Q&A for How to Show a Goat in 4H

Yes. Practice everything, it is better to know as much as you can. Generally, the judge asks to see certain body parts, moves, and a score card, but studying everything will give you an advantage.

Generally you want to give the goats the same feed as you do at home. Goats tend to stress over almost everything at the shows. They stress about traveling, being prepped, all the people and other goats, etc. so you want to keep everything as normal as possible for them.

You should stay calm and make sure your goat is brushed, has its collar on, and is clean. Make sure your goat had plenty of practice, perhaps do a few walk-throughs to be reassured.

A goat should be fully weaned before showing. The earliest that happens is usually when they reach about 2.5 months in age.

Like any animal, a goat cannot survive for long without water (only days), so you must get a hold of a vet right away.

Yes. In most shows, you can show a goat as long as they are over 5 months old.

You do not want the goat against you most of the time. You want to hold the show chain up under the head with the head held high and your arm extended. You don't have to extend your arm to the point that your elbow is locked, but keep a small distance between you and the goat. This shows professionalism and that you trained your goat to almost walk without you.

You want to put it in its new home and give it some space. Let it get used to seeing you everyday. Talk to it and let it get used to your voice. Bond with your goat by brushing it, petting it and playing with it, as well as giving it treats. If it is an older goat, try these things slowly and judge how it reacts. Never do anything that causes anxiety, as there may be an issue to get over. Ensure that its food and housing are appropriate and comfortable, and make a vet appointment soon to check its health and any issues.

No, you can't show it. You will have to disqualify yourself. It is better to train two goats so if that does happen, you can show the healthy one.

It can be. It depends on how well you work and handle them. It also depends on their age. For example, a kid can be harder to train than a 2-year-old. But you just have to take your time and be patient. Don't get frustrated -- the goat will sense that and stop working.

It varies show by show. Your judge may ask you how you care for the goat, how you trained, and other questions related to your goat's care.

Only if you're in a county fair and win overall champion or reserve champion in your market class.

Once it's weaned from its mother, spend lots and lots of time with it. Feed it by hand and pet it. Once it's used to you, get some grain, and put it in your hand. Give it to your goat if it stands up. Keep doing that.

You can use dish soap, laundry soap, or a whitening soap for animals. Just be careful not to leave it on too long.

Yes, that would be fine.

For lamanchas, you tag or tattoo them under their tail. It's the same process as tattooing its ear, just under the tail instead.

It depends on the regulations of your show. Check the show's guidelines and try asking your 4-H leader.

It depends on the show. Personally, I have not trimmed my goats' horns in a few years because the shows I go to have not specified that we have to. Most shows, however, require trimming their horns, but very few that I know of require de-horning them.

Use a collar and put it under the goat's jaw. Try to walk with it. If the goat does not want to walk, lightly pull its tail straight up to get it to walk. Start walking the goat about 20 minutes twice a day, slowly adding more time.

You will need to take a brush, show collar or halter, food, treats, and any other basic tools that are not supplied at the show.

Try keeping a close eye on them and make sure they are decently used to human contact so they won't have large reactions to someone touching or petting them. If they are so skittish it serves a big problem consider waiting until the next fair and meanwhile conditioning them to get used to being around others.