Working with Camels

marty mcgee bennett · Aug 4, 2005

Have you any experience with training camels?
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This question was put to me by someone in the practitioner program. I have ridden camels and worked with a couple of them but Tony Johnson (another person in the practitioiner program) has much more experience than I, so I forwarded the question to him and here are his comments...)

In regards to your questions concerning camels. Camelidynamics methodologies most definitely work. First, remember to breath, stop, now do it one more time because you need everything to really slow down. Spend a fair amount of time working the mouth and head. Most of them really enjoy it but watch for biting. I also use a fair amount of treats when working these big guys. They seem to enjoy llama feed and small amounts of sweet feed. I have also used small slices of apple and carrots. After a good amount of head work, BREATH, work the neck down to the back. As Marty stated, "WATCH THOSE LEGS" *and watch that swinging neck they are painful to say the least. I had one kick my calf last year and I was on crutches for a week, thanks to the handler at the head. If you have a calm camel at this point you've done great and I would recommend ending on this good note. Next session, repeat the head and body work and introduce the catch rope. Depending on the animals temperment, I then work the 4 point approach. Haltering is next and then I would go into Tamming the Tiger. Definitely have a trusted assistant (not a spouse if you want to save your marriage) working the outside of the catch pen while you perform more body work on your little buddy. When walking out of the pen, I recommend using a long long lead. The more room you have to move the better for both you and the animal. You can switch to a standard lead after the aspect of being lead has been learned. Take your time and use a narrow walk way to influence movement along with the homing pigeon method. DON"T pull, you' wont win. The biggest point of all of this is use what you've learned just on a larger level. Leverage works the same and balance can be a little easier to achieve. If they lean to much they'll fall over. Breath and enjoy you new challenge. What an awesome experience you'll have to share at your next meeting of camelid enthusiasts.
Tony Johnson
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Working with Camels

marty mcgee bennett Administrator

tookoi CAMELIDynamics Senior Consultant

marty mcgee bennett Administrator

tookoi CAMELIDynamics Senior Consultant

marty mcgee bennett Administrator

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Working with Camels

marty mcgee bennett Administrator

tookoi CAMELIDynamics Senior Consultant

marty mcgee bennett Administrator

tookoi CAMELIDynamics Senior Consultant

marty mcgee bennett Administrator

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