What's happening here? Problems on both ends of a transaction: at the seller's end, the seller isn't making sure that the llamas in question are going to a home where they will be adequately cared for, the basics of worming, vaccination, toenail trimming, and shearing will be observed to protect the animal's health, and that hopefully, there will be enough interaction between the new owner and the llamas that a wonderful bond will develop.

On the buyer's end, they aren't taking the time to educate themselves as to what's involved. No books, no questions, occasionally, not even making sure their local vet can treat the animals! With the wealth of good information out there even on the internet, this is a truly scary situation.

Take, for instance, two llamas that recently came to my attention: the folks had had them for a few years, and complained that the llamas "never really warmed up to them". A discussion about what sort of interaction they had found that they'd seen someone else's llamas doing all sorts of wonderful things, and when they were offered these two, thought they came already programmed to do those tricks and obstacles.

Those of us who deal with and love llamas know that one of the basic things that needs to be done is educating both llama and owner to halter and lead training. Neither of these llamas had gotten that far. When they saw the halters, they ran! Indeed, when we went to pick them up, we got them into the trailer, THEN put the halters on. Interestingly enough, neither llama gave much of a fuss about the procedure once they were in the trailer. At some point in their lives, they'd been trained, so the positive memories, along with competent handling, won out, and they accepted the halters.

When they arrived at their new foster home, I worried a bit about how they'd lead, as I knew they hadn't had any work in the recent past. Once again, memory took over, and they unloaded and walked quite nicely into their new pasture!

Sadly, this scenario is all too common. The public still considers llamas to be something out of Doctor Doolittle, and at some level, figures all llamas can dance like the famous Pushmepullyu.

Llamas would rather be out playing llama games in the pasture, than dancing, However, being as intelligent and curious as they are, they also love to learn! Given the challenge of a hula hoop to walk through, balloons to go under, the stimulation of a parade to prance in, many of our wooly friends thrive, and become even more endearing.

This takes work on the part of the owner! Constructing safe situations, taking classes and instruction in how to do obstacles, driving, packing, and especially the basics of care, is essential. One of my favorite memories is from a TTEAM clinic I sponsored. One of the attendees was terrified of trimming toenails. No way, no how. She half-joked that when she had the vet come, the vet tranquilized HER, not the llamas. Within the two day session, she got many opportunities to work not only on the training llama, (one of mine, who is about the most calm, placid and accepting fellow one could ask for), but also her own llama. By the end of two days, she was picking up his feet and trimming! The llama knew that SHE knew what to do, and both relaxed.

I met her later that year, and asked about toenails. She grinned, and said that when she inevitably got the jitters, she remembered "it runs up the lead rope", relaxed, and told whoever she needed to trim "We're going to do this, it's not a big deal, and you WILL cooperate" Worked every time!

For those who can't get to a training clinic, there are a wealth of tapes out there, showing step by step procedures. There are books with great drawings, and explanations. There's a state organization they can join, and ask other, more experienced llama owners for help. There are mail chats, where folks from all over the country and the world ask and get answers about all sorts of things, ranging from what clippers folks like if they've graduated beyond Fiskars, to how to treat weepy eyes, or the life cycle of the meningeal worm. If a prospective owner is truly caring about their wooly friends, the investment of time, energy and money will be rewarded many times, as they take their llamas on hikes, to nursing homes, parades, fun days, shows, into bookstores, walks around the block or down the road, or more intensive work.

So please, for the love of llamas, sellers, please educate your customers on care, feeding, handling and training! Be willing to spend time helping the new owner learn! Buyers, ask questions, read, take classes, ask more questions, join your local organization, spend TIME with your llamas and learn the love they offer!

Then, when you want to try something new with your llama, teach it to dance!

Kris Paige (Wuffles)
Moongate Farm
Wisconsin
Email Kris