Kids, Dogs and Visitors Around a Working Herd: What to Do and What to Skip

A herd in the neighborhood draws a crowd, and goats are curious animals, so the attraction is mutual. For the most part that is harmless. But a working herd is not a petting zoo, and a few things deserve a rule.

The fence is electric

The temporary netting around the herd carries a pulse that is meant to teach animals to stay inside. It is designed to be unpleasant, not dangerous, but nobody should be testing it, especially children. Keep hands, pets and strollers off the fence. Do not climb it or lean on it.

The guardian dogs are working animals

Many herds travel with livestock guardian dogs, big dogs bred to protect the animals from coyotes and other threats. They are generally calm with people they know, and they take their job seriously. A stranger walking toward the herd, or a leashed pet that barks, may look like a threat to them. So:

• Do not approach the dogs, and do not reach over the fence toward the herd.
• Do not run or shout near them.
• Keep your own dog on a leash and well back from the fence. A loose dog entering the area is the most common way these situations go wrong.
• If a guardian dog barks as you walk by, that is normal. Keep moving calmly.

Do not feed the goats

This is the one people break most often. Handing a goat a cracker or a handful of garden clippings seems harmless. It is not:

• Some garden plants are poisonous to goats. See the list.
• Sudden changes in diet can make goats sick.
• Animals that expect food from people crowd the fence and test it.

Children

Kids love this. Let them watch from a distance, count the goats and look for the one with the funny ears. If the herder is nearby and has time, many are glad to answer questions. Ask first, and follow the herder's lead on whether anyone can get closer.

Skin and plants

Goats may graze poison oak or poison ivy and not be bothered by it. Oil from those plants can end up on an animal's coat, the same way it can on a dog's fur. If the herd has been working in a patch of poison oak, wash your hands after touching a goat. See why goats can eat poison oak.

Where the line is

If a herder invites you in, you can be a guest. If not, enjoy the animals from the sidewalk. If you see something wrong, such as a downed fence, a loose animal or an injured goat, call the number posted on the sign and do not try to fix it yourself.