How to Tether a Goat

Goats on a farm or acreage do much better when running free in protected, secure areas. If you have a goat you want to tether, be aware of the downside. Tethering is not recommended by most goat experts, primarily because it can be dangerous for your goat. If, however, you have a true need to tether for a short period of time, be sure you're nearby so you can check your goat often.

Things You'll Need

  • Shovel or post-hole digger
  • Cement mix
  • Water
  • Two sections of post, cut to 2- or 3-foot lengths
  • Two eye bolts
  • Appropriate length of light chain or cable (50 or 100 feet)
  • Snap hooks
  • Quality goat collar
  • Water bucket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a clear area where you'll tether your goat. The area should be away from anything that will trip or harm your goat but not so far away that the goat is out of view.

    • 2

      Dig two holes about a foot wide and a foot or two deep. Space the holes at a good distance apart; 50 or 100 feet is common. The diameter of each hole should be enough to allow about 6 inches of extra area around the pole; this adds strength to your "anchors." The deeper the hole, the stronger the anchor.

    • 3

      Screw the eye bolts into the center of the two posts securely. Place the posts into the holes with the eye bolts up.

    • 4

      Mix the cement and pour it into each hole to ground level, completely surrounding the posts. Let it dry thoroughly -- preferably 24 hours but at least overnight.

    • 5

      Secure the chain between the two eye bolts. You can do this using clips or by applying cable clamps (see References). Test your arrangement by gently pulling on it. Leave a slight amount of slack in the chain. Remember that large goats will use more force than small ones.

    • 6

      Secure the goat to the chain by attaching a leash or rope to the goat's collar and clipping or tying the other end around the chain. This will let the goat move freely up and down the length of the chain.

    • 7

      Watch the goat. See how it reacts to being tethered. If it tries to bolt or acts frightened or angry, untether it; wait awhile before trying again. If it's calm and moves slowly and gently, it may be fine with the tether. Just check on it often -- every 10 or 15 minutes.