Dominance

[Taffy]

I've been studying the dynamics of my little herd since selling Dude to Jon & Nancy Clough in June.  Dude was the herd boss.  No question about it.  I assumed Bourbon, being the next largest goat - a 34" tall 2 year old LaMancha, would become the new herd leader.  He is - to a point.  Joules, my 4 year old 23" mini Alpine doe seems to be the true herd leader!  If she bolts and runs (which she loves to do just for the fun of it) the rest of the herd immediately follows her.  Two nights ago I watched Joules and Bourbon get into a tussle over hay.  There was rearing and head butting by both of them and Bourbon used brute force to push her around.  Joules just kept at it and pushing back as best she could.  Bourbon was the one who backed off and came running over to me while Joules enjoyed the hay and her victory!  It was almost like Bourbon came running to me to tattle on Joules!  Very comical!