OH MY GOAT! Man’s Other Best Friend?

By Photographer, Storyteller & Contributor Simie Seaman

No kidding! Goat’s make the most wonderful companions.

We already know how great dogs are. They make us happy after a long day at work, keep us in shape, and take care of us just as much as we take care of them. But one of your favorite farm animals is giving man's best friend a run for his money.

Contrary to popular opinion, goats are much more than an animal garbage disposal. Ever since they were first domesticated more than 11,000 years ago, the funny furry animals have been kept on farms to provide milk, cheese, and keep grass trimmed. But the domesticated "non-companion" animals (as opposed to domesticated companion animals like dogs) are capable of much more than people might assume.

You know how dogs will give you "the look" when they're out of food? The one with the big eyes? Eyes so big you think they might pop out of their heads if you don't feed them right this second? "Goats gaze at humans in the same way dogs do when asking for a treat

When a man or woman locks eyes with his or her dog, something familiar happens: with goat’s glimpse of recognition.

We’ve all seen the movies where the star-crossed lovers look deeply into each other’s eyes before ending the movie with a romantic kiss. Well, did you know that goats display this behavior as a sign of familiarity and trust?

Goats are able to recognize your face and your facial expressions; they will look at your eyes when you talk to try and grasp what you are trying to communicate. Likewise, if goat needs something but doesn’t know how to communicate it, they may stare directly at you until you get the hint.

If a goat is unwilling to approach you, it’s usually a sign that they do not trust you or humans in general.

That being said, a goat that does trust you and is comfortable with you will be willing and confident to approach you. They’ll walk right up to you and stand in front of you so that the two of you can further interact. If a goat is willing to approach you, it means that they see you as a friend rather than potential danger.

Goats are similar to dogs in many ways; one way is that they beg for attention. Like dogs, goats will beg to be petted. They will do this by rubbing against you, standing in front of you, and following your hands. Goats can be taught their name and to come when called.

Another way goats show affection is by vocalizing when they see you.Goats call to each other to each other to locate one another and identify each other. If a goat is calling to you, it usually means that the goat sees you and just wants to make sure it’s really you. One way you can give your goat peace of mind is by answering it back! Goats can recognize your voice, so talking back in response will let the goat know it’s you.

If a goat is particularly fond of you, it may follow you around. Whether you’re cleaning out the pen or you’re simply taking a walk, a goat that likes you will follow you wherever you go. This is a sign that they want to be with you, and this behavior is very similar to that displayed by dogs and their owners.

If you want to know what a goat is thinking, look at their facial expression! Animals can be very expressive in their face and their eyes. When it comes to showing affection, a goat’s expression will change. Their ears will prick forward and towards you, showing that they are listening and watching you. They’ll also stare in your direction

All in all, goats make wonderful companions and pets. Goats are a pleasure to keep and give you many hours of fun watching them with their humorous ways. Goats all have very different personalities and different little habits which can be very interesting to observe.

SUBSCRIBE FREE TO PALOS VERDES PULSE