Hi. I have a two and a half year old buck that I bought about 3 months ago. He is the sweetest thing ever, but all of the sudden he is starting to head butt me when I am walking away. I tried not turning my back on him, but he still does it. Now he is starting to rear up before hitting me. I have read some things articles that said you need to show your bucks who's boss, but it doesn't say how. Any advice?
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Another one that I will definitely tuck into my brain for future use. The way you started out made me laugh...glad you elaborated! LOL Thanks.
A long time ago, someone told me to do what the doe does, bite their ears. When I responded I could not do that (really!), I was told to give it a good pinch. I've rarely had to resort to it, but when I have, it works.
Thanks for the option Juliana. I actually have been using a small squirt gun for him since Patty suggested it and that has worked fabulously. I haven't even had to squirt him since the first time. As long as I have the squirt gun in my hand, he does not butt me or even pretend he is going to. Way better for both of us. I can pet him again which he loves, and I don't get hurt...win win!! I will keep your suggestion in mind though, just in case I ever have a buck that water doesn't work on. Thanks again.
I've never had one actually be aggressive. Only pushy. Sometimes they get it in their head that they are going to bowl me over and stampede out the door no matter what I say about it and I have taken a horse crop in there and popped a few noses when they were trying to run me down. Makes a nice slapping sound which startles them but doesn't do any real harm. Might not be the cup of tea for everyone but my policy on animal discipline is that if I am standing my ground and not pursuing the animal that whatever they get they chose to stick around for so it must not be that awful for them. I might give them a lesser warning pop to start with, give them a chance to think it through.
Thank you! It's a place to start...and an easy one!
Spray bottle of water. Spray in the face the moment he starts to make his move. Of course, they are very smart, so it may not work when you don't have the water with you. My boys won't come anywhere near me when I have the hose in my hand.