Steer training

[S_W]

So, my market steer this year has a problem of running and draging me with him. He is already 1058 pounds as of yesterday, so I can't out muscle him.

Basically, my steer doesn't want to walk, so he tries to run off towards his pen, or run me into something. It's really hard to keep hold of him, even with the prong chain on the show halter. He throws his head down and to the right, or he will try to push me over. Some times he even rears up and jumps forward. I will turn him in small circles when he tries to run, and I will smack him on the nose, but it seems to do nothing. Maybe I'm not smacking him hard enough?

Some one told me to just run him into a wall if he tries to run, but it seems like he's happy when he's at the wall.

Any tips on fixing this behavior?

Also he isn't really sensitive to anything.

I had a similar problem with my last years steer, but it was fixed when I walked behind his ear. With my new guy, it doesn't seem to work. (The running I mean.)

 

[Grand Campion]

try tying him to a four-wheeler and dragging him

 

[BEAST CATTLE CO]

Tying him to a small tractor works too.

 

[S_W]

Thanks! I don't really have a small tractor or 4 wheeler though, or an open field. We only have big machinery.

It's too wet right now and our pastures aren't suited for much machine travel. Like they'll get stuck if driven repeatedly in the same area. I live on the west coast.

I might be able to try it in a few months though.

 

[Jive Turkey]

Thanks! I don't really have a small tractor or 4 wheeler though, or an open field. We only have big machinery.

It's too wet right now and our pastures aren't suited for much machine travel. Like they'll get stuck if driven repeatedly in the same area. I live on the west coast.

I might be able to try it in a few months though.

Anyone nearby have a donkey to tie him to?

 

[S_W]

I have 2 donkeys, but the one is too old and pitiful (he just stands and cries if anyone pushes him out of the way.) And the other one is cart trained, but too small. He's like half the size of my steer.

 

[looking4champions]

Are you using a breaking halter with a slip ring? If not start.... If he's over 1000# and still acting that way. Technically he's not halter broke. Start by tying him with his head up for no less than 3 hours per day. Tie him to a fence post or in a grooming chute with the neck squeeze open. That will allow him to move back and forth on the halter but feel the squeeze and then relief of the halter. He has to If you have been doing that up to this point and he's still acting this way and you can't afford to not show him. Start experimenting with different calming products now. You'll need it come show time. Otherwise call your local butcher so someone doesn't get embarrassed or hurt.

 

[Jive Turkey]

Are you using a breaking halter with a slip ring? If not start.... If he's over 1000# and still acting that way. Technically he's not halter broke. Start by tying him with his head up for no less than 3 hours per day. Tie him to a fence post or in a grooming chute with the neck squeeze open. That will allow him to move back and forth on the halter but feel the squeeze and then relief of the halter. He has to If you have been doing that up to this point and he's still acting this way and you can't afford to not show him. Start experimenting with different calming products now. You'll need it come show time. Otherwise call your local butcher so someone doesn't get embarrassed or hurt.

Or a nose ring.

 

[S_W]

Are you using a breaking halter with a slip ring? If not start.... If he's over 1000# and still acting that way. Technically he's not halter broke. Start by tying him with his head up for no less than 3 hours per day. Tie him to a fence post or in a grooming chute with the neck squeeze open. That will allow him to move back and forth on the halter but feel the squeeze and then relief of the halter. He has to If you have been doing that up to this point and he's still acting this way and you can't afford to not show him. Start experimenting with different calming products now. You'll need it come show time. Otherwise call your local butcher so someone doesn't get embarrassed or hurt.

I've been tying his head up and they don't really sell calming products in Canada. He behaves and doesn't run in a pen. I showed him this weekend and he behaved pretty good in the ring. It's when he is out in an open space he just tries to drag me. Any suggestions for calming products that I can get?

He also rears up in the chute so, typically I tie his head low in the chute. At home I have a tie ring on a large post (old telephone pole) that I tie him to. He seems to be fine with the post.

 

[S_W]

Or a nose ring.

A nose ring could give me more control, but I don't think I can have one at the fairs.

 

[vc]

Melatonin, start him on about 100 mlg and see if it helps add from there if it does not seem to be working. we fed 33 of the melatonin 3 mlg. give it a week and see if it does not take the edge off.

 

[S_W]

Melatonin, start him on about 100 mlg and see if it helps add from there if it does not seem to be working. we fed 33 of the melatonin 3 mlg. give it a week and see if it does not take the edge off.

Thanks!
What melatonin should I buy? Like they only sell melatonin in gummy form in the stores near me for human consumption. I don't think my steer would eat gummies. He is very picky, but something that would blend in with the grain would work. I'll look online for something.

 

[vc]

Amazon has them but they are 20 mg so you would only need to start with 5 and then go from there.

 

[ISquaredCattle]

Hit him on the nose with the lead rope or show stick whenever he tries to be witchy.

 

[S_W]

Amazon has them but they are 20 mg so you would only need to start with 5 and then go from there.

Thanks! I can't see what picture or link you put on there, but I will look.

 

[S_W]

Amazon has them but they are 20 mg so you would only need to start with 5 and then go from there.

Thanks! I can't see what picture or link you put on there, but I will look.

Hit him on the nose with the lead rope or show stick whenever he tries to be witchy.

I do that. But I have to hit him with my hand really hard or he ignores it.