“ Equus asinus interchange my life for the better , ” say Angelia Silvera , who ’s become roll in the hay as theDonkey Listenerin equine training circles .

base in Tennessee , Silvera ’s initial sake in donkeys came about when she learned that they were effective defender for at - risk stock .

“ I had sample livestock guardian andiron , and they just did not work out for multiple cause , ” she recalls . “ I decided to get a donkey and , after reading about donkeys , learned I would need two . Not all donkeys are cut out for guarding , so you have to choose the donkey cautiously . ”

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Silvera ’s defender donkey turn out . And after becoming smite by their “ personable and affectionate ” nature , she eventually graduated to becoming a respected domestic ass trainer .

We speak to Silvera about some lively dos and don’ts for early - leg donkey education . She also dispel some of the misconceptions people have about the animals .

Which are good for your farm — donkeys or horse ?

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Don’t Treat Donkeys Like Horses

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“ I learned very early that donkeys can not be trained like a horse , ” says Silvera when ask about the earliest lesson she learned when coming to grip with her Modern equine friends .

“ rail a donkey like a horse cavalry often contribute to a sour donkey , ” she explains . “ Donkeys also need you to earn their trust before they volitionally do as you ask . You ’ve acquire to ask the right means .

“ Setting up communicating makes life much easy for the donkey and the health care provider . ”

Building Trust With Your Donkey

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Going deeper into building trust with your donkey , Silvera say that as long as the domestic ass in question “ has had ripe experiences with human beings and had some kind of former education , ” then it should n’t be too hard to shape a bail .

But if a Equus asinus has been through negative experiences with human being , let in being ill-treat , it ’s imperative you do n’t rush what might be a fearful domestic ass .

“ Taking into consideration the donkey ’s ground and retiring experiences is important — own empathy and trying to see the world through its eyes and accept it take the time it takes . ”

Here are some important donkey health pointers new keeper should screw .

Early Donkey Training Dos & Don’ts

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If you ’re unexampled to donkey training , Silvera says forbearance is key .

“ No time spent earning your domestic ass ’s trust is a waste , ” she explains . “ If you pass time earning that trust , then setting up solid communication with your domestic ass , they will be more likely to do as you ask no matter what the guidance you take in more advanced education . ”

Never speed a donkey , peculiarly during the first phase of breeding , as it could set you back .

“ Get in the mindset that you are invest in a partnership with a familiar , ” Silvera says . “ right relationships take time to build . ”

Dispelling Common Donkey Misconceptions

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Asked about the biggest misconception citizenry have about donkeys , Silvera sound out , “ It ’s that they are n’t as overbold as horse cavalry . In reality , they may be smarter . They are conservative and ego - carry on and they prefer to consider about things before they do them , especially if they are n’t sure about the person who is asking them to do something . ”

Silvera adds that right civilize donkeys are “ a sure-footed horseback riding riding horse . ” They also make for “ amazing tramp companions , ” not least because you ’re able to compact a tiffin on the donkey ’s back .

Getting the Right Donkey for Your Land

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If you ’ve been considering adding a Equus asinus to your homestead , Silvera boost people to “ think about what their goals will be for the domestic ass . ” Also spend time reading up and watching video about the animals .

“ After you decide what you want the donkey for , then seek out the donkey that can best outfit your indigence , ” she explains . “ For example , if you want a donkey to guard your goats and render gratifying ride around the farm , make certain to choose a Equus asinus with the right disposition for guarding and that ’s big enough to carry your weighting . Choosing the right domestic ass for your goals will help oneself ensure that you and the donkey will be successful . ”

Finally , Silvera contribute that donkeys are herd creature . “ Be disposed to have at least two . Donkeys need other equid . ”