I am absolutely LOVING the online courses on CAMELIDynamics! They are extremely well done as are the quizzes at the end of each video which help to solidify key concepts shown throughout the classes. Each video is entertaining as well as informative which means you’re having fun while learning something fascinating about your favourite animal. I’ll definitely watch these videos several times over as there’s so much info packed into every module. We are extremely grateful to Marty for sharing her knowledge and passion of these amazing animals with us through these courses and we hope to see her soon at a Workshop here in the UK!
Best
William
William Kirwin November 30, 2020
Boreas has rye face which is a condition wherein the jaw becomes twisted more and more as the llama ages. He was trained and handled the same as all of our crias. But almost from the beginning, he was totally UNRULY with a halter on. The show ring was a fun (LOL) experience with him jumping around and acting crazy. Haltering was a chase. To shear him we took him to the vets where they totally knocked him out. Then we sheared like mad before he woke up. We did this for several years because we just could not take the ‘fight’ and man-handling any more.
About 2 years ago, I took a 2-day Camelidynamics clinic. At that time, I purchased several Zephyr halters to try. But first, I tried many of the other CameliDynamics techniques with Boreas all with the same result: crazy.
Then I put a Zephyr halter on him. It was a miracle the first time. Now he is his totally loving, well-behaved self. Easy to halter and easy to shear. We use no drugs now to shear him; .he just stands in the chute, stomps his hind legs (very funny to watch) and voile, the fiber come off.
Hind-sight is a beautiful thing as I now realize that the previous halters, with his mis-shapen face, were restricting his breathing so of course he went into a panic. No more.
I use Zephyr halters on all of the llamas now. They all, even with ‘normal’ faces are more relaxed and easier to handle.
Kathy Stanko, Colorado
October 1, 2018
Hi Marty,
just have to tell you this.
We had to vaccinate our alpacas yesterday. We set up a larger catching pen and a small handling pen, similar to what we learned.
Altogether it took us 15 to 20 minutes.
5 minutes prep time to plan and agree on details, showing my husband what he should do on the inflatable alpaca. 😉
Moving our now 10 (😊) alpacas into the catching pen,
Moving them into the 10by10feet handling pen,
Vaccinating them.
We were able to catch them with the midline catch.
We only used the handler helper (my husband did great!) contain not constrain 😊
The subcutaneous injection was given in no time just as you taught it.
No fuss, no spitting, no screaming, no fighting, totally relaxed, no stress for our alpacas.
It was great.
Quote of my husband: “ solely for this experience the course already payed off” 😊
Thank you
Andrea
August 10, 2018
Hi, Marty.
I just wanted to give big thanks to you! I've now owned alpacas for three years and consider myself to be a true rookie, but I've learned so much about handling from the Camelid Dynamics book and one of your DVDs. I have three alpacas and can halter all three with no struggle! My two young ones I've had since they were nearly a year old and began working with them immediately. They slid into halter training quite easily, and are pretty good on leads, too! My latest alpaca came to me as a four-year-old, and I watched as she fought and reared up when her former owner muscled a halter onto her. I thought to myself, 'Oh, crap! What have I gotten myself into?' She was supposedly in first trimester pregnancy, so I didn't work with her for the first four months. After the four months, I began working with her at a pace some would call painstakingly slow. This month, the month of her due date, I was stunned to see that she just stood there while I put the halter on her! From her feedback, I could see that all along, I was going about it the right way, and this I owe to you, Marty! Thank you! Anyway, it turns out she wasn't pregnant after all, and I have to admit, I'm a bit relieved--now I can just focus on the fun of continued handling of her. Once again, BIG THANKS!
SaritaAugust 7, 2018
Dear Marty,
I hope that you are well. It has been a very long time since I wrote.
I wanted to tell you that the way that you taught me to catch my boys with the wand, the way to speak Llama and the importance of not humanising them has changed our lives. Truly this Llama, Odquim, had never been handled when I got him, he was two years old, he is now four and look at him.
I knew that you were one of the only people on the planet that would see the true significance of such a huge creature actually letting its self be vulnerable, when in truth they do not really need our touch.
Thank you from both of us.
Angelena
August 7, 2018
Hi Marty
I wanted to thank you so much for a fabulous 4 days . I can’t remember the last time I was kept focused / entertained for so long . I was fascinated by your training and techniques and hope to put them into practice with my boys. The new pens go up tomorrow and halters will be on, so watch this space .
It was so enjoyable to listen to someone who is articulate and funny at the same time ... you speak my language lady.
I will certainly come to another course if you come back to the UK again .
Best wishes
DebbyAugust 7, 2018
I took Marty’s Camelidynamics workshop 18 months ago. My learning from that clinic continues to this day! This is a ‘gift that keeps giving’. I am an entirely different person with my 18 llamas than I was 18 months ago. I am patient, calm and listening to their needs and I have an ever-expanding tool box at my disposal. I am able to adapt my training time to what each individual llama needs in that moment. The reward for my ‘good behavior’: life with llamas is just so much easier.
Kathy Stanko, Colorado
August 7, 2018
When I first got alpacas, I knew I’d be a responsible owner, but I didn’t expect to love them as much as I do. In loving them so much and yet not knowing what I didn’t know about handling and training, it seemed incredibly wrong to grab, shove, and be exasperated in the whole process of managing my herd and their health. I sought out training opportunities and was referred to Marty McGee Bennett and CAMELIDynamics. I’d heard stories of Marty McGee Bennett and her teaching approach which painted her in a near-legendary light. In truth, I attended my first workshop with tempered expectations figuring I’d learn ‘more clever ways of wrestling my herd into submission.’ I was delighted when hat my expectations were far exceeded! As I sat in my first CAMELIDynamics, I had the realization that I could build trust and work with my animals instead of dominating and defeating them. As I sat in Day 1 of my first workshop, the realization that I would never again have to man-handle alpacas literally brought tears to my eyes. Learning Marty’s approach has truly been herd-life altering.
A year later, I decided to attend a second CAMELIDynamics workshop. The second workshop covered similar material to that in the first, so I thought it would be a good refresher, but likely less transformative than the first. Yet again, I was wrong! In going through the material and hands-on exercises with Marty and the other alpaca and llama owners, the lessons learned in the first workshop (and, admittedly, the practices I hadn’t fully grasped because I was such a new alpaca owner) were not only solidified, but also were more comfortable and even familiar. I gained a deeper understanding behind why handling my alpacas in the way Marty teaches will work well for today and pave the way for a deepened trust with my herd. I even had the confidence to work with the host’s llamas, a completely new experience for me! Even though I was nervous, I managed to catch, halter, lead, and connect with several llamas without the least bit of drama! In recognizing how effective my second CAMELIDynamics workshop was, there is no question I will attend more workshops in the years to come!
Marty, my herd and I thank you for having such a positive and significant influence over our collective comfort with one another!!
~ Marykay Mentzer, Decatur Alpaca Cottage
November 13, 2017
Hi Perry,
Received my halter order today, needed to get new halters as the others were pretty worn out. They last for years, made for llamas, are a truly quality item, and most of all, a great price.
I have recommended your halters to other llama/alpaca owners, and cringe when I see the filmsy, poor quality "llama" halters being used on their animals.Still a fan. Thanks, Julie Lamancusa
October 26, 2017
Jeff and I learned so much in the first course we took with you in Florida, and discovered that working with our alpacas could be a whole lot easier. This refresher , however, took it to a higher level and really crystallized the concepts for me. I had a ton of "aaha" moments, especially about things I was doing wrong. I would encourage everyone to take the course a second time and refine how they work with their alpacas.
Roxanne Knuth, Wisconsin May 26, 2017
I am getting somewhat caught up so I am reviewing all newsletters and forums that I have missed; however, that is not to say that I have forgotten your teachings. Your book is at my bedside for reference at all times and your techniques are applied on a daily basis. Approaching llamas from the viewpoint of a behaviorist puts a complete different light on the matter. We are doing feet, shots, weight etc. right now and I have again discussed the concept of balance. The co-owner is in charge of nails and it is amazing how easy the llamas have become with your advice. I usually hold and we use the chute. I monitor to make sure the llamas are always balanced and comfortable. The co-owner has applied your approach to lifting legs and the llamas are already lifting their legs as she approaches. No fuss. As I hold the lead, they calmly get on the scale and stand while I'm reading the numbers. The scale does not have any barriers around it. Of course we also have the llamas that are work in progress but using your tools and techniques makes it look easy when working with one that is still learning the ropes.
Thanks,
Marjorie
February 5, 2017
You are most welcome for my small order! Our Marty lead ropes have held us for 23 years and finally are frazzled and we are in need of the two I ordered.
23 years ago PRIOR TO us owning our first two llamas I attended a clinic you presented at Caroline Boeckman’s Long Neck Llama Ranch in Northfield, NH. It was there that you confirmed I/we were headed on the right track by finding out first of all if llamas were for us…apparently so! Then I took home with me all those visions of sugarplums dancing in my head about “chunking things down into manageable portions”, your shared beliefs in Tellington-Jones techniques AND THEN SOME! It was a magic weekend that changed our lives forever and you were the biggest part of it.
We are now 23 years later down to our last 9 llamas, a mostly geriatric herd, all of us aging together the best way we know how….chunking things down into manageable portions, getting help shearing and doing toes, offering help when we can in return.
It’s so good to know you are still out and about spreading your good words and wisdom, making others’ lama lives possible and insuring the well-being of the critters who benefit from your teachings.
Lisa and Al, Push Me Pull You Farm
May 31, 2016
When the vet was here to do the followup staining on Tate's eye, she was clearly very impressed. Now, we have used her for 35 years, so we know each other quite well, having gone through some 12-15 dogs, etc. She has seen me working with the herd since I got them in February, and she has made some comments about how calm they have become. She said that when she had left, after the diagnosis, she had wondered along with her helper, how I was going to administer the ointment. I showed her the video... After we worked on Tate, she wanted to see our girl Dia, who we are hoping is very pregnant, but, she said, they are way up in the field. So Carol says, no problem, I'll call them. And Christine says, you mean they will come when you call? Yup. And they all came running down to see what was happening. She has taken care of the herd for about eight years or so, and she told us that they were always shy and skittish, that every visit was a chore with corner and grab, and never with a halter because there was so much angst associated with it.
So now, she sees me using the Camelidynamics methods, not that she understands what I'm doing, but she just gets out of the way and lets me catch, halter, whatever, before she has to do her thing. She actually wishes she could take me along on other alpaca farm visits. My point: aside from me, the only difference for these alpacas is Camelidynamics and your influence. And the transformation is truly remarkable. A friend of ours who had seen them when they first came in Feb, when they were just getting used to handling, came yesterday with some family, and all the girls and boys immediately came down to the paddocks to visit. She was blown away. Granted, the prospect of food was there, but when I would go see them at the former owner's farm, they would not come near me, even with grain.
I'm so glad I came upon Camelidynamics before I got into this, and that I had the sense to bite the bullet and come to the clinic. It has made all the difference in the world for me, and more importantly, for the alpacas, whose well-being I place above my own. So thank you, from the bottom of my heart! John
John Chickering December 17, 2015
Hi Marty- Bob and I wanted to thank you for the techniques we learned at the 4-day seminar in February/March. Our goal was to learn better methods or tools to handle our herd so that we did not stress them out when we needed to administer care. Learning to use the catch rope and the midline catch and brace method as we tend their needs has made such a large difference in what they will let us do. Making sure they are in balance has reduced their struggling defense and made it much easier to control their movements. We found it equally important that Bob and I both attended the seminar because we present a united front and are consistent in our handling of the Herd and the Herd knows what to expect when they see us coming. Even our aggressive girls have become less aggressive since we have stopped doling out snacks and now make them earn the snacks. Mia our wild child and her sister Haley have stopped bumping us or pulling on our arms to get our attention because when they do they know they do not get a snack. We can’t thank you enough for steering us in the right direction. We love our Herd even more since we feel we do a better job handling them and it is easier taking care of them. I know we still have a lot to learn but learning the basic handling skills has opened up our ability to move forward with our Herd in a more positive direction. From Me and Bob and the PennyAlpacer herd THANKS!
Sarah and Bob McCaskill
July 3, 2015
I am enjoying using the CAMELIDynamics techniques with our animals. It is amazing to see them respond better and there is much less chasing and running and wasted time. It contributes to life in general feeling a little more serene. I told my 4-H kids this week that these techniques are life lessons. When you feel resistance and tension in relationships or projects, it's best to step back, give space to the situation, everybody relax, then move forward gently as tolerated.
I'm so glad you have taken your time and life to develop these insights and are so willing to share them with us. Keep up the good work. We are highlighting our new found learning on our website and offering to teach others the techniques and will include teaching them as part of a purchase deal - added value.
Take care.
Carol and Dave
April 1, 2015
I’d like you to know that I’m about 1/3 thru the camelidynamics book and without a doubt it has changed my thought process in every way towards hoofed animals specifically and all animals in general. It will be at least 2 years before I can start my own herd and am going to register for one of Marty's classes before that blessed event takes place. I’m thrilled that I’m reaping the benefits of Marty’s presence in the camelid world before I start my venture and will do my utmost to purchase only animals that have been handled using her methods. Please accept my sincere thanks and expect an order sometime in the next year for ropes, halters and other gear. I’m a firm believer in repaying the giver, life is a big circle especially when giving our best to others. Take care and expect to hear more from me soon.
Pat
Pat Snyder March 8, 2015
Marty,
I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for your bi weekly CAMELIDynamics Guild newsletter and especially the "TIP" that comes each week. Even though I attempt to put into practice the things I have learned by attending a clinic and of course reading your book I appreciate the reminders. When I read your tips and study the accompanying photos I always learn something and often have an ahha moment that just crystallizes a technique in my minds eye.
A BIG thank you . . . . . from me AND my herd!
Deb
March 8, 2015
Hi Marty,
I am delighted to hear from you, and so happy that Diane and David were in attendance at your CT seminar. She is in the same place that I was, when I attended your seminar about 5 years ago. At that time, I had the 2 geldings. We now have 7 alpacas and 2 llamas (one mini!) - all boys, all the colors of the rainbow.
You taught me to manage our herd in a respectful, quiet and purposeful manner. In fact my hubby and I vaccinated them all just yesterday in 5 minutes flat. Your knowledge has empowered me in so many ways. I often hear your voice in my head when I am out there ('barn goddess=me").
I don't know if you remember when I arrived at the seminar 5 years ago - in an Econoline rental van with my 2 alpacas (osama and bin laden - not their real names but worthy at that time due to power struggles). I was in tears pulling into the driveway of the farm at the seminar because I was so stressed out driving them there, and I had my welders mask and raincoat to protect myself from all their spitting.
I am pleased to say that the welders mask was discarded after I attended your session. And adding more heads to my herd eased the power struggles within.
Best to you, Lise
March 8, 2015
Marty,
We have heard a lot of good things about you in the past year, and now we know why, you're awesome! We learned so much this past weekend and we feel the timing could not have been more perfect. I really love the message of alpaca/llama compassion you teach. I find in very powerful to put yourself in someone else's shoes (or pads and overgrown toenails) and see the world from their optic.
We plan to put your techniques into practice, and you caught us at the right time, before we established bad behaviors!
Thanks for being the voice of reason, I wish more people would take your class and hear your message. If alpacas and llamas could write, I think they would nominate you as their Ambassador. But until then, you have a lot of clicker training to do to get them to use a word processor so that they can make that nomination 🙂
You are doing a great thing!
Shannon
March 8, 2015
Hi Marty,
The four day was great. Thank you so much, I will always be grateful for the experience and info I gained in the last few days. You are an amazing teacher. I always learned a lot in the two day seminars, but the extra hands on and repitition of concept in the four day was invaluable in getting the concepts you are teaching to really sink in.
This was a great group of people, so much fun. I learned skills that will be helpful in many areas of life along with alpaca handling : Less is more, neutral contact vs grab and hold, and allowing to escape vs "catching", for starters. Things I knew became "lightbulb" moments. To get the behavior I am looking for, I need to handle the animal counter to the way I would naturally handle. Now my goal is for these techniques to become so second nature in me, that my natural handling methods will be those that allow for the animal’s feelings of safety and respect. We all kind of need to know there is a way of escape if we need one, and that no one is going to say we can't have it!
Gia
March 8, 2015
Since we took your class last month, I have been practicing some of the methods you taught us. I have a couple of girls who run directly toward the catch pen so that they can be first (and fourth, maybe fifth, well anyway lots!) I have a couple that would rather not enter the pen and ask me to do my thing with them anywhere in the pasture, they love it.
Yesterday, we got to do nails. Well, let me tell you that most of the animals were totally acceptable of this game and did extremely well with me balancing at their head and breathing with them. I had another gal doing the triming and she couldn't believe the changes in the pacas! I was so excited and thrilled about the whole experience and the fact that we trimmed 10 alpacas in about 50 minutes! Past experience, with the old chase and halter method would take about 2.5 hours and EVERYONE was exhausted when we were done.
YIPPEE, thanx so much for your support!!!
Kathy Liberty Oaks Alpacas, CA September 27, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop - it was a total eye-opener/life-changer! I always like to give the animal the benefit of the doubt, and as a total camelid newbie, I have to say the more I learn and interact with them the more I respect and adore them. My new goal through vet school and beyond will be to learn how to best handle my patients so they can have as positive an experience as possible - the fine tuning in fancy procedures can come after.
I love that you are doing so much to advocate for their perspective and sincerely appreciate what you were able to teach us in such a short period of time on Sun - way to go efficiency!
Nile Veterinary Student University of Minnesota Veterinary School St. Paul, MN September 27, 2013
I truly do want to thank you for an incredible learning experience and fun, valuable class. You were fabulous! What a great teacher... your explanations and demonstrations were perfect, the use of the teaching aids and having us try certain maneuvers on each other were invaluable, and your enthusiasm and sense of humor made it all a lot of fun. Fantastic job!!! Thank you so much for a great weekend of learning.
Hope to see you sometime in the future.
Janie California September 27, 2013
I'd like you to know that Im about 1/3 thru the Camelid Companion book and without a doubt it has changed my thought process in every way towards hoofed animals specifically and all animals in general. It will be at least 2 years before I can start my own herd and am trying to register for one of Martys classes to take (hopefully more than once) before that blessed event takes place. Im thrilled that Im reaping the benefits of Martys presence in the camelid world before I start my venture and will do my utmost to purchase only animals that have been handled using her methods. Please accept my sincere thanks and expect an order sometime in the next year for ropes, halters and other gear. Im a firm believer in repaying the giver, life is a big circle especially when giving our best to others.
Take care and expect to hear more from me soon.
Pat Falls Church, VA September 27, 2013
I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for your newsletter and especially the "TIP" that comes right to my email box. Even though I attempt to put into practice the things I have learned by attending a clinic and of course reading your book I appreciate the reminders. When I read your tips and study the accompanying photos I always learn something and often have an ahha moment that just crystallizes a technique in my minds eye.
A BIG thank you . . . . . from me AND my herd!
Deb Sullivan, MO September 27, 2013
Guess what? Being encouraged by your video, we decided to shear our alpacas standing. AND: we did all the ladies, all the yearlings and some of the males standing! It worked really, really well. I noticed it was like a dance. Some of them went well in the midline catch, some didn't want to be held, and I just balanced them with one hand on the back, some just wanted to lay their head on my stretched out arm. That was one wonderful and interesting experience! It was much less stressful and actually - we hardly could believe it - faster as well.
Thank you for encouraging us!
You are the best!Sibylle Klasing-Mann Senior CAMELIDynamics Consultant, Germany September 27, 2013
You taught me to manage our herd in a respectful, quiet and purposeful manner. In fact my hubby and I vaccinated them all just yesterday in 5 minutes flat. Your knowledge has empowered me in so many ways. I often hear your voice in my head when I am out there ("barn goddess=me"). I am pleased to say that the welders mask was discarded after I attended your session.
Lise Newtown CT September 25, 2013