The hardest part of trimming goats hooves, is getting the goats to stand still, especially when you are new to the job and taking a bit longer than the goat is happy with. It also takes longer to trim overgrown hooves, so do the job regularly and it will go much quicker.

If you set your goat up on a platform you will find it easier to do the job, you won’t have to bend down so far and your back will thank you!

With goats that have their horns intact, make sure that their head is secured or that you have someone holding onto their horns. Being head butted by a goat hurts.

Your goat will be more patient with you if she has a bucket of hay to much on, or if the person holding her has some of her favorite treats on hand.

If the goats hoof is very muddy, take a bucket of warm water and a brush and clean it off first.

To pick up a hoof, run your hand down the goats leg and take a firm hold of the hoof and lift.

Talk to your goat in a soothing voice while you are working on the hoof. Even if your goat starts to act up, keep your voice calm becasue the goat will only get more upset if you get angry.

A good pair of shears will make trimming goats hooves an easier task and a sanding block finishes the hoof off nicely.

The video that follows gives clear instructions on how to trim hooves.