Staking out a llama

[Marty McGee Bennett]

Marty,
We have a gelded llama that was obstacle-trained before we bought him. We now use him as one of our guardian llamas. I halter and lead him out in our pasture. I think he would enjoy grazing out by himself but do not know the proper way to secure him. I am using your (Zephyr) halter.* We will*sit nearby. He like his space so once we are comfortable with doing this we*would like to put him where we can see him from our back deck.
*
Is it safe to tie him to the fence with a long enough lead that he can graze? Is a stake (like used to tie-out dogs) safer? Or are none of them safe?
*
Thanks -
*

[Marty McGee Bennett]

Thanks for your question. The main thing is to be sure that your halter fits correctly. It isn't enough to have the right halter you must also really pay attention to the process of fitting it. That is covered in detail in my book, in many articles I have written some of which are on the website and in brief in the halter tag that came with your halter so make sure that your halter fits. A screw in stake that is sold for dogs is a good option make sure to twist the stake in all the way so that the lead will swivel around instead of getting wrapped around and around the stake. I suggest that you allow your llama to drag a loose lead inside a confined area so that your llama can get accustomed to a line around his legs before he is staked out. Watch your llama while he is staked our for the first several time to make sure that he is coping well with the process.

[Marty McGee Bennett]

This halter fits. Note that it is right up under the eye on firm nose bone.