Panting, Huffing, Grunting
#5
Hackles up is a dominance issue. It's quite possible he IS getting tired and rather than lagging behind or pausing in a shady spot to let you know, he's blocking your path and demanding that you "Turn around now or else!" This is naughty and needs to be dealt with right away. It doesn't sound like he's tired enough to need a break. In my experience, a truly exhausted goat does not have the energy to block you and play dominance games.

In the first place, make sure he stays behind you. A dominant goat does not let his subordinates pass close without getting hit. Carry a stick and when your goat tries to pass, block him with it. You'll probably need to whack the stick on the ground or bump him with it to convince him to stop encroaching on your space or going around you. If he does manage to pass, give him a verbal reprimand and move him back to his place in line. 

Look for signs of dominance at home. Something as subtle as "accidentally" brushing you with a horn or shoulder as he walks past you should be interpreted as a sign that he's testing your place in the pecking order. Do not let it pass unnoticed. A dominant goat never lets a subordinate get too close to him in passing without giving him a solid whack as he goes by. You should be the same way. A knee or boot in the ribs lets him know that he can't brush you with any part of his body as he goes past. He should respond by tucking his tail and scooting out of your way. If he responds by turning toward you, cocking his head, rearing, growling, etc. then it's time to lay down the law. I recommend carrying a squirt gun and giving him a faceful. Very few goats will tolerate a good wetting and most goats learn quickly that that cannot play dominance games with you. Sometimes a goat is so naughty that he needs to be taken to the ground and sat on for a while to let him know who's in charge. 

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Messages In This Thread
Panting, Huffing, Grunting - by WyomingPicker - 03-06-2016, 06:17 PM
RE: Panting, Huffing, Grunting - by Sanhestar - 03-07-2016, 06:03 AM
RE: Panting, Huffing, Grunting - by WyomingPicker - 03-10-2016, 07:02 PM
RE: Panting, Huffing, Grunting - by Marc - 03-07-2016, 08:37 AM
RE: Panting, Huffing, Grunting - by Nanno - 03-10-2016, 09:17 PM

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