Llama training is really a lot of fun, because the llamas are so smart. Of course, sometimes they are a bit smarter than us humans, and if they don't want to be caught they can move quite fast. So we have to use our own smarts to outwit them.
One thing that works really well in training a llama is to make your movements slow. This greatly increases the trust that the llama will have in you. For example, llama trainer Bobra Goldsmith pioneered the slow-motion methods. Let's say she is in a small pen with a llama. She gradually walks over near the llama, perhaps talking in a soothing voice. Then she moves her arms up, and ever-so-slowly brings them around the animal's neck, with a halter in one hand.
If the llama shows signs of being afraid, Bobra slows up or backs up slightly, to reassure it.
Bobra Goldsmith was my mentor in llama training, and I too found that these methods worked well with our small herd. It's one thing when a long-time expert can do a technique -- you would expect that! But I am no expert, and it was a huge thrill to me when I could slowly halter our skittish Posey almost as easily as I could do her calmer pasture-mate Lil Bit. Then, over time, I became more able to catch them just in a corner of their pasture, not needing to herd them into their small barn at first.
One day I was home alone at the ranch and when I went into Posey and Lil Bit's pasture, I didn't notice that the gate hadn't latched properly. I didn't notice when it swung open a little. But Posey caught the motion out of the corner of her eye and she went over to investigate. She wandered outside the gate. We lived at the time on some 70 acres, most of it unfenced. Posey had a great time exploring it. I had less fun following her around. She walked by the males' pastures, and When my husband pulled up, it was easy for the two of us to form a triangle with the open gate. (I had tied Lil Bit up inside, so I wouldn't have two llamas to catch!) Posey looked at me, looked at him, and wandered back in through the gate as if that had been her plan all along!
The main training that happened that day was for me. I never, ever closed a gate on the ranch without double checking it! We did benefit from the training we had already done with this llama. She was comfortable with us, and she wasn't at all spooked by my trailing along afterwards. I think she liked my company.
We made a program which shows Bobra training llamas in a variety of locations and ways, working with young and old llamas, easy and difficult ones. Find out more about it and about
llama training in general via this link. You can also read my stories of living with llamas there.
