steer question

[showstick09]

Me and my steer are very close. When it's just the two of us, he acts fine. My problem is that on March 7th I show him at our county fair, and he won't let anybody else touch him. If I have him set up and rubbing him with the showstick and my dad or anybody else walks up to him to feel on him, he goes bananas. He has been worked with and worked with on this problem, but it isn't helping much. Any suggestions?? I really need him to stand still when the judge feels him in the show ring.

 

[Bawndoh]

Try to get your Dad, or someone with handling experience to feed him, and sit around him, and walk/handle him so that he realiizes its ok.  When someone elso feeds him, and then tries to gently pet your steer, or gently talk to him he might realize that they are not out to kill him.  I had this issue with a few calves, and  I think they have it in their head that strangers are trying to harm them.  Usually, if "strangers" can be gentle and scratch them while they are eating and relaxed, it tends to help. 

 

[BCCC]

ditto, have your dad feed him in the moring, and then lead him for a few minutes a day , and have friends come over and pet him

 

[tackes]

Well, I definitely would not recommend SITTING anywhere near a steer that is even remotely not well-behaved. This would put the person in a very bad situation very quickly if things escalated.

Something similar is happening with my steer (he's not for show, but still needs to be a nice boy). He is okay with the man that feeds him when I am not there, he is NEVER ok with my husband. In fact, just the other day, he decided to push my husband into the hay    I shouldn't laugh, but it was funny. My husband went to 'bop' him on the nose and Buddy decided that wasn't going to happen. I spoke in a stern voice and I bopped him on the nose, not very hard, but he knows that when I do it, I mean for him to stop and behave. He doesn't try anything with me.

Did you ever consider that he was/ is trying to protect you? Just a thought.

I wouldn't suggest having any other person try to correct him besides you because, well, I really don't have a reason, but it seems to be working for me and my steer.

What about your dad offering carrot slices or other treats? Move slow, but quick work with him, but don't make him too anxious. Treats are a good way to get anyone to behave. Can your dad walk past him? Try having your dad get closer and closer, maybe even just brushing up against him at first. I wouldn't involve any friends until he is used to your dad, and be sure to explain to your friends, when and if you decide to involve them, everything about your steer, the risks, why you need their help, and how they need to act around your steer.

Good luck and keep us updated!!!

 

[showstick09]

tackes: He won't let my dad walk past him. He really doesn't like anybody behind him. The treats thing might work. I will try it. Thanks!