Building Trust As You Approach Your Mule (Great for Approaching New Mules)

[@LisaHouserman]

When I started to investigate long ears in general and learned to approach the shoulder, life changed right away in terms of my relationship with the little donkeys. Then when I got my mule a few weeks later, I knew how to approach. The hardest thing to explain to people and have them follow is that they must approach that shoulder cuz they protect their noses. Humans' natural instinct is to pat the nose or head of animals. Heck I've even changed to approaching the shoulders of dogs instead of their heads now and it works! Thanks so much.

[@muleranch]

So glad to have you watching, Lisa... we sure do hope to hear more from you.

[@LisaHouserman]

@@muleranch You might regret that LOL! I'm not known for my shyness and quiet manner! Thanks again.

[@catherinebiggstaff3747]

Safety helmet is good precaution for groundwork training i think.....excellent explanation of mule and donkey psychology

[@muleranch]

Thanks Catherine, always happy to hear from you.

[@trinitypowers236]

Thanks for the videos from the clinic! Please post as many as you can!!

[@juliabrown5396]

Yes, please.

[@muleranch]

You got it, Trinity!

[@PONYHEAVEN]

Amazing

[@muleranch]

🤠 ❤️👍

[@susanhorton9851]

My mule won’t let me approach her unless I have food. She will only let me pet her if she knows I have no rope or head collar. It has been for too long now and is no longer just a challenge but a real worrying problem. Any advice appreciated.

[@susanhorton9851]

I should add she has a donkey companion and he trusts me totally.

[@muleranch]

Great question... we talk about this at the link below around the 36 minute marker, kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqKbpYx4l76HjLM

[@p.h8715]

Rescued a 20 year old mule.. she is scared , freaked out . I've been patient no forcing.. I go in her pen everyday I do maintenance.. cleaning , feeding, talking, visiting. I have two donkeys who continue to be in my way, because they're friendly. I thought by her seeing me interact with the donkeys she would eventually begin to trust me.. So any help, suggestions or recommendations of videos to watch would be appreciated 😊

[@muleranch]

Hi PH, thanks for watching! We talk about this around the 33 minute marker here, kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5e6d5SDbp6Ab7c

[@susanhorton9851]

I am in the same boat as you. My rescue mule I have had for 5 years but I am still unable to win complete trust. She will allow petting of her head over a gate, can’t reach her shoulder from there. She allows some petting in the field if it means getting hand treats. Certainly can’t touch her shoulder and most important I just cannot get a head collar on her. 😢