Hi there!
Finally something I really feel I can comment on and know something
about. Granted, I am not considered an industry expert in the field by
any means, however, I have trained, and really enjoy training, my fair
share of alpacas in the past few years. There are many methods of
working with animals out there and I have tried to read up on as many
of them as I could and combine methods because there doesn't seem to be
any one way that will work perfectly for every animal.
That being said, there are a couple of options that I would consider
for the very stuborn alpaca. John Mallon uses a bicycle inner tube tied
to the lead and the lead tied to a post to quickly get across to the
alpaca (or llama) the concept that the harder they pull the more
pressure is placed on the back of their head. When they release
pressure and put a "J" in the lead, the pressure on the back of the
head is released. I have used this method in the past on the older and
most stubborn of animals (only males I have put through this), but as I
have learned more about how to teach them, this method usually isn't
required. I also work with the young animals at an early age so they
never get to the stubborn stage and will learn to walk on a lead before
they are weaned.
For your case, I would recommend a lot of patience. What you are trying
to teach is that when there is a loose lead, there is no pressure on
the back of the head. The alpaca's natural reaction to pressure on the
back of the head is to pull the head back. We need to teach them when
the lead starts to get tight, in order not to get the pressure on the
back of the head, they need to step forward. For the stubborn, like you
seem to have, you will want to remember that rather than fighting them
head on, apply pressure from the side where you have more leverage.
What you are trying to do is get them to take a step and as SOON as
they do, give them a loose lead. Let them relax for a moment and do it
again. I tend to like to switch sides occasionally so they get the idea
that when they move in the right direction according to the lead, they
get the pressure released from the back of the head. Once they are
taking a single step fairly quickly, make them take two steps, then
three, eventually, they will see what is going on here. This is not a
quick process and don't expect the alpaca to master it on the first
day. Give them about a 10 minute lesson, about a 20 minute break to
think about it, and another 10 minute lesson and be done for the day.
In three or four days, you should have an alpaca that will walk
beautifully on the lead.
Things to watch out for:
The alpaca freaks out when you start the process and jumps and fights
and generally throws themselves down in a fit. In these cases, just try
to do this in a soft field (no rocks) and pretty much just let them do
it. Stand your ground. Talk to them the whole time. Give them a long
lead, as much lead as you can and still maintain control. I do not use
a lead longer than about 6 feet personally I haven't had a need to give
them that much distance. My arms aren't 6 feet long and they know that
I can't catch them from that distance, even though I have the lead and
can bring them to me. They will calm down eventually. I think you have
already been through this stage with your girl since you said she
is "halter broke". As Heather stated, most people don't consider them
halter broke until they will walk on the lead though.
Once you have started with the alpaca walking on the lead fairly
nicely, she will get scared and try to bolt. Be prepared for this, they
all seem to do this for some reason, usually when going back in the
direction they want to go, like toward the barn. Stand your ground,
plant your feet and stop them. It looks really bad like it could hurt
them when they hit the end of that lead, but they have really strong
necks and I haven't hurt one yet doing this. Talk to them calmly, tell
them they can't do that. Turn around and walk the other direction a few
steps with them, then turn them around safely and start going the
direction you were going in the first place. Usually after three or
four of these, they will calm down and walk with your nicely.
Walking in front of you. Most will try to walk just a few steps in
front of you. This is not their place, do not allow it. Make them walk
with their head next to you or behind just behind your shoulder. You
are leading them, they are not leading you.
Watch the ears. When they are uncomfortable, they will let you know by
putting the ears back. Try not to start pulling on the lead too much
when the ears are back as they are already too nervous and this will
make them worse. Let them relax and put the ears up and get some
confidence back. They are then going to be more open to learning the
lesson you are trying to teach.
Do not get in a tug of war with the alpaca. This doesn't do either of
you any good. Do not pull on the lead straight in front of the alpaca
for very long, the alpaca will get the "J" shaped neck and can hold you
off forever. Once you realize that they aren't going to move straight,
move your body to the side (left or right doesn't really matter) and
get them where you have more leverage and get them off-balance until
they take that important step. As soon as they step, give them the
reward of the loose lead until they gain confidence again.
Training each alpaca is different. You must learn to read each animal
and adjust your training to that alpaca's needs. We have trained many
animals on our farm and even though we haven't done any alpaca shows,
our animals perform in 4H shows every year at fair and do very well. We
also have the first Dove Lewis Certified Therapy alpaca. He is a very
special case and you can't train his attitude, but you can train his
behaviour on the lead. It is my believe that every alpaca should be
able to walk on a lead, and I would MUCH prefer that this be taught at
a young age when they are most willing to learn rather than wait until
the 3 or 4 year mark when they are pretty set in their ways. They can
and will still learn at that age, it just takes a bit more time.
I hope this helps some. There is a bit of an art to training, and I
think that may be one of the reasons I enjoy it so much.
Take Care,
Dennis Parker
Fancy Fiber Farm
La Center, Washington
http://fancyfiber.com
http://alpaca-search.com
--- In AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com, "jendemond" <jendemond@...> wrote:
>
> I have a very very stubborn female that is three years old. She
wasn't
> worked with much when I bought her. I am trying to teach her to walk.
I
> have halter broke her. But walking is proving to be a great
challenge.
> I am looking for any suggestions on this. She puts on the breaks and
> won't walk for me. It is basically I pull her and/or push from
behind.
> Her fleece companion broke nicely and now walks well for me. But she
is
> not willing to participate with the program lol
>
Message posts are the opinion of individuals posting and are not necessarily endorsed or approved by Yahoo! or the moderator of this group. The purpose of this discussion group is to ensure that all points of view can be aired. It is the responsbilty of all individuals who post to treat others with respect and civility.
