After a couple of sessions in the squeeze where Kruzer tolerated being touched by people, Sharon suggested we try approaching him in the round pen using the bamboo pole. Originally Kruzer didn't much like the pole but after a few minutes in the round pen he stood quietly to be scratched. We worked up the pole until we could touch him with our hands. The first couple of finger touches caused Kruzer to start forward so Kathy, whom Kruzer knew the best, stepped in. It wasn't long before Kruzer not only allowed, but seemed to start to like being scratched on his rump, flank and back.
First contact while standing still.
Starting to relax.
Letting Lee make contact.
Working up Kruzer's back and he's OK with it.
Brian steps in.
Since Kruzer's first response if things got too much for him was to leave rather than kick, we paid particular attention to making sure he had a clear exit path if he became overwhelmed.
In subsequent days Kruzer, upon seeing Kathy, would walk to his favorite "scratching spot" in the round pen and she could make contact, rubbing and scratching him all over his right side. The next step will involve getting Kruzer on the lead and starting to desensitize his "forbidden" left side.
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