Llamas by the LLake -Selecting the Right Llama

In the Beginning

	Selecting The Right Llama

The first thing we should understand is that all llamas are different and I'm not talking about their color or the type of wool. Llamas have their own individual personality traits and characteristics just like any other animal. Some are excellent pack animals and others are great show or companion animals. When selecting a llama for a particular task or job look for those characteristics and traits that best fit the job.
		A driving llama should have some very specific abilities and traits to be a successful driving animal. Driving is probably the most demanding and challenging activity we can ask of a llama. It involves not only training and practice, but also trust, teamwork and good communication between llama and driver. The following are a few characteristics that are a good foundation from which to look for in a potential driving llama.
1. Temperament/Disposition: A potential driving llama should have a gentle easy going personality. He should enjoy being out in the public and shouldn't mind being approached by large numbers of people. 2. Size: A llama's size may or may not be important. Sometimes in our search for the best driving llama, we look for the really big guys. Sometimes these aren't always the best choice. The smaller boned llamas are often as good or better than the bigger ones. Also, the driving equipment is designed so that irregardless of the llama's size the weight of the cart and passengers should be balanced over the axles of the cart. 3. Age: Training begins for most llamas at about eighteen to twenty-four months of age. This doesn't mean that a younger llama shouldn't be worked with. Some llamas are large enough at a younger age to start limited training activities. Younger llamas can also receive some attention too. This could include carrying things on their back and desensitizing those areas where they will be wearing the harness. 4. Sex: Traditionally, the male llama is the one that is used for driving. Two reasons for this; one, there are more male llamas around than we usually know what to do with and two, the girls are busy tending to those pretty little babies. But the truth of the matter is that females could and probably should be trained to drive. No doubt, they would do as well as the males. Also, some wonder if a male should be gelded prior to training or driving. Not necessarily, intact males make good driving animals, too. 5. Maturity: Those who have been driving llamas for a number of years feel that a llama reaches his driving prime at about five to six years. Male llamas become more settled and comfortable once they passed through what I like to call llama puberty. Successful training begins with a willing and cooperative student. Be honest and fair in your initial evaluation of your llama. This will save you a lot of time and effort. Good luck and remember no matter what ....have fun.

Llamas by the Llakes
Ron and Pam Shinnick
291 Wolfe Street
Cohutta, GA 30710
(706) 694-3642
rshinnick@hotmail.com

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