Training difficult Heifer

[Rewhoo Farm]

I have a 1 year old Heifer I’ve been working for 6 months. I’ve had her tied for days, led her around the fields in circles forever, worked with her on the show halter. She is just so stubborn and impatient. I can’t get her to lead with me right, she’ll usually set up alright after a while though. She also goes crazy on the wash rack and hates being tied. It seems to make her behave worse. She is mostly Charolais and I’ve heard they can have temperament problems. Does anyone have any tips for training a calf like this?!

 

[knabe]

Lead less, follow more.

 

[Chuck Wagon]

Knabe is right, you’re gonna have to move into heifer whisperer mode.  Spend an hour a day of calm behavior with her.  Tie her up and scratch her belly with a show stick, gently brush.  At this point , you got nothing to lose

 

[knabe]

the stuff you want to eventually do should be a by-product of what you do.


put a bowl with favorite treat on a route you lead her on.


kneel down on the ground and ask for a step sideways.


do things on both sides. people underestimate this. in the show ring, there will be things on both sides and that is the time that people finally, well, i guess never realize that's what the cattle are responding too. they don't like anything over there they have to pay attention too with both eyes.

 

[knabe]

hates being tied. It seems to make her behave worse.

do you tie her up with others?

 

[cowman 52]

If you can pair her up with another cow,  an old show heifer first choice,  but a partner will help. Walk them in pairs, rinse together,  the whole bit. 

 

[Rewhoo Farm]

hates being tied. It seems to make her behave worse.

do you tie her up with others?

Yes she has another calf that goes every where with her.  He’s very young, but they are the only ones I have right now!

Thanks for all the input guys, I like the treat idea and just sitting with her. I never thought about doing things from both sides! Thanks for that. Time to get to work again!