How to Tame Your Dairy Goat

When keeping goats for the purpose of obtaining milk from them, it is much easier to work with a tame animal that is tolerant of human contact. An untamed goat may struggle and kick during the milking process, which can be stressful for both the handler and the goat. Tame your dairy goat by using the recommended techniques that will encourage it to trust you and to stay calm while it is being milked. Keep in mind that some goats will be harder to tame than others and will require patience and consistency.

Things You'll Need

  • Treats
  • Goat hobble
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Handle your goat from as early an age as possible to help it to become accustomed to humans. Be present at the goats birth if possible. Stroke the goat kid while feeding to encourage the goat to associate good feelings with human contact.

    • 2

      Spend time with your goat on a daily basis. Sit in its enclosure for half an hour to an hour without paying too much attention to the goat. Take a book to read as this will give you something to do and will help you to avoid focusing on the goat. Keep some treats in your pocket, such as raisins. Offer these to the goat if it decides to approach you. Be patient and avoid chasing the goat at any time as this will frighten it and cause it to run away.

    • 3

      Keep your goat calm and happy when you milk it. Only attempt to milk the goat once it is used to you and does not mind you petting it. Provide a bucket of food for the goat to eat. Strap a specialized goat hobble around the upper part of your goat's hind legs. This will prevent the goat from kicking while you milk it and will train it to be calm during the process. Maintain a calm, confident state of mind while you milk the goat as it will know if you are feeling frustrated or anxious and may panic.