Howdy,
Donkeys naturally have deep-rooted self-preservation skills. What are predators for the donkey? Coyotes, wolves, cougars, bear and yes our precious pet dogs. If we think about it the dog resembles the wolves and coyote the donkey does not know the difference until they are trained and understand their life is not in jeopardy.
Donkeys can learn to tolerate a dog but it takes a really good trainer utilizing outstanding leadership with the dog and the donkey. Did you know adult mammoth donkeys are used for protection of livestock? Make sure your donkey has at least one more donkey as a companion as all equine are healthier and happier when not left alone. Here is a Video of me working with Rio with the Parelli carrot stick.
Safety tip:
Place hot wire beneath the paddock fence to ensure no dog or predator can get in by crawling under the fence. The Parelli carrot stick works as a great tool for me creating an extension of my arm and helps me stay in the leadership role when working with the equine and the dog. Please never abuse the dog or the donkey with the carrot stick, that’s why Mr. Parelli named it the carrot stick no abuse. Remember donkeys never forget anything ever.
Safety is the most important concern when working with equine (donkeys, horses and mules) and our beloved dogs.
GOD bless you and your family two and four-legged!
Melody
https://www.facebook.com/Donkeywhisperer
magsx2
May 5, 2012 at 12:28 am
Hi,
A lovely photo, each animal enjoying the grass in their own way.
Donkey Whisperer Farm
May 5, 2012 at 3:45 am
Thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment.
Science of Dogs.
May 5, 2012 at 2:20 am
Donkeys “hate” dogs? Not having any experience with donkeys, I’ll just take your word for it.
Donkey Whisperer Farm
May 5, 2012 at 3:44 am
Donkeys can learn to tolerate the dog if the dog is trained to not chase the donkey and bite at them.
allthingsboys
May 6, 2012 at 7:55 pm
It’s true I tend to be naive, so I’m not even gonna wonder about the carrot stick…Very interesting post. I didn’t know dogs and donkeys don’t mix! A friend of mine just rescued some miniature donkey that is even small for her breed (couldn’t tell you what that was), but she said after a week or so of watching said donkey get fatter and fatter, she got suspicious. Turns out she’s pregnant, and really too small to carry a baby, especially since the only thing she was exposed to was much bigger than her. Not sure what is going to happen with that, but she was very sad. Thanks for the post.
Donkey Whisperer Farm
May 7, 2012 at 3:22 am
Parelli training tool is the carot stick:-)
granbee
May 9, 2012 at 8:09 pm
Great explanation of why donkeys are afraid of dogs they have not been acculturated with. And I have never known that donkeys are great shepherds for cattle and sheep! I love all this information you bless us with here!