How to Train a Goat to Come When Called
Training your goats to come when called is a simple yet invaluable skill that can make managing your herd so much easier. Whether you’re speeding up chores or rounding them up for the night, this one handy tip can save time and reduce stress.
Teaching your dairy goats to listen and return to the barn on command isn’t just practical—it’s a game-changer for daily life on the farm. Use this guide to help you raise dairy goats that are calm and listed, at least most of the time.
Sometimes, when friends visit our little farm, I like to show off a bit. I’ll take them right to the edge of the pasture, where the grass grows so tall you can see nothing but green. Then I will give a short yell, and within a few seconds, you’ll hear them, a small stampede of goats all running towards the sound of my voice.
As a midlife homesteader, I quickly realized that finding easier ways to care for our livestock was going to be one of my most valuable tricks for keeping things manageable. That’s why I make sure our livestock, from goats to chickens, are trained to come when called. It’s not just handy for things like rounding them up at night (though it is a huge time-saver); it also builds trust.
Training your goats to come when called is a skill that every goat owner should learn. It makes your daily routine smoother and creates a stronger bond with your herd. And the best part? With a little patience and consistency, teaching them is easier than you might think. Plus, who doesn’t love a little goat stampede?
Why is training a goat to come when called important?
Beyond the practical perks, there are plenty of other great reasons to teach your goats to come when called.
Be sure to grab the FREE Goat Training Guide Below!
#1. Safety
Goats are naturally curious and can get easily distracted, which means they might wander off or find themselves in a bit of trouble if left unattended. Teaching them to come when called lets you grab their attention fast and safely guide them back.
#2. Convenience
As a goat owner, you’ll have many tasks throughout the day that involve your goats. If they are trained to come when called, it saves you time and energy trying to chase them down or herd them back to their designated area.
This really pays off when you’ve got a big pasture and need to get them back to the barn quickly.
#3. Strengthening the bond
Training your goats to come when called also helps build trust between you and your animals. Goats are social creatures, and by responding to their names, they feel more connected to you as their caregiver.
Trust is important for many tasks, such as milking, giving shots, or assisting with kidding. A goat that trusts you will be more willing to let you touch them and intervene if needed.
#4. Escape Artists
If you have goats that tend to get out often, training them to answer your call will get them back home quickly and hopefully before they do any damage to your or your neighbor’s yard of get into trouble.
How to train a goat to come when called
Luckily, training a goat is relatively easy, mainly because they are very food-motivated. This means they will do whatever they need to for feed, a treat, or a snack. Follow these steps to train your goat to come when called.
Step 1: Build Trust with Your Goats
Before you jump into training, it’s important to establish trust. Goats are naturally curious and social, so spend time with them. Hand-feed treats, talk to them softly, and scratch that “itchy spot” they always offer up. When goats see you as a source of comfort and safety, they’ll be more eager to learn.
Step 2: Choose a Call or Signal
Decide on a call or signal that will be easy for you to use and for your goat to recognize. It might be a specific word, like “Come!” or “Here, goats!” Or maybe you prefer a whistle or even shaking a feed bucket. The key is consistency. Use the same call or signal every single time.
Step 3: Use Positive Reinforcement
Goats are food-motivated, so treats are your best friend during training. Start by calling your goats while standing nearby. When they look at you or start moving in your direction, reward them with a treat and plenty of praise.
Timing is important—make sure the treat comes right after they respond. Goats are incredibly smart and will catch on quickly; that coming when called means a treat!
Step 4: Gradually Increase the Distance
As your goats begin to understand the call, start increasing your distance. Slowly work your way to calling them from across the pasture or wherever it is that they roam or graze.
Step 5: Practice Regularly but Keep It Short
Goats have short attention spans, so it’s best to keep training sessions brief—just 5 to 10 minutes a day. Practicing consistently is more important than cramming long sessions. This regular but low-pressure approach helps build a strong habit over time, allowing you to add in more pieces of training for other areas.
Step 6: Be Patient and gentle
Some goats might catch on quickly, while others may take a bit longer to figure it out. That’s completely normal. Stay positive and encouraging, even if they seem distracted or uncooperative at times. With patience, they’ll eventually get the hang of it.
Watch Our Goats come When Called
For our herd, I use the word “Babies.” I am not sure why I chose that word, but it has stuck for over 10 years now. No matter how far out my goats are, when they hear me yell, babies, they come running back to the barn.
Here is a video of me calling our goats in so you can see how well this works and why I find it so helpful on our homestead.
What food can you use for training a goat?
Goats have a taste for all sorts of treats, and while ours go crazy for banana peels, there are plenty of other options to keep them motivated during training sessions.
- Banana peels
- Grain or pellets specifically made for goats
- A section of fresh hay
- Apple slices (remove seeds)
- Carrot sticks
- Raisins
- Banana slices
- Grapes
- Watermelon (no rind)
- Pumpkin or squash (cooked or raw, seeds included)
- Goat-safe pellets
- Oats
- Alfalfa cubes
- Pear slices
- Cucumber slices
- Sweet potato (raw or cooked)
If you are using their normal feed time as your training session, just say your cue word while filling up the hay bin or their feed bowls. That’s exactly how I trained my goats, and it worked like a charm.
It’s such an easy and natural way to teach them, making the process enjoyable for both you and your goats.
Goat Feed and Treats:
Primal Freeze Dried Chicken Cat Treats, Made with Goat Milk The Goat Treats for Cats, 2 ozManna Pro Goat Mineral Supplement – Made with Vitamins & Minerals to Support Growth & Development – Contains Ammonium Chloride – Microbial Blend for Digestion – 8 lbs
Hamilton Pet & Equine Hamilton Nylon Goat Lead with Brass Snap, 3/4 by 7-Inch, Black
Goat Collars Plastic Chain with Metal Quick Link 20
VCZONE 2 Packs Goat Hay Feeder Bag, Hay Feeder Bag with 1680D Oxford Cloth Fabric, Hanging Feeder Bag for Horse Sheep Donkeys Cattle (Black)
Additional Tips for Training
- Use a distinct cue word or sound that is only used for calling the goats. This will prevent confusion with other commands or words you use while working with them.
- Train each goat individually, but also practice as a herd to ensure they respond in various situations.
- Don’t overdo it with treats. While they can be a helpful training tool, be sure to balance it out with healthy and appropriate portions of their regular diet.
- Be consistent with your cues and expectations. If you want your goat to come running back every time they hear the cue word, make sure you use it consistently and follow through with positive reinforcement when they respond correctly.
- Be patient and understanding. Each goat learns at their own pace and may have different motivations for responding to training. Stay calm and keep the training sessions enjoyable for both you and your goat.
Teaching your goat to come when called is a must-have skill to include in your daily routine. Stay consistent with your call and rely on positive reinforcement to make the training enjoyable for both you and your goats. Before long, you’ll have a whole herd that is listening and trained.
Thank you for sharing these great tips on training goats to come when called. I have two does that are to kid in May! Needing helpful tips! I appreciate your ideas. Blessings to you!
Good luck!