done Pam. Isn't it amazing how letting the alpaca know that he can have his foot back when he needs it is so calming! A big contrast to the old days of don't let that foot go whatever you do or the animal wins and you lose! It is nice to do things in a way that makes it win win. Let us know how it went with the rest of your herd.