We picked up almost exactly where we left off yesterday. Doc didn't mind the halter being slipped over his nose, especially when he got a treat after I put it on. We worked our way slowly up and down the nose until he allowed me to put the top of the halter over his head. After doing that a few times, I gave him a treat and tied it. He offered no resistance at any point. After tying it, I just pretended like the rope wasn't there. I had a 22-foot line, just in case he wanted to run, but I didn't even need 2 feet. As soon as I started backing away from him, he followed, and very quickly I was walking around with my back to him, and he was following wherever I went. Twice, he offered to turn away from me, but because we had this technique down so well before I put the halter on, I just used it again. I backed away from his head, and walked toward his butt until he turned back towards me and followed again. I used a slight amount of pressure on the halter (about 1 ounce did the trick) to turn him in any direction I wanted. In combination with my body language, he understood perfectly. What a good boy!!! :)
He loves Mac...
I also brushed his whole body with a soft brush, picked out his two front feet (these are both firsts too!), and treated his wounds today. He was so tolerant of everything, and never tried to leave me during any of these procedures. He did say he would like to brush his own teeth, thank you very much...
Auntie Jennifer bought him a hay net! Thank you Jen!! (He loves it!)
Sweet horsey dreams to all!!
Jackie
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