Loading advice needed - youngster

[hudsonw]

Hi, my youngster (rising 3) leaves me next week to start a new life with a new mummy and apart from the day he was delivered to me by the breeder in a trailer, he hasn't traveled since he was 12 months.

The new owner is aware he's only ever traveled once and she owns a trailer...I'm just getting nervous as the day draws closer that he won't load.

I have no way of practicing before hand and I'm worried he won't go up ramp, what if he doesn't load and I have to give them their money back?

Has anyone got any loading tips if he starts to muck around?

 

[badgerdog]

You haven't got much time, but when I taught my youngster to load I first started off leading her over a flat board on the ground. When she could do that I started to get her familiar with the trailer. I walked past it, let her sniff the ramp etc. She was quite curious and put her foot on the ramp a few times but I didn't rush things. I took all the bars and partitions out and opened it up at the front to make sure it had plenty of light.
I eventually just lead her into the trailer and then straight back out at the front ramp. I sometimes put her bucket of feed in and fed her in there so that it was just an everyday thing for her and nothing to be frightened of.

I must admit though that I did this over weeks if not months. Even if you only have a week I would try and make sure that you familiarise him with one and try not to rush him.

My friend sold a youngster who hadn't travelled and the person buying him understood this and was very patient and they eventually got him on without resorting to force. Try not to worry too much. Your buyer will realise he hasn't done much as he's only 3.

Good luck, I hope everything goes well.

 

[winterwood]

hudsonw. Where abouts are you located?

 

[blood_magik]

i have to bribe mine with carrots.

once i had to stand behind him and shove - quite embarrassing but it worked

be patient and he will get there - good luck!