Alpaca training

By Vicky Tribe, Camelidynamics instructor.

Camelidynamics training is all about getting close to and building a good relationship with our alpacas and llamas (camelids). We want them to learn to trust the touch and proximity of humans, to stand quietly while we give them their injections, and to feel safe in our presence.

The handler learns to see things from the animal's point of view, working with camelids in ways that they understand and feel safe about, building trust. And when your camelids are feeling okay about having you close and have a clear idea what you expect of them, they will cooperate.

The key points I pass on at the workshops I run are: choosing and fitting a halter, how to use the animal's balance, and the value of purpose-designed 'tools'.

Haltered Alpaca

Haltering

A properly fitting halter is essential. Alpacas and llamas are semi-obligate nasal breathers which means they cannot survive if forced to breathe solely through their mouths. They have a very short nose bone on which to wear a halter, and if the halter slips forward on the nose, it interferes with its breathing, and the camelid will feel threatened and 'play up'. When the halter is properly fitted - as shown in the diagram - the noseband not only rests on the bone but stays there no matter what.

Steps when adjusting a halter

  • Before you put the halter on open the noseband so it is larger than you think you need.
  • Snug up the crown piece.
  • Take the slack out of the noseband. Larger animals will need more room.
  • Always carefully examine the nose bone of an animal before you put the halter on.
  • Re-check halter fit after about 10 minutes.
Halter Fitting

Using balance

When handling camelids you need them either to stand still, or to move. The skill is in getting them to do one or other when you want them to, using the animal's balance to your advantage.

If you keep the animal in balance you will keep them still; if you gently cause them to lose balance it makes them move. So when you want to pick up and examine the animal's foot for example, it will be important that you keep the camelid's head in balance, over the body. But when you want the camelid to move, by selectively changing its point of balance you can lead it in the desired direction, one step at a time. Move their head gently, and its body will follow.

"Tools"

Your basic toolkit is a catch pen, wand, herding tape and catch rope.

A standard catch pen is invaluable - a square or rectangle around 2.5m to three 3m each side. Four sections of gate lashed together are suitable, preferably with horizontal bars. It is so much easier to work with the animals in a confined space.

The wand can be used as an extension of your arm and to capitalize on flight zones and the animal's natural behaviour. An alpaca or llama will learn to stop when a wand is in front of them, and move ahead when the wand is behind.

A catch rope, especially when used with a wand, is the ultimate in catching ease. I use a lightweight and smooth rope about 3.5m long, perfect for catching and haltering camelids. With a special clip on the wand, the attached rope makes it possible to catch the animal from well outside arms' length.

Herding tape - a section around 40m long allows you to build a fence in a few seconds. Alpacas and llamas are easily herded and generally take the path of less resistance. Herding tape is simple but effective.

For me, having the use of these tools has brought about the most significant change in handling these delightful animals. My training has made handling a pleasure for me and for my alpacas - and I enjoy being able to pass on the skills and techniques of this system to other alpaca and llama owners and seeing how much they and their animals benefit.

About the Author

Vicky Tribe has successfully farmed alpacas and Dexter cattle for eight years near Pukekohe. Vicky says her life with alpacas was changed when she attended her first workshop with US specialist Marty McGee Bennett. Impressed by the results of the camelid handling system Marty has developed over 25 years, Vicky began learning more. Now, Vicky is an approved trainer in the Camelidynamics method in New Zealand, holding training sessions for individual handlers and small groups to teach such skills as haltering and leading alpacas and llamas, and how to overcome animals' behavioral problems.