Need some advise for a stuborn lamb

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PeeWeeChamp

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Aug 20, 2008
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78
Location
Michigan
We are new to lambs. my youngest daughter wanted to show lambs this year so we have a pair.  We are working with them to walk on a rope at this point.  The wether is doing fine, but the ewe is stubborn throwing her head and even leaping/striking at the person walking her.  With cattle we would use an attitude adjustment on the snout, what do you do with lambs?

Thanks
 

RidinHeifer

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Jan 5, 2011
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261
keep on pullin!If she flops on the ground drag her a few feet then let her up...the tude adjustment can help but you are giving her the satisfaction of stopping!
Hang in there It takes time and ewes are known for being stubborn
 

Ms Ray

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Jan 21, 2009
Messages
235
Location
california
we usually put them on a halter and just hold them for the first few times and let them jump and flop around.  we don't really walk our just enough to wash, weigh get to fair....  usually after a few times on the halter they do ok, also helps to walk together.
 

taylor tay

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Jun 22, 2010
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285
Location
Shell Lake
To me, lambs and cattle are different. Sheep do not work well with punishment. instead of you leading just follow her then she will walk
 

kfacres

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Dec 15, 2008
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Industry, IL Ph #: 618-322-2582
the best thing I have found to break lambs to lead is just tying them up for 15 min or so, as high as their head will go, and as short of rope as you can do.  do this several times, and begin to walk with them.. we've trained 100 head of show sheep to lead with this techinque being used 2x. 

I agree with above post, sheep are much different than cattle.. and together are no where near as smart as a border collie...
 

bulldawg

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Feb 6, 2011
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56
Location
Mt. Pleasant, Texas
My Daughter's ewe lamb that she is showing this year did exactly what the above Posts stated, "Flopped around, layed down, etc." and I thought I'd just get ahold of her and just keep on pulling and it ended up just being a dragging incident, so my daughter decided to entice her with a little feed in her pocket. This Lamb loves her feed more than the Wether she won Grand with @ our county fair last yr, but anyhow, within a day or two she had this Lamb going wherever she wanted it to, and didn't even have to use the feed. I do realize each animal will be different, but you might try it. Good luck.
 

RidinHeifer

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Jan 5, 2011
Messages
261
I ALSO know of people who tie them up for a hour or two like when they go to vet or a weighin. I tried it this spring and I won't drag one around again except for when I am working on walking without lead. I am getting ready to go again with a group of Louisvillesheeep that haven't been handled but a dozen times
 

tcole_KOFFA

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Joined
Oct 30, 2011
Messages
21
Location
Spring, TX
ive always used alfalfa as kind of a motivator. but my momma always made me teach them how to walk with hands BEFORE the halter. whatever you do do not hit them. it takes good quality time.
 
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