Consider bracelet for vet work

[NinaFaust]

I tried this hold on Gypsy today for his Vitamin A/D shot. Amazing! He sighed but stood still for the shot with no problem. This was a big improvement for this shy boy. Thanks for the new idea.
Nina

[NinaFaust]

I had the vet up today for shots, drawing blood, and looking at teeth. Everything was so easy using the bracelet ! Using a bracelet hold on Gypsy who used to give me a hard time with shots was amazing. He stood very calmly for his shot. Taking blood on Canela was so quick and easy, it was over before he even knew what happened. And he stood in place for looking at his emerging fighting teeth. I was so happy to learn how to use this technique because the way I did it before just caused panic. Now I have two calm fellows who cooperate nicely. I highly recommend this technique. It sure changed how our vet visits go.
Nina

[Marty McGee Bennett]

Well done. That is so exciting! It is so true that the animals feel so much safer when they have a bit of distance from us and can feel that they have their own balance. It is ironic that the ones that are pretty easy don't fuss when you hold them around the neck (but they really don't need to be held) and the ones that panic are a TON better when you balance them with the bracelet instead of holding them.
Well done!

[NinaFaust]

My vet came to give Canela and Gypsy their A/D and worming shots. We filmed the administration of the shots with the bracelet. I may not have the technique quite perfect, so if anyone has tips for me to make it better, please let me know. I got feedback on my V-line catch and tweaking what I was doing based on that feedback has made haltering Canela a breeze! Check out the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xoec3CZkApM

You might also want to check out the bracelet for use in other vet care, in this case taking care of an abrasion on the eye:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7S0fC-N97cU

[Williams]

Hey Nina,
I have so enjoyed all your videos posted here! Living in Alaska also is something that a gal from OHIO can't even imagine. Many of your "educational toys" have been tested here as well! I'm thinking that your bracelet hold on the 2 fellas might even work more smoothly if you would move your left hand very relaxed(cradle style) up and under their muzzles with your rt hand(thumb and index) up and under the ears. Your fellas might not feel so strangled if both hands weren't around their necks! Marty can give a better description I'm sure. Also not certain that you need to hook awaiting fella while in the waiting room. I bet he'll just enjoy "hanging out". Love you video sequences -- wish I could be so techy! Keep the films coming--
Marsha

[Marty McGee Bennett]

ditto Marsha comments the bracelet is one hand just behind the ears the other hand is way more forward just in the groove behind the bottom LIP. Your hands are actually around the throat. Not that you were squeezing but you have no ability to steer which is what showed up in the video. Given that the boys are haltered you could even use one hand behind the ears and the other on the snap of the lead rope just under the chin. You would actually have more control that way. Normally when I use the bracelet it is in place of a halter with animals that either have not been haltered before or I choose not to take the time to halter them. You do a very nice job of balancing instead of holding which is why we call it the bracelet not the bracelet HOLD. I am attaching a few photos look closely at where my hand is. I do use the bracelet in the showring to balance for the judge and in this case I fold the lead rope in my hand and use my fingers in the same place as when I don't have a halter on. The lead and halter are basically there for back up. Hope this helps. You nailed the hard part which is not wrestling better hand placement will really be the icing on the cake.
well done!

[NinaFaust]

Thanks for the tips! I can see where I have too much hand and a little too far up the throat. I will work on the technique and I bet things will be even better for the next vet visit. Feedback on the video can only make me able to better work with these two forgiving fellows!
Nina

[OHL]

Nina,
Vidoes are great because we can actually see what's going on and give you good, constructive feedback. I think you are doing great with your boys and I'm sure things are already going smoother than they used to! Along with changing hand position, remember to lift your elbows and try to give your alpacas as much room as possible instead of keeping them close in to your body. You can see in Marty's pictures how she is as far away as possible while still maintaining her contact and balance.

Another suggestion would be to have your vet try to give the injection on the opposite side, so she has to reach over the alpaca. That will help with the sideways movement you saw.

Nice job!

Sara

[Marty McGee Bennett]

Good observation Sara. The distance you keep from the animal not only makes them feel better (a marginal advantage for your guys since they are so comfortable with you) but it also gives you the room to see how to balance. When you are using the bracelet you want to be looking at the feet so that you can correct early and listen through your fingers for any tiny movements and then correct back to the center neutal point. Well done.

[NinaFaust]

Excellent advice! I agree that the videos make for great feedback. I work alone learning what I do with these fellows by reading and trying things out. This website, and of course, my Camelidynamics book combined with the clicker training have helped me gain the confidence and trust of these two. Now with video feedback, I can finesse things to correct technique. When I have the technique down, I will see if my vet will do another video with me so we can see how the proper technique helps. I bet it will make a tremendous difference!