{"id":10099,"date":"2022-07-12T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-12T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/?p=10099"},"modified":"2022-07-12T07:01:41","modified_gmt":"2022-07-12T07:01:41","slug":"how-to-train-a-donkey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/how-to-train-a-donkey\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Train A Donkey: A Simple Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you are an experienced horse trainer, you may believe you already have what it takes to train a donkey. If you are a very patient, empathetic, intuitive and respectful horse trainer, you may be right. If you are a rigid disciplinarian who trains by rote, you are wrong (and you shouldn\u2019t be training horses either!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Donkeys and horses are both equines, but donkeys have some very significant behavior traits and tendencies that make training them distinctly different from training horses. In this article, we discuss these differences and provide smart tips and tricks to help you train your donkey. Read on to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get to Know Your Individual Donkey<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Get<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Good communication and respect are very important aspects of donkey training. You cannot force a donkey<\/a> to do anything, and if you try to you’ll have nothing but trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re familiar with horse body language, you may think that you can read a donkey; however, this may not be true. Donkeys tend to be more subtle in their communication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s a good idea to spend a lot of time simply observing your donkey. Watch how he interacts with other animals so you’ll be able to read him clearly when you’re working with him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bonding Is Essential<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Donkeys are herd animals. They bond strongly with their companions, and it is best to have two donkeys to keep each other company. If this is not possible, a donkey will bond with a horse or mule. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many donkeys will also bond with other sorts of livestock, but you must be careful when introducing them to one another as some donkeys are quite territorial and may injure other types of stock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because donkeys need to bond, your donkey will want to bond with you. Bonding is the most important aspect of training. For this reason, you may initially want to keep your donkey separate and spend lots of quiet time with him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When your donkey learns to like and trust you<\/a> and thinks you know what you’re doing, you’ll be able to teach him anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just understand that your donkey cannot live without a donkey or other equine companion forever. You may have heard the quote, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“It is hardly an exaggeration to say that a chimpanzee kept in solitude is not a real chimpanzee at all.” \u2014 Wolfgang K\u00f6hler.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

As with chimpanzees, a donkey alone is not truly a donkey. Separating a donkey from a longtime companion can cause a great deal of stress. High stress can result in the development of hyperlipidemia, which is a very serious condition and can kill a donkey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choose Your Donkey\u2019s Companion With Care<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Donkeys can be quite territorial, and this is especially true of jacks (intact males). For this reason, donkeys sometimes make good guard animals for herds of goats, sheep and other small stock. Donkeys naturally fend off predators such as wolves, coyotes<\/a>, foxes<\/a> and roaming dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The territorial nature of donkeys can also cause problems. A donkey may aggress against small stock that enters its area, and this can result in injured or dead goats, sheep and other small animals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, a donkey cannot tell the difference between your pet dog and a wolf or your pet cat and a bobcat. For this reason, it’s a good idea to keep your domestic pets away from your donkey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One Size Does Not Fit All When Training Donkeys<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"how<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Each donkey is unique. These intelligent animals tend to have very distinct and strong personalities. One size does not fit all when training donkeys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Donkeys are smart, and they like to learn new things. This is why it’s very important to begin socializing your donkey when it’s very young and make sure that it is handleable in every way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Donkeys start learning the moment they’re born<\/a> and continue learning throughout their lives. A donkey that is properly socialized and well handled is unlikely to develop negative behaviors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be Consistent and Logical<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Be consistent when handling your donkey. Every interaction teaches him or her something, and it is up to you teach the right things in an order that makes sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Begin by teaching your donkey to do things that come naturally to him or her such as walking along with you for pleasant, enjoyable experiences such as going to get food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always praise your donkey and pet him when he does what you want. When you build a habit of teaching your donkey to do natural, fun things in a positive way, it will be easier to teach unnatural behavior such as picking up his feet for the farrier, pulling a cart, being ridden, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do You Discipline A Donkey?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You don’t discipline a donkey. If you try to punish a donkey, he will just get angry with you and will stop cooperating with you. When dealing with a donkey, use a combination of metaphorical sticks and carrots, but don\u2019t use real sticks and carrots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When your donkey does what you want him to do, praise him, pet him and use his success as a bond building moment. When he tries, but doesn\u2019t succeed, redirect him and try again, or switch to a familiar task and then go back to the new task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If he exhibits a negative behavior withdraw your support. Tie him up for 10 or 15 minutes and, walk away and then try again. If you are thoroughly bonded with your donkey, losing interaction with you will be enough to make him want to cooperate with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Training Donkeys<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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https:\/\/youtu.be\/Grhkb7G_ujk<\/a>