Q&A for How to Defend Against a Ram

Yes. If the ram sees the dog as a threat, it will most certainly try to attack it.

No. Rams, though powerful animals, are not as lethal and dangerous as 2000+ lb bulls are, horned or not. They can cause significant bruising and even broken bones, but are not so strong as to kill, not nearly as much as bovines.

It depends on where you live, and how prevalent rams are in that area.

Yes. Rams are bigger and stronger than cats, and if the cat isn't nimble or quick enough to get away, the ram could kill it by stomping or head-butting it hard enough to break bones and cause significant internal injuries.

Rams usually won't charge if they're scared of you, at most they'll try to avoid you. BUT, if you have that ram in a situation where he feels cornered with no way out, then he'll go after you. They'll also charge because they see you as either a rival or someone to be dominant over. It's very difficult to "befriend" a ram that gets to this point, especially since they can get quite dangerous and have potential to hurt you. It's easier to tame a ram when he's young than when he's an older fellow. If he's just reaching puberty, treats and halter-training him might work, but be ready to put him up for sale if it doesn't help.

Most likely yes.

It really depends on the disposition of the older ram. Out of experience, it may take a little bit of time for them to warm up to each other. You could put them in a pen together and observe them for a while to see how the interaction goes: be ready to 'save' the little one if need be.

STAY STILL! If you want to avoid being hit, dodge to the side when it gets close to you. It may be scary, but charging back at it will show signs of aggression and make the ram angrier.

Neither one works, all it does is give the ram a challenge, and he might hit you harder! Making an intact male overly friendly as a lamb is dangerous, and has cost many rams their lives. They treat you like one of their own, so if they think you're getting too friendly with their ewes, or they want the grain bucket, you're in trouble. I have used this method on both rams and bucks: I carry a little container of water with me. Cold works fine. When they start getting closer than I would like, I give them a command like "Back off." (Say it like you mean it.) Then I immediately hit him right in the face with the water. A couple of times is all it takes and they will leave you alone.

If you make yourself look bigger and make a noise that is strange to them, they usually run away. You should not need any weapons to defend yourself.

if he sees the gate as threatening or that you are keeping him away from his sheep, then he will charge. Also, if he dislikes whomever is standing behind the gate, he may charge.