Meet Your animal training partners

One of the most notable features of The Ranch is the active involvement of resident animals. Students in our week-long courses are partnered with our animals to build and test their skills, in a positive, pressure-free setting.

Click on any photo below to learn about your potential training partners!

ALPACAS

When training alpacas, it is crucial to understand and adapt to their specific cues and behaviors. If you move too quickly, they will instinctively seek safety by moving away. Even a simple sneeze or swatting a fly can cause them to retreat. Working with alpacas instills patience and emphasizes the significance of moving slowly. Click on a photo to learn more.

GOATS

Our goats are extremely enthusiastic learners... truly enthusiastic! When training your goat, you must be highly attentive to reinforcement delivery and the placement of your treat pouch, as there is a possibility they might snatch food from it. If you move too slowly, they may leave their designated spot to pursue another person's treat pouch. Click on a photo to learn more.

MINI-DONKEYS

Miniature donkeys are intelligent and enjoy working with familiar individuals. They place importance on relationships, and past interactions often influence their responses. Consistency and adherence to training guidelines are crucial when working with them. While some may describe them as "stubborn," we prefer to view it as their strong investment in the bond they share with you. They will become acquainted with you within a few days and actively seek your attention. Click on a photo to learn more.

LLAMAS

Llamas are members of the camel family, just like alpacas. They are larger and more independent than alpacas and often serve as herd guardians. They will make a distinct alarm call when threatened or concerned, but rather than run away, they can go into attack mode, chasing predators away from the herd. Despite this trait, they can still be shy around people and require time to develop a trusting relationship with their trainers. Click on a photo to learn more.

TRAINING OTHER SPECIES HELPS DOG TRAINERS, TOO!

Whether you are just starting out or are an experienced dog or animal trainer, working with other species provides invaluable lessons.
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Allows the trainer to approach training with fresh eyes without the preconceived notions about the way dogs learn
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Helps connect the dots on concepts that trainers don't often see as related
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Challenges even the most experienced trainers in a positive and pressure-free setting
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Ready to Join Us?

Head over to our schedule page to select your class and enroll today!

Not quite ready? Submit your information in the form below and we'll keep you posted about upcoming classes and more.

TAKE YOUR TRAINING OF ANY SPECIES TO THE NEXT LEVEL AT THE RANCH.
Sign up to be among the first to know about new classes, follow along with the training journey of our Ranch animals, and more!
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