Training a Pack Llama
I read about back country hunters using llamas as pack animals because they are low maintenance, nimble, cheap, and can pack 7
5lbs+. I tried to rent one a few years ago and the thing would not cooperate uphills. He only would walk on flat areas or declines. That experiment was a bust.
I decided to give it another try, but this time train my own llama. I picked up a nice young male from the auction and gelded him right away. He is doing great, but is a little shy and timid. I had to rope it like a cowboy the other day just to put his halter on. He did not want to move at all. I had to go behind him and prode him to walk. Emilio the llama is stubborn and timid right now but eventually he will get used to me and then I can start to train him but it is going to be a tough job!
May 29th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Training animals is never easy. It takes time, commitment, animal behavior knowledge and a lot of patience.
The biggest mistake people make in training animal is to use force. Animals never will corporate willingly under force.
The most important first step in the attempt to train an animal is to gain its trust. This can take several weeks even months.
I have been a professional animal trainer for over 30 years training horses, elephants, tigers and even giraffes and llamas too among a host of other animals. I was the first animal trainer in history that successfully trained a rhino.
Call me and I would be happy to assist you with any questions you may have.
Good luck and happy hunting.
-ov-
May 30th, 2009 at 11:27 am
Thanks for the tip Othmar, I am trying to gain Emilio’s trust right now but it is a tough job.
Congrats on your success with a rhino!