Anonymous
07-28-2005, 07:55 PM
Dear Marty,
I have read and benefitted from*everything you ever wrote.
*
There is an old railroad that will be stopping in our town starting in the spring, with lots of tourists looking for ways to spend money at each stop. I would love to have my 18-month old llama Herb, at the station and offer photos with a llama for a small amount of money. But he has developed a behavioral "situation" that*we would first need to overcome, and I wonder if I could call and*speak to you about how best to help him through it.
*
In the hopes that you say "yes," let me give you some background.
*
From the day Herb arrived here (at about age 6-months) he has been friendly, polite, and very self assured. He is also the most intelligent llama I have ever seen, and learns ever so quickly.*I no doubt have let him get away with a bit more than I*should have (especially for a male), but he has never*shown any overt aggression (to humans or the other two llamas in his herd). The only exception is that some time ago he did show interest in my legs, but he was taught to give that up, and did.
*
Herb would hop in our minivan, and go in to the smallest house or office without hesitation. He would kiss anyone available, again always politely. He would walk with me down the dirt road across the street without a care (except that he would occasionally go ahead of me, a problem we were addressing).
*
Incidentally, Herb lives with a*senior gelded male, who gave him a very hard time for a couple of days after his arrival, but is fine with him now. There is also a female in the herd, who was bred once in her life to a stud from another farm.
*
Here is the prpoblem. About six*months ago (when Herb was a year old), his hormones kicked in, and he started breeding with our older female. (She has more recently been*rejecting his attempts.)*At the same time he started getting very nervous about leaving the property for a walk down the familiar road.* He would jump about, push against my arm, etc. I could even see it in his posture as we were*walking down our driveway. I would take deep breaths, look around, and be relaxed, but the problem did not abate. I also tried wriggling the lead when he was acting up.*His behavior was the same when the female and the older gelding were led with him down the same road.*Leading him in the backyard, he exhibits none of these behavioral traits.
*
Herb was gelded recently but, for now, the problem remains.
*
Herb is a sweet, lovable animal, who has the ideal personality to be in contact with the public. I would like -- and need -- to get him back to that relaxed state, but I don't know how. I make no claims to being a good teacher.
*
*
Thanks,
I have read and benefitted from*everything you ever wrote.
*
There is an old railroad that will be stopping in our town starting in the spring, with lots of tourists looking for ways to spend money at each stop. I would love to have my 18-month old llama Herb, at the station and offer photos with a llama for a small amount of money. But he has developed a behavioral "situation" that*we would first need to overcome, and I wonder if I could call and*speak to you about how best to help him through it.
*
In the hopes that you say "yes," let me give you some background.
*
From the day Herb arrived here (at about age 6-months) he has been friendly, polite, and very self assured. He is also the most intelligent llama I have ever seen, and learns ever so quickly.*I no doubt have let him get away with a bit more than I*should have (especially for a male), but he has never*shown any overt aggression (to humans or the other two llamas in his herd). The only exception is that some time ago he did show interest in my legs, but he was taught to give that up, and did.
*
Herb would hop in our minivan, and go in to the smallest house or office without hesitation. He would kiss anyone available, again always politely. He would walk with me down the dirt road across the street without a care (except that he would occasionally go ahead of me, a problem we were addressing).
*
Incidentally, Herb lives with a*senior gelded male, who gave him a very hard time for a couple of days after his arrival, but is fine with him now. There is also a female in the herd, who was bred once in her life to a stud from another farm.
*
Here is the prpoblem. About six*months ago (when Herb was a year old), his hormones kicked in, and he started breeding with our older female. (She has more recently been*rejecting his attempts.)*At the same time he started getting very nervous about leaving the property for a walk down the familiar road.* He would jump about, push against my arm, etc. I could even see it in his posture as we were*walking down our driveway. I would take deep breaths, look around, and be relaxed, but the problem did not abate. I also tried wriggling the lead when he was acting up.*His behavior was the same when the female and the older gelding were led with him down the same road.*Leading him in the backyard, he exhibits none of these behavioral traits.
*
Herb was gelded recently but, for now, the problem remains.
*
Herb is a sweet, lovable animal, who has the ideal personality to be in contact with the public. I would like -- and need -- to get him back to that relaxed state, but I don't know how. I make no claims to being a good teacher.
*
*
Thanks,