A general note on dogs and goats
Here at The Little Goat House, we love all animals! Furthermore, our rescue doggie Daisy regularly accompanies us on our Goat Hikes! However, not all dog-goat interactions are pleasant or safe for our goat boys.
We frequently have Goat Hikers who benignly underestimate the natural drives of predator and prey animals. Your dog isn’t a killer; your dog is friendly with other dogs; your dog is very docile and timid, etc., are often reasons people (completely understandably) believe that their dog will do just fine with the goats. In the absence of farm animal experience, it is honestly very difficult to know how your dog will behave around livestock.
Time and again, I have seen many dogs become HIGHLY interested in the goats — and, as a result, the goats become very skittish and sometimes afraid. In these situations, 99.9% of the time the goats are SAFE! As their owners, this satisfies our primary concern. However, it often results in a less fun hike for our hikers, as well as a less fun hike for the goats! The goats will be quite reticent to approach and interact with you — even when armed with treats! — if there is an excited dog pulling his leash at the end of your other arm.
Therefore, we kindly ask that you observe the following dog policy for the enjoyment and safety of all. Your cooperation and understanding is appreciated!
Dog Participation Policy
Dogs who are well-behaved, obey owner’s commands, and are known to be non-aggressive with other dogs and livestock are happily invited to accompany us on our Goat Hikes.
*We require that you let us know in advance if you plan to bring your pup along for the hike.*
*Dogs must be kept on a standard 6′ leash at all times, unless otherwise indicated by the goat supervisor (me!).*
*Failure to observe dog guidelines will result in immediate termination of the Goat Hike without refund, as unleashed or aggressive dogs can pose a mortal threat to our beloved goat companions.*