Instructions
Familiarize yourself with the babies as soon as they are born. If possible, start working with the Nigerian kids the day that they are born. Touch them, pick them up and give them affection. Spend time with the kids one-on-one during the first week of their life. Let each kid get to know you.
Learn how to pet a Nigerian goat. Goats cannot see above their eyes. Petting a goat on top of his head will scare him because he does not know what your hand is doing. Nigerian goats like to be petted at the spot where the side of the neck meets the breastbone and the underarm. Petting Nigerian goats in this spot will calm them down and make them like you.
Teach your goat behavioral commands after you have a good relationship with him. Start with the command "no." Kids often try to butt other kids during feedings and display other bad behavior. Start by sternly telling the goat no while it is doing something bad. Repeat yourself as you stop the goat from his bad behavior. Repeat if the goat goes back to what he was doing. When the goat follows the command, praise and pet him. If necessary, use a spray bottle filled with water to get the point across. Spray the goat in the face when he does not stop. The goat will not like this and will stop.
Teach the Nigerian Dwarf to walk with a halter, harness or leash. Since Nigerian goats are so small, a small harness will be needed. You can order one at your goat supply store. You can also try medium-sized dog halters, since they are similar in size. Put the equipment on your goat. Pet and calm your goat after they are wearing the gear. A good fit is important so that it is comfortable for the goat and there are no straps hanging off (they will eat anything). Give the goat a treat and praise him for wearing the equipment. Do not attempt to walk the goat on the first fitting. Let him get used to the harness first. On the next try, try to walk around familiar areas with him. Use plenty of treats to cheer him on and reward him.
Add a cart to his harness. After the Nigerian goat has mastered walking on a lead, have him pull a small cart. It is very important that the goat does not pull a large cart or something that weighs more than 5 to 10 pounds. Most breeders do not have the Nigerian goats work, instead having them pull a cart as a novelty or a trick.
How to Train Nigerian Goats
Nigerian goats, also known as Nigerian Dwarfs, can be trained to mind, pull carts and even do tricks. The goats are miniature dairy goats and have become a dairy farmer's favorite because they do not take up as much room or eat as much feed as a large milk goat. The breed ranges from 17 to 21 inches in height. Working with the goats can help them to be friendly as well as produce milk.