How to Teach My Miniature Donkey to Pull a Cart

Miniature donkeys make wonderful friends and companions for children and adults alike. They rarely kick, are inquisitive, intelligent and thoughtful, and are not deterred by human interaction. In fact, it is said that they crave attention. They can be very useful hiking companions and are easily trained to pull carts or perform other simple tasks.

Things You'll Need

Donkey harness
Cart
Spacious environment

Instructions

- 1
  Acclimate the donkey to the training surroundings. It is important to create trust with the donkey. Be gentle and steady in your behavior and tone.
- 2
  Use gentle and consistent voice commands for following, backing up, slowing, and lifting her feet. Do not startle the donkey with sudden actions. Build up a steady rapport. The more repetition you can carry out the better.
- 3
  Praise and reward the donkey with apples or other treats, though, be careful not to confuse reward with bribery. After a little while start to substitute the rewards with pats and verbal acknowledgement. If the donkey becomes conditioned to expecting treats all the time, it will frustrate her when she doesn't receive them.
- 4
  Acquaint the donkey with the harness by holding it under her nose and rubbing her back with it. Allow the donkey to become familiar with the cart. Be slow and gentle and reward her with treats while doing so. When it feels appropriate to strap on the harness, do it gently. Put it on and remove it a few times so she can become accustomed to its position.
- 5
  Pull on the rein gently and lead her around. If she does not walk, a gentle tug to the side so as to gently disturb her balance will force her to put a leg out. This usually instigates movement.
- 6
  Walk behind the cart whilst directing the donkey with the reins before you sit in it. Be patient and give the donkey time to practice pulling the cart around. Be consistent and clear in every step of the training.