Is My Donkey Playing or Serious

Question
Crackers is a donkey approximately one-year-old.  She's very friendly and even works well with my daughter.

My question is how to tell the difference between "aggressive play" or just plain aggression.  Today, for instance, I took her for a walk.  She started bucking and leaving all fours off the ground.  That didn't concern me much.  However, as I was leading her back to her area, she laid her ears back and ran toward me rather quickly.  Also, when she's in "teeth range", she appears to attempt to bite.  As long as it is friendly in nature, I don't mind one bit (unless it's going to hurt, of course).  But regardless if it is playful or not, obviously, safety first.  I try not to let her know that it scares me a bit, being her actions are not familiar to me.

I guess the bottom line is this:  If she wants to play, hey, I'm her number one playmate.  If she doesn't, or if it's going to prove unsafe, that's an obvious no-no.  Can you lend me some advise?  I appreciate your time.  I understand communicating well:  with wolves, as we have several hybrids, and conversing with them is charming.  But I guess I'm still trying to learn "Donkeyese".  Take care.


Answer
Hi Oren,
                A person should never be a donkey or any other equine's playmate. Donkeys are not little animals like a dog or a cat, and with her behavior, it is not if someone will get hurt but when. This is why you need to be the leader of the herd, not a member of it. They are also herd animals, so if you can get another Jenny or John as a companion for her, that will also help. Donkeys are very smart and right now, she feels that she is in control. You will need to take that control back.  When ever you go into the pasture, bring a lunge whip in with you or a plastic baseball bat in with you. When she starts the behavior say no in a very stern voice. and give her a smack on the buttocks. This will not hurt her and is much less then what the equine herd leader would do to her. Make sure that the punishment is within three seconds or she will forget what she is being punished for.  You do not say if she is trained. If she is not, then I would work on teaching her a job. If you would like some advise on that please let me know.

Lisa