Alicia and I each had some solo time with Doc, and we also did a little as a pair. We decided that he would be having to deal with each of us individually, and as a team to get those legs healed, so we may as well start now. We both need to have a strong leadership role with him. That has shown to be a bit confusing to the herd animal who is used to having one leader. So we started working closer together, and basically doing things in tandum, only pushing the separation times as far as he could tolerate. Of course, those times got longer and longer, with increasing distance. What a smart boy!
I'll let Alicia tell you about her time with him... :)
I worked on rubbing him all over, both with a bare hand, and with the rope. Eventually, I was able to rub down the back legs... all the way to the hoof! I also picked up a front leg (with purpose), and he let me hold on to the foot and put it down on my terms. We did some "follow me" games with him following the feel of the rope around his neck. Eventually, we got the halter slipped on, and him following the feel of me moving his head towards me by the halter (untied). So far, he is extremely soft. We definitely want to keep it slow and not lose that feel!
:) Jackie
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