Why are mules so STUBBORN?

Question

I have a mule that's smart as a whip, but stubborn as, you guessed it, a mule. He figured out how to open his stall, so we had to move the latch. He knows how to open the treat bin, so now we have to lock it. He has selective hearing. He also likes to play tricks on me by moving stuff around in the barn, and then acting all innocent when I can't find it.

He's a great guy, and he's full of personality, but boy can he be stubborn. Is there some other way to get his attention so he'll listen better?

Answer 1

He sounds just like my horse, haha :)

I think it's just his personality, really.

My horse will take stuff out of my pockets all the time or eat the food out of my hand.

It is probably just him trying to get your attention and being his normal self :)

Answer 2

You need to sell the mule.

Some people aren't smarter than their animals and have no business owning mules.  

They aren't stubborn, they are just higher IQ'ed than their owners.  You go meet some of those old mule guys... if you want to see the cream of the crop in training and ideas and ways to get your animal to respect you.. they know it.

If you are already on the level of saying he's stubborn, do the mule a favor and sell it.  You really don't have the patience to have one.

Get a horse..and stay away from mules.

Answer 3

Hes to smart for his own good and has to cause trouble for you to be entertained! lol Sounds like a lot of personality!

Answer 4

If a mule is anything like a horse, there's always one sure bet: Use food to get his attention ;) hehe

Ponies are so silly! Your mule sounds like a pony :)

Answer 5

because they are like ponies and ponies are REALLY stubborn..

Answer 6

They are stubborn BECAUSE OF their intelligence.  I've also found mustangs to be the same way.  Instead of just reacting to things, they actually try to figure things out.  That's why they mess with EVERYTHING, and test you constantly.  It's their way of interacting with and learning about their world.  It's just the nature of the creature.  I think it's a good thing.  I'd rather have a horse/mule that thinks about things than one that just reacts all the time.