Two Yearling Mini Donks'..

Hi Everyone! I may need some help.

I have a friend who has two yearling miniature donkey's. They are both really really friendly. I think one may be gelded but her claims he had the jenny fixed (which I -highly- doubt).

These two babies have absolutely NO training. They are pasture puffs in a huge turnout with pigs, and chickens.

They came from a show home (which is another one of our friends') - and were probably used until they were weaned.

They do have halters on them, but I clipped a lead rope on the jenny, and she would not budge, so I un-clipped her and kinda let the rest of the session be petting. [Until a big fat mean pot bellied pig came and bit me. Which hurt! ]


So the owner wants me to train them to pull a cart. I know how to ground drive and a lot of other things, but I have NO idea how to start everything from scratch! Especially on stubborn donks that are a bit spoiled..

So where to start? I know they need to know how to..

Groom
Lead
Tie
Load (to a trailed)
Ground drive,
Learn the cues "Whoa, go, (clicking/clucking), haw and gee.
Learn their gaits,
Lunge
And pick up feet.

Where do I start? Do I start and getting them to come to me? They do that. Should I tie them and start to show them what a brush is? And just brush once, and be done for a day? Starting slow?

Any help would be wonderful!

I would suggest going back to the breeder for help...donkeys are NOT horses, and if you don't have experience or knowledge on training them, it could get very frustrating, because they will not respond the same way as a horse would. :3

~TheGoldenFilly~

Okay, I've worked with stubborn horses, like my own, so I guess patience would be one thing(:

I don't think training horses versus donkeys is really *that* different. They are still babies, so just spend time with them, and get them used to their new home and trainer. At this point, they don't need to be taught anything but, in my opinion, leading, tying, picking up their feet, and being groomed.

Once they are old enough and solid enough, I'd start with lunging and a bit of side stepping first to get them used to their feet and where they are, as well as getting them to learn and understand your vocal cues.

Take it slow, and don't push them. Like I said, they are still babies. =]