Having owned several goats over the years. You notice the similarities between goats and dogs. Here are the 5 similarities I have seen that caprines and canines share.
1.They Can Bond With You
Goats love their people once they have bonded with them. They will call for you when they see or hear you and enjoy your company. However, this can also be an issue if you don’t want to hear a screaming goat all day. Our favorite buck we’ve owned, was also not bonded to us. This made him a quite buck to have around. However, it also made him a little more difficult to handle.
2. You Can Walk Them
A goat can be trained to walk on a leash, or if they are well bonded with you and accustomed to walks, you can even walk them off leash. Of course, you can’t just walk them anywhere. You’ll want to pick a safe area where you know there aren’t off leash dogs and such that could be a danger to your hoofed companion. You’ll also want to steer clear of public sidewalks and roads, so they aren’t peppered in little poops. Personally, I enjoy walking our goats more than walking the dogs. They enjoy an easy going pace. If I stop, they stop and graze. If I continue walking, they immediately follow behind me. As a herd animal, they don’t want to be left behind. They don’t seem to like being walked every single day and prefer a few times a week. That makes it great if you don’t have a lot of time to do it daily. Whereas there is a bit more pressure to get the dog out every day, if not 2-3 times per day.
3. Same Lifespan
Goats live about as long as a dog with an average of 15 years of age. It depends on how they’re raised as far as living conditions, weight, type of feed, how many times they’ve kidded . . .
4. They Can Learn Their Name & Come When Called
Yep, that’s right. They can learn what their name is and come when called. However, sometimes it’s a matter of do you have something they want, or should they keep on doing their own thing.
5. They Love Attention And Cuddles
Most socialized goats LOVE to be pet and get scratches behind their ears. My best girl “Roca” will paw at my foot for attention so that she can get scratched. Half the time I wonder if it’s just because she can’t get to those areas herself.
The Downsides
Now before you go running out for a new goat companion, you’ll want to note the drastic differences that make them less desirable than a dog.
They Are Prey To Other Animals
Goats require protection from other animals that may be out to eat them. Including dogs! The more out in the country you are, the bigger the concern. For us, we need to protect against mountain lions, bears, and wandering dogs.
You Have To Have At Least Two
Dogs can live as a solo dog in the family. Some even seem to prefer it that way (though I think most dogs prefer another dog in the family). Goats however are herd animals and absolutely need to have others of their own kind around to be happy. Sure, you would probably fine substituting for another grazing animal like a sheep (which has different nutritional needs), pig, pony. But a goat will be happiest with another goat.
They’re Messier
Goats can be very messy if you don’t keep up on top of them. I’ve heard of goats being trained to pee outside, but not for pooping. They poop where they stand, and they poop a lot. They prefer to be clean, so keeping up on cleaning their area will make them happy and prevent disease.
They Like To Jump On Everything!
If they can reach it, they will jump on it. Whether it be your car, your kitchen table, your bed . . . ANYTHING. They can learn that you don’t want them to jump on certain things. But if you’re not around, the instinct and stubborn desire kicks in to jump.
They’re Stubborn
Goats are more likely to do what they want to do, regardless of whether or not you want them to. Dogs are much more trainable in this area. Dogs are more willing to please and stay out of trouble. Goats like to do what they want and will get away with what they can.
They Destroy Stuff
Yes, dogs destroy stuff too. But it’s usually a puppy phase provided they are getting proper exercise and mental stimulation. Regardless of age, goats like to chew and nibble at everything. They’ll tear up cardboard boxes and plastic. If they have horns, they’ll rub them against things. They’ll eat the bark off trees, eat your plants, bend metal fencing by rubbing up on it. If it’s there, they’ll figure it out.
Going Out Of Town/Babysitters
If you want to go out of town, it can be a lot more difficult to find a sitter for goats. Verses with dogs, there’s a lot more facilities and pet sitters meant for dogs. On the other hand, if you have a neighbor that has no problem taking care of your goat(s) while your away. It can be easier than if they had to take care of your dog (no walks, no house destruction . . .)
Conclusion
With a proper sturdy goat proof set up. Goats are a low maintenance pet and can be easier than a dog to own. If you don’t have the time to put into a dog which tends to demand more attention. Then goats might be the pet for you. They love to have you around but are also good doing their own thing each day. Goats can also have the added benefit of providing food for your family including milk, cheese, kifer, ice cream, and yogurt. Good Luck!
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