cattledog for sucklers

vanderbadger

just wondering has anyone successfully introduced a cattle dog to a herd that werent previously used to dogs, or has anyone bought in a trained dog and how did it go.

funny man

vanderbadger wrote: »

just wondering has anyone successfully introduced a cattle dog to a herd that werent previously used to dogs, or has anyone bought in a trained dog and how did it go.

I work two dogs all the time and this is the best way to work sucklers in my opinion as the cows tend not to challenge the dog as they would if he was on his own, really well trained dogs will work sucklers on their own but must have a responsiable handler, i'd only introduce a dog when the calves are 3months+ or prefably when the cows are dry and over a few days without working him (i'd never bring a pup/young dog near sucklers), train them on young stock first as you risk weakning him or worse maybe injury.

vanderbadger

funny man wrote: »

I work two dogs all the time and this is the best way to work sucklers in my opinion as the cows tend not to challenge the dog as they would if he was on his own, really well trained dogs will work sucklers on their own but must have a responsiable handler, i'd only introduce a dog when the calves are 3months+ or prefably when the cows are dry and over a few days without working him (i'd never bring a pup/young dog near sucklers), train them on young stock first as you risk weakning him or worse maybe injury.

interesting thanks.. suppose when you have cattle used to dogs its easier to introduce a new one as opposed to starting from scratch

funny man

vanderbadger wrote: »

interesting thanks.. suppose when you have cattle used to dogs its easier to introduce a new one as opposed to starting from scratch

I gathered sucklers for a neighbour last week, never seen a dog before, but in fairness the dog showed them respect not running around them driving them mad. a dog must work off stock not up close as this causes stock to constantly turn on the dog.

Bizzum

funny man wrote: »

I work two dogs all the time and this is the best way to work sucklers in my opinion as the cows tend not to challenge the dog as they would if he was on his own, really well trained dogs will work sucklers on their own but must have a responsiable handler, i'd only introduce a dog when the calves are 3months+ or prefably when the cows are dry and over a few days without working him (i'd never bring a pup/young dog near sucklers), train them on young stock first as you risk weakning him or worse maybe injury.

I've never had 2 good dogs at the one time to try that but it makes sense!
I would agree with a lot of what funny man said.
We have a couple of cows at the moment that go wrong when the dog is about, the rest tend to tow the line though!

KatyMac

I've started to introduce my latest pup to the cattle. He's about 10 weeks old and stands up to the calves so I've great hope for him. The calves are used to seeing him around and as long as there is a handler around they show no sign of taking him on and he's getting the hang of things.
He was actually dumped on the side of the road outside our gate a couple of weeks ago and I decided to keep him when he showed he's got plenty of courage.

cowman

anyone got a rough guide price for a well trained dog? also any difference in price or personal preference for a dog or bitch???