Help! My lamb is starting to butt me!

[PollyGirl21]

Hi! I have a ewe and two sweet lambs. Lately one lamb, Maple, has started butting my boots. I haven't been touching her head. I don't think she realizes that my boots are actually a part of ME. I doubt she is butting them to be mean, because the other day she was butting around a bowl. She butts her sister to play sometimes, too. I am afraid to push her away because she might think we are starting a game, and that will encourage her. She is still small, so none of this butting hurts. How do I GENTLY correct this behavior? Thank you!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I mostly ignore that behavior, but if it's persistent I might try picking it and holding on to it, than putting it down somewhere it can't continue it. You don't want that to become a habit. Any pushing will encourage it, so best to try to avoid it happening and hope it grows out of it.

 

[PollyGirl21]

Thank you for your reply. I've just been rubbing her chin to at least get her head up and not lowered to butt me. She loves the chin rubs, so I hope that isn't encouraging her, either.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Thank you for your reply. I've just been rubbing her chin to at least get her head up and not lowered to butt me. She loves the chin rubs, so I hope that isn't encouraging her, either.

It may, @cassie may have something else to add. I think I would avoid any head stuff for a bit and scratch it's butt instead.

 

[PollyGirl21]

Alright, thank you!
p.s. I love your signature! ALWAYS brake for squirrels!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Crazy squirrels. They can never make up their minds.

 

[PollyGirl21]

The ones on my street just hang out in the road. Some just relax there, and others leisurely stroll across. They know people will brake for them!

 

[cassie]

I am no expert on sheep, but a spray bottle works wonders on a lot of misbehaviors. A squirt of cold water in the face should teach her that butting is not fun.

 

[PollyGirl21]

I am no expert on sheep, but a spray bottle works wonders on a lot of misbehaviors. A squirt of cold water in the face should teach her that butting is not fun.

Thank for your reply! I would do that, except she is still a little girl, and I don't want her to be scared of me.

 

[cassie]

Thank for your reply! I would do that, except she is still a little girl, and I don't want her to be scared of me.

Try to do it when she isn't looking at you. It is very unlikely that a squirt bottle would make her afraid anyway. Annoyed maybe, but not frightened. Especially when you use it only when she is butting you. In any even you have got to stop this behavior. If she knocks you flat once she is grown, that won't be funny.