Natural Donkeymanship | Horse trainer

Natural Donkeymanship

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25.01.2022 The Biting Question! A few people have written to me to ask, 'WHAT DO I DO WHEN MY DONKEY BITES ME?' It's a big topic actually, and there are several approaches to avoiding/preventing etc, though if it's already happened, ie, you bend over and get a bite on the bottom, then here is a way to respond! Like many equines, in my experience, they are seeking attention and interaction, and have something they want to say! Biting not the best way to go about it though! Ouch! Wh...at I do is give a 'consequence'. And it's a loving one! I drop whatever else I am doing, and turn into the donkey, and take hold of their mouth and face with my hands, and rub all over the nose and muzzle with lots of energy, as if to say, 'hey, you want interaction, how's this?!' It's quite vigorous, and usually, after a few seconds, they want to pull away. Which you quietly and gently allow. Then you stand quietly, saying nothing, while this little game sinks in. I don't speak during this exercise. Rather than push them away, and apply something which might incite fear, this way of handling it is actually 'playing the game', but on your terms. It's like, 'ok, you do that, and I'll do this!" I smile the whole time, and have fun with it. After a bit, you might just give some scratches your donkey loves, and all going well, then just walk away. I'd prefer it if you leave, rather than your donkey leaves you. Always reward the quiet relaxed attitude with lovely scratches. You're saying, ok - game over. This is for the donkey who is NOT aggressive and is not biting to do real damage ... that donkey requires a different approach (for safety). Any questions please get in touch! And let me know how you go! More on this topic to come.

24.01.2022 Donkeys are smart! There's a reason it's much harder to teach a donkey to lunge (run around you in meaningless circles) than it is to teach horses to lunge! It takes a lot more patience, practice, persuasion and persistence to convince a donkey that he or she needs to run around you, going nowhere, for no real reason. By the way, I don't lunge either equine, donkey or horse! Of course, it can be done, though most donkeys will say, no way José! Smart donkey! There are lots of other things to do, to engage them mentally and exercise them, physically!

23.01.2022 We could all use a beautiful smile like this!

22.01.2022 Let's revere our beautiful donkeys and mules, for their centuries of contribution to our lives! Beautiful painting.

22.01.2022 And donkeys are so lovably mischievious!

20.01.2022 Donkeys are often said to be stubborn! That's simply because they may not agree with your idea! One idea that they seem to always agree with, is the idea that there is never too much cuddling! And special friends come in different shapes and sizes (though remember it is important your donkey has donkey friends, as well!)

20.01.2022 To learn about donkey etiquette, watch donkeys! At first, don't just barge into their space ... I prefer to allow them to come to me and then offer the hand of friendship. They have quite a repertoire of expressions, so observe them closely and if they don't like something, don't do it! (You might laugh at that last bit of advice, but it's amazing how many people write to me saying their donkey doesn't like such-and-such, and it never occurred to them to stop doing it!)) ;-) This is my lovely student Mia with Craigy.

17.01.2022 Good advice from Eeyore The Smart Ass!

17.01.2022 Wow! Great news! Escapee found!

16.01.2022 Taking a WEP (Walk, Eat, Play) with your donkey is a wonderful outing! Here Boots and Charlie enjoy the forest -- enriching their lives is what it's all about! Donkeys love variety in their routines, just like all animals :-) #NaturalDonkeymanship

14.01.2022 It's dear little Poppy's birthday, and of course Patrick tried to eat her sweet pea birthday posy and tried to steal the moment!

11.01.2022 I thought this is very cool! Pack Burro Racing :-)

09.01.2022 Helping donkeys learn stuff while keeping your sense of humour!

03.01.2022 Sharing because we are looking at a Beagle and his donkey friend! For those of you who know me, I have a beagle named Snoopy. My pony Cuddles wants to bite him and my other little pony Poncho lets him on his back. We're working on the donkeys!

03.01.2022 Donkeys love being part of our everyday lives! Once they realise they like us, they can be very good helpers, lol!

02.01.2022 Giving donkey scratches to Madeline, who, after 2 years of being very timid about being touched, is loving it!

01.01.2022 Donkeys are playful, always remember that! They get bored, too, if they lack mental, emotional and physical stimulation - the kind of stimulation that's usually (hopefully) supplied by a donkey friend/s, an enriching environment and an understanding human!

01.01.2022 I love sharing great photos of donkeys, like this one! Love the town 'look' as well.