Donkeys
Donkeys have many of the same issues as horses but there are
some key differences between the species which influence how we
train different behaviours such as leading, or handling feet. As they
are not built for speed like horses, they are less likely to flee and
more likely to freeze when they percieve danger.
These characteristics have meant that donkeys are often seen as
stubborn when in fact they may not understand, or have mentally
and physically shut down as a response to increased physical
pressure.
Donkeys can easily be trained for riding and harness using the
positive behavioural approach.
Behavioural issues
Common behavioural problems with donkeys which can be helped
with +R with a bridge include:
Trick Training
Donkeys enjoy doing tricks - like horses, it gives them something
fun to do.
Donkeys have many of the same issues as horses but there are
some key differences between the species which influence how we
train different behaviours such as leading, or handling feet. As they
are not built for speed like horses, they are less likely to flee and
more likely to freeze when they percieve danger.
These characteristics have meant that donkeys are often seen as
stubborn when in fact they may not understand, or have mentally
and physically shut down as a response to increased physical
pressure.
Donkeys can easily be trained for riding and harness using the
positive behavioural approach.
Behavioural issues
Common behavioural problems with donkeys which can be helped
with +R with a bridge include:
- treating foot abscesses , eg with poultices or soaking the foot
in a bucket - catching
- handling feet
- leading and float loading
- pushiness
Trick Training
Donkeys enjoy doing tricks - like horses, it gives them something
fun to do.
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This is Biscuit playing with
her basketball, photo kindly
supplied by Kathy Dynge,
Oregon USA
her basketball, photo kindly
supplied by Kathy Dynge,
Oregon USA
When Joseph first came to live with Lisel
his feet were badly overgrown, like an
elf's shoes. He was so wary about people
touching his legs that it was impossible to
even stand near his shoulder. Notice he
is not held or restrained in anyway. He is
free to leave if he feels he needs to.
Simply giving animals this option often
has the effect of reassuring them they will
not be trapped.
his feet were badly overgrown, like an
elf's shoes. He was so wary about people
touching his legs that it was impossible to
even stand near his shoulder. Notice he
is not held or restrained in anyway. He is
free to leave if he feels he needs to.
Simply giving animals this option often
has the effect of reassuring them they will
not be trapped.