How to Lead a Goat

For some who raise goats, the prospect of loading a goat on a trailer is a discouraging one. Such need not be the case. A goat that is trained to lead will be a benefit to its owner, even if the owner does not plan on showing the animal. A goat that will lead makes life easier when it comes to moving him to different pastures or getting him to behave for the veterinarian. Also, a goat that leads will make matters easier when its owner needs to fit him. The term "fitting" refers to the job of improving the overall condition of the goat, as well as exhibiting that fitness.

Things You'll Need

  • Pinch collar
  • Show lead
  • Fitting stand
  • Pans of goat feed
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put the goat on the fitting stand. Make the goat feel comfortable and reinforce him for being on the stand by brushing him and talking to him. Be prepared for the goat to fight being tied up, especially the first time. Do this for only a few minutes at a time and never leave the goat unattended. The goat could easily fall off the stand and injure itself. The purpose of this step is help the goat become accustomed to being restrained.

    • 2

      Put a small pinch collar on the goat. Make sure the collar is secure, but not digging into the goat's neck. Walk the goat to a pan of food. Allow the goat to nibble for a few minutes and then walk him to another pan of food a little farther away. Continue doing this, increasing the distance or time the goat walks before getting a nibble of the feed.

    • 3

      Continue each day walking the goat until the goat becomes more comfortable with the idea of walking on a lead. Never force the goat to walk. Encourage him gently.

    • 4

      Change to a show lead once the animal has started walking consistently. Once lead-broken, the animal should retain the training, even when he is old.