What is the ultimate goal when restraining sheep?

The ultimate goal when restraining sheep is to hold them in position without harm. This approach ensures that the sheep remain safe and calm during handling, whether for health checks, shearing, or other necessary procedures. Proper restraint minimizes stress for the animal and reduces the risk of injury to both the sheep and the handler. It is essential to apply techniques that are effective yet gentle, allowing for the care and examination required while keeping the animal as comfortable as possible.

The other options do not encompass the primary aim of restraint. For example, isolating sheep may be necessary in some scenarios but is not the goal of restraining them; it could create undue stress. Similarly, while making sheep comfortable is important, it is not the primary focus when restraining them; instead, the emphasis is on ensuring they are secure and safe. Training them for shows may involve restraint, but that is a specific context rather than the fundamental goal of restraint in general handling practices.