Simon’s greetings are enthusiastic, impromptu, and involve his whole body. He brays when he sees Maria or me, or when he has something to say. This was after his second halter training lesson which went well. Donkeys are not like dogs or horses. They don’t do things because you want them to. They have their own minds, and the image of the stubborn donkey is not a myth (the Bible is filld with references to donkey drivers trying to get these creatures moving). You have to use treats, and things work out fine. Once or twice, Simon got stubborn, but we are working past that.

The standards of donkey training are simliiar to dog training: follow the path of least  resistance. Be clear. Be patient. Be positive. It’s a long haul. Come and see.