Goat and Dog introduction, what's the best way?

[willowgem]

Will it be a problem if it never works out? You will probably always have to be there when goats and dogs are together no matter how long they have been getting along.

Not really a problem, my main concern is for the safety of the goats. The dogs need to know that it is NEVER acceptable for them to chase or nip at them.

So keeping the dogs unable to get to the goats whenever you are not there is your best plan. What can go wrong is visitors leaving a gate or something unlatched and then
leaving, with you not knowing about it.

You're right about that. It really worries me, as I am extremely vigilant about keeping the gate closed, but visitors and even my hubby, don't realize how important it is too make sure it's closed and latched at all times. :/
It doesn't help that Merlin will stroll out, right along with me, unless I block his way and guide him back into the pen.

SheepGirl, LOL at "give the kitty kisses"

Thanks, RoeDylanda...I need all the luck I can get with this one! It's going to take alot of work.

 

[eweinHiscare]

It couldn't hurt to make small signs right at the gate latch reminding folks to be sure it is closed after they go through, maybe even a padlock where it wouldn't be too inconvenient.

I keep my main gate padlocked but I know that is inconvenient if people are coming and going regularly.
At least no salesman will call ! hehe!

 

[SillyChicken]

I have four Cane Corso mastiffs and just got two pygmy goats.. The goats are a bit nervous, but not running in fear or anything... as a matter of fact they are loose in the yard and get great delight out of playing in front of the dog runs.
When first introducing the dogs, I put them on leads one at a time and corrected the dog when they made any advances toward the goats that I didn't like. After a few days doing this, I'm able to let the dogs out off lead (couple at a time) with the goats. The dogs want to play with them, but if they start to get too rough, a sharp word from me and they stop. They are all well behaved and trained dogs in the first place. BUT, I don't leave them unattended with the goats. Keep working with your dogs, correct unwanted behavior and praise when they ignore or act as you want them too.

 

[SkyWarrior]

I have three Alaskan Malamutes -- they're good with the horses and llama, but there is absolutely no way they would be kind or gentle to my goats. They see the goats as FOOD and that's that.

Since you have two dogs that are questionable, you need to have a fool-proof way of keeping your goats safe. That means an extra barrier that will keep your dogs back should someone leave the gate open. Don't rely on invisible fences or people keeping the gate shut. Do what you have to do to keep your herd safe.

 

[veggimama]

excellent question, and good advice...When we brought our goats home, our pit/ german shep mutt puppy ignored them at first, but at evening feeding time barked and barked. i think he is more curious and jealous than anything (something taking my people's attention from me, plus it was raining, and he wanted in the barn) i am confident though with proper training of both dog and goats being young (about the same age actually) eventually they'll be able to get along. Ideally we got him to be a gaurd/ shepard for our flock of children, chickens and potential goats. he hasn't eaten any kittens, chicks or children yet, so i am hopeful his shep is stronger than his bull!(although pit bulls are famous for their loyalty, to people and animals they are raised with) the smaller of our doelings stood her ground, and stomped, grumbled from behind the chainlink door. eventually i hope for them to follow his lead, and not the other way around! for now they can get to know eachother through the barn door.

 

[Queen Mum]

I have a Siberian Husky. She was 8 when she first met the goats. She was introduced on a leash and wanted to sniff butts and chase them. This was not allowed. She barked at them and was wild as all get out. Eventually we let her get closer but when she jumped at them and snapped she was immediately corrected. She learned to lay down when they came near because if she didn't the goats were allowed to head butt her.

Once they went after her and head butted her (while she was on the leash). She was allowed to defend her self by withdrawing and hiding behind me, but if she snapped, she was corrected as were the goats.

Finally when that was established CLEARLY, they were all allowed out in a pen together.

Eventually Mama (the biggest goat) and Angel (the dog) got to annoying each other. The dog would try to sniff her butt and she would try to chase the dog off with a head butt. This went on for a while till Mama got in some rib cracking head butts and the dog got the point and laid down.

Once in a while Angel would great Mama with a butt sniff, and Mama eventually came to accept that from her.

Angel NEVER, EVER goes after the big goats. She will occassionally try to "herd" the babies back to their mothers.

However, when Jelly Bean came into the picture (a Nigerian Dwarf) things changed a bit. Jelly Bean doesn't know when to back off and would chase Angel down and beat her up. So last Saturday, I let Angel defend herself. Angel put her mouth on Jelly Bean and tried to scruff her like a puppy. When that didn't work, she chased Jelly Bean down Tackled her, laid her down, rolled her on her back and put her mouth on Jelly Bean's neck. Jelly Bean laid there like a submissive dog. Angel let her up. Jelly Bean ran over to me and hid behind me. I checked her over and there wasn't a mark on her. Jelly Bean hasn't gone after Angel since. Now she gives her the turned head warning like all the other goats do.

ANGEL IS THE EXCEPTION TO THE RULE Angel is 11 years old and knows my goats and has NEVER hurt them. She has been with them for quite a while and she seems to see them as part of her dog pack. My goats seem to accept her as an annoying nuisance who is part of the herd and doesn't know her place very well. But they also know instinctively that she protects them. If she barks a warning they run right up behind her and stand waiting till she gives them some sort of signal that it is safe.



You have to know your dog and really trust them. If the dog is new to you, do NOT trust them with your goats. And trust your gut instincts about your animals.