RE: [Alpacasite] Misbehaving Alpacas at Shows

Hello Lance,

I have to respectfully disagree with you on this issue.

I have calmed down a number of outraged animals over the years by placing my
nose next to theirs and breathing deeply for a couple of moments. You can
stand to the side of the animal and gently turn their head toward you to
accomplish this task which calms everyone. Alpacas are not an inherently
aggressive animal.

There are ways of working with animals that will keep them calm while in the
show ring. I was the first requested show steward at 2 AOBA National Halter
Shows and it was a pleasure to work with judges that knew how to work with
the animals and me. The judges were able to do their job while I kept
animals calm and for the most part, in place, while rarely touching them.

There are many spooky things that cause animals of all kinds to be upset.
Once disturbed, it is very hard to get them calmed down again. Flapping
canvas or other moving objects, running or noisy children, dogs and weird
sounds can all cause problems for alpacas so it is a smart Show
Superintendent that will make every effort to keep these problems to a
minimum. Additionally, pregnant females are the worst and should, in my
humble opinion, be kept at home.

Lona
ALPACAS of Tualatin Valley, LLC - Since 1988
Buy N. American for "Pure Perfection"T
<http://www.alpacatv.com/> www.AlpacaTV.com

_____

From: Alpacasite@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Alpacasite@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Lance Hardcastle
Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2005 6:22 AM
To: Alpacasite@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Alpacasite] Misbehaving Alpacas at Shows

I have to admit that this behavior on a human's part sounds to me like
THE most dangerous way that you could attempt to calm an alpaca down.
You are putting yourself in a very disadvantageous position holding on
to the neck of an animal that wields it in battle. Facing any animal is
an offensive position and then subsequently holding on such that they
cannot move will likely get you hurt badly. I am glad that this works
for you as I must assume that your animals are trained for it. For an
owner of a less trained animal to attempt this might likely get them
killed. The more you brace against their attempts will only encourage
them to make a greater attempt. Any animal that finds itself so
restrained as to not be able to move, will, when given the opportunity,
to somewhat disastrous results
There are far better ways to accomplish this, in my humble opinion that
do not risk injury. They, of course, start long before the show ring
but there are some less dangerous methods even after you are already
there.
Respectfully,
Lance Hardcastle
On Dec 1, 2005, at 8:46 AM, Shouvlins wrote:

> If the alpaca starts to act up... face your alpaca with your left arm
> firmly holding the bunched up lead and wrap your arm around the
> alpacas neck. Position yourself so that your left thigh/knee is
> against its chest and the animal's neck is firmly against your left
> chest. Point its chin into the air with your shoulder. You are now
> hugging that huggable investment, but thinking less than affectionate
> thoughts! It is important that the alpaca does not feel as though it
> has any room to move. Brace yourself against any of its attempts by
> keeping your right leg back and firmly planted so that you can push
> against the animal if necessary. If it senses it has space...it will
> try to take advantage of it, so be gentle, but firm.
>
www.southeastllamarescue.org

Opinions and postings on this list are the sole responsibility of the person
posting the message. The accuracy and content of each message in no way
reflect the opinions of the administrator or Yahoo.

List administrator - Rick Horn - All American Alpacas alpacas@alpacaweb.com
http://aaalpacas.com

TO CHANGE OPTIONS visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Alpacasite/join

_____

YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS

* Visit your group "Alpacasite
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Alpacasite> " on the web.

* To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
Alpacasite-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
<mailto:Alpacasite-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com?subject=Unsubscribe>

* Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo!
<http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> Terms of Service.

_____

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
1.2 million kids a year are victims of human trafficking. Stop slavery.
http://us.click.yahoo.com/WpTY2A/izNLAA/yQLSAA/jO1qlB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Opinions and postings on this list are the sole responsibility of the person posting the message. The accuracy and content of each message in no way reflect the opinions of the administrator or Yahoo.

List administrator - Rick Horn - All American Alpacas alpacas@alpacaweb.com
http://aaalpacas.com

TO CHANGE OPTIONS visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Alpacasite/join
Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Alpacasite/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
Alpacasite-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/