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07-18-2014, 03:16 PM
(This post was last modified: 07-18-2014, 03:27 PM by Dwite Sharp.)
Emma,
Don't feel like the lone ranger, this has happened quite frequently with wethers. Goats have a pecking order and sometimes when a young wether has not been put in his place by other goats higher in the pecking order they may decide that you need to be behind them in this pecking order. The secret is not violence towards them but calm, quick, decisive action at the exact time the dominant behavior is exerted. Tossing will work very well, if done correctly and done immediately, the first time this behavior is shown. My guess is that you tried numerous other things before you eventually "Tossed" him and, like most others who have tried tossing, you let him up way to soon. Get him on the ground immediately, all four legs straight up, horns in the dirt (if he has horns) and talking calmly to him hold him in this position for a minimum of 20 minutes and 30 would be even better. Do this "EVERY" time he shows "ANY" human this behavior. Normally just one or two times is all that is required if it is done the first time this behavior is shone and the procedure is done the right way, 20 to 30 minutes minimum, legs straight up, absolutely no screaming, yelling or hitting ever.
He will not grow out of this, it will only get worse if not addressed correctly, but it is "Totally" fixable, don't throw him away over this. It sounds like other than this repairable, dominant behavior, you have a good relationship with him. Fix him, it'll be worth it !
Don't feel like the lone ranger, this has happened quite frequently with wethers. Goats have a pecking order and sometimes when a young wether has not been put in his place by other goats higher in the pecking order they may decide that you need to be behind them in this pecking order. The secret is not violence towards them but calm, quick, decisive action at the exact time the dominant behavior is exerted. Tossing will work very well, if done correctly and done immediately, the first time this behavior is shown. My guess is that you tried numerous other things before you eventually "Tossed" him and, like most others who have tried tossing, you let him up way to soon. Get him on the ground immediately, all four legs straight up, horns in the dirt (if he has horns) and talking calmly to him hold him in this position for a minimum of 20 minutes and 30 would be even better. Do this "EVERY" time he shows "ANY" human this behavior. Normally just one or two times is all that is required if it is done the first time this behavior is shone and the procedure is done the right way, 20 to 30 minutes minimum, legs straight up, absolutely no screaming, yelling or hitting ever.
He will not grow out of this, it will only get worse if not addressed correctly, but it is "Totally" fixable, don't throw him away over this. It sounds like other than this repairable, dominant behavior, you have a good relationship with him. Fix him, it'll be worth it !