First of all your goat will need to
get used to you and trust you. You can start that process by simply sitting
in the pen with him. He should eventually come near you out of curiosity. A
little bit of feed will also speed the process. Let him eat out of your hand
so he can start to trust you.
Brush him often. This also gets them
used to you and trust you. And they usually like to be brushed.
When he gets to trust you, put a
collar or halter on him and just sit there with him with it on. Let him get
used to it before trying to lead him around. Some rules require showing with
a collar or chain and some require a halter. Check out the rules for your
specific requirements.
When you start to lead him around,
keep the collar up next to the jaw. This will give you more control.
Work in short sessions. Be patient
and don't expect huge advancements in a short time.
Start teaching him to stand a little
at a time. Then make him stand a little longer each time.
Remember this is going to take some
time and work on your part and the goat's part. Train at home before you get
to the show.
When at the show, always keep your
goat between you and the judge. Be sure not to block the judge's view of
your animal with your body.
When turning or moving to the other
side of your animal, move in front of the goat.
Always watch the judge but don't
forget about your goat. Try to keep him set up square so his meat and
muscles will show.
If bracing is allowed, try not to brace to the point that
his front feet are off the ground. (Most judges don't like to see
their feet off ground)
The judge will probably ask you some
questions. Know how much your goat weighs, how old he is, what kind of feed
you are using, what breed your goat is, how much protein is in the feed, how
much you are feeding, what you worm with, (including the dosage) and what
you may have vaccinated with. Be prepared.
Keep "showing" your animal even when the judge is
not looking in your direction. Try not to place your hand on the goats back.
This will block the judges view of his top line.
When leaving the show ring, keep showing your goat all the
way out. If you have done your best, you can feel good win or lose.
Make a checklist of what you will
need at the Fairgrounds. Keep watch of your animal. Sometimes the Fair
environment can be stressful on him. You don't want him to get sick at the
Fair or show.