Chat
12-14-2019, 05:58 PM
I have to second the clicker training recommendation! I don't like using a clicker. I just click with my tongue so I don't have to have anything in my hands. It works really well for getting skittish goats to settle down and be friendly. I started using clicker training on Sputnik a couple of years ago and it's my go-to for introducing him to new commands now. He learned this cool trick last year:
https://vimeo.com/308955755
He's also learned that it's ok for me to pet and brush him. I try to pet him often so he stays desensitized to it. He tends to get skittish about touch again if I don't pet him regularly. I take him to a lot of public events where lots of people pet him, hug him, and press in close on all sides so he needs to be able to hold still and ignore the stimulation. He improves all the time and is still getting better.
I think you'll do fine with Topo if you work with him one-on-one 2-3 times a week for a while.
https://vimeo.com/308955755
He's also learned that it's ok for me to pet and brush him. I try to pet him often so he stays desensitized to it. He tends to get skittish about touch again if I don't pet him regularly. I take him to a lot of public events where lots of people pet him, hug him, and press in close on all sides so he needs to be able to hold still and ignore the stimulation. He improves all the time and is still getting better.
I think you'll do fine with Topo if you work with him one-on-one 2-3 times a week for a while.