How to Train Miniature Donkeys
Miniature donkeys, also known as Sardinian donkeys, are trainable from an early age and can be taught to do many different things, from pulling wagons to taking part in parades. They are playful, intelligent animals, and very eager to please. However, they remember everything, so it is important never to punish or beat them, or they will lose trust in you and successful training will be difficult. With patience, kindness and rewards, you will have a lifelong friend.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Walk the donkey around its enclosure so that it becomes familiar with its new environment. Keep your voice and body language friendly and non-threatening to establish trust.
-
2
Break tasks down into small steps and reward the donkey after each small success. Begin with simple commands, such as, "follow" and "turn." Repeat what has been learned before moving on to the next command.
-
-
3
Carry a halter when approaching the donkey, to familiarize the animal with it. Feed him a carrot at the same time so that it associates the halter with something good. Slowly ease the halter over its head and fasten it. Reward it again with another carrot.
-
4
Lead the donkey around the enclosure by pulling gently on the rope, using voice commands at the same time. If it does not respond, pull on the rope while moving away in a circle. This will force it to take a step to keep his balance.
-
5
Tie the donkey to a post, then run your hands down its hind leg to the knee. Gently lift the leg, hold it in the air for a few moments and then lower it to the ground. Use positive verbal reinforcement and feed it a carrot. Repeat the exercise. This will familiarize it with grooming and help when it comes time to trim its hooves.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Brief, but frequent lessons are better than long drills.
Use apples and carrots for treats.
Miniature donkeys are herd animals. Consider getting another donkey as a companion.
Feed the donkey grass hay and give it a mineral block to lick. Alfalfa hay is too rich for donkeys and should only be used sparingly.
Be patient with the donkey. Its response time to a command is longer than that of a horse.
Male donkeys learn faster than females, however, they tend to become frustrated more easily.
Trim the donkey's hooves every six to eight weeks.
A male miniature donkey can become aggressive when around female donkeys and should be gelded if used as a child's pet.
Make sure any hay fed to your donkey is free of mold. Do not give it discarded grass clippings; they can result in colic and death.
References
- Photo Credit too short image by Stormy Ward from Fotolia.com
