Llama Training

If you have llamas, are thinking of getting some, or like to hang out with some that a neighbor or friend has, then llama training is important. It creates a way that you and other humans can communicate with the llamas.

They are very intelligent animals and their natural tendency if frightened or uncertain is to run or at least to become wary and watchful. One of the best ways to gain their trust is to move slowly around them. Speak in a soothing tone of voice if you want to as well.

Every llama should know a few essentials: to accept the halter, to walk on lead, and to load into a vehicle. Hopefully, by the time you have taught a llama to do these things, you will be eager to keep on training -- things like carrying a pack, being at home in a variety of settings, and so much more -- just because it's so enjoyable! Of course, some llamas are quicker to learn than others, just like people!

But now to the question I started with: WHY is llama training so important? Chiefly because mishaps can occur. A gate can be left open and a llama can wander out. (That one happened to me when I was home alone at our llama ranch. The llama had a great time wandering around before she went back into her field, I was a nervous wreck, and I never closed a gate after that without double checking!)

The main reason, then, is for the safety and the well being of the llamas in your charge. But training them is so much fun, for you and for them, that you may just get hooked!

My husband and I learned a lot about llamas and how to train them from Bobra Goldsmith, a noted trainer. You can watch part of a video of hers in the next module down.

For more on llama training, see an article I wrote, by clicking on that link.