Most Alpacas make very good pets if they are treated well and the owners are realistic in their expectations. Like any livestock, the more handling they received as youngsters, the quieter they are as adults. Given time, most alpacas will eat out of your hand and training them to lead by halter is a straightforward process.

Alpacas generally don't like being held, and are particularly sensitive to being touched on the head. They are naturally curious and intelligent and if you let them approach you, rather than rush at them and expect an affectionate response, the interactions can be very rewarding. Alpacas are herd animals and are instinctively gregarious. They obtain security and contentment from having at least one other alpacas for company. Therefore it is recommended that two alpacas are the desirable minimum."
National Alpaca Review Issue 5 2005

When you have a male alpaca as a pet, it is very important that you not allow him to become too friendly. It's all well and good whilst he's young (especially if he's bottle fed) to give you cuddles and come into 'your space' But as he matures, and reaches possibly over 100kg unless he is aware that he is an alpaca and not a human. Trouble is sure to follow. An alpaca must understand that they can not come into your space unless invited in. We have heard too many stories of 'beserk males' that owners had the best intentions as young weanlings to 'handle' them that have gone on to cause serious injury to their owners once they have matured. Be cautious with young males in as far as ensuring that you are not creating/training a male alpaca that will become a paca with 'beserk male syndrome' as an adult. For these males, unfortunatley, there seems to be no 'cure' or re-training and they must be put to sleep.

Alpacas are being used as sheep herd protectors with great success. Wethers do this job best. They tend to 'bond' with the flock are ward off intruders such as foxes. There has been a reported significant rise in lamb survival rates when Alpacas are used to protect the flock.

We have four children ranging in ages from 4 - 17 years old. Our children, especially the younger ones play happily out in our paddocks with the Alpacas keeping a watchful eye. Alpacas are great around children. In Summer the Alpacas and our youngest children all play underneath the sprinklers together, enjoying the cooling water and sunshine. Kids and Alpacas seem to go well together. As with all animals you do need to teach your children what Alpacas like and don't like. Alpacas do not generally kick either. If they do, it's normally at one another and as a last attempt at detering another alpacas' advances or when another alpaca comes into someone's 'space'. Alpacas don't have 'hoofs' Their feet are soft padded although they do have two toenails which need to be trimmed about every 3-4 months, depending on your ground.