stubborn heifer

[WhoaFlicka]

we have 850 lbs heifer we want start showing soon she is very calm and doesn't get excited about anything but she will not lead she either locks up tight or tries to go backwards when you pull on her im getting very frustrated need some tips to make her walk thanks

 

[vc]

Try doing a search in the archives there are some really good threads on the subject.
As a side note I have never has success pulling on one.

 

[Spencer10218]

I have the same problem with heifers every year
You can get a calf and walk in front of her and it should help
Or this year we had one broke to work and wouldn't bolt so we took her to a 3 day show and that broke her, the turning point was after she had been in chute for 3 hours then walked a half mile to the trailer
She is a puppy now

 

[HavinABlast]

Had one like that last year.....uggghhh!  Ours was a real quiet calf right from birth and was a big calf....sure gave us some problems (especially because she was a 4-H project - no fun for a young kid!).  We tried all the pulling, leading tricks - even tried tying her to her mama and leading the cow but that didn't work.  We ended up (as a last resort) borrowing an electric prod much against my better judgement.  The prod was not real high powered but it was the only thing that got that heifer moving.  We kind of 'trained' her to respond to a smack on her hip...in no time she was responding to that hand smack instead of a prod (which some ring stewards would assist with).  It was our saving grace.  I think if they are used sensibly and with respect they (the electric prods) can sure save a lot of ears from drooping!    :-\

 

[Chuck Wagon]

Yes, lots of good info in the archives.  You can use one of those halters that have a ring so there is a slight relief when you let off pressure.  Similar to a horse, it takes patience.  Pull with a slight pressure and when she gives, release.  It may take awhile.  Get her used to life with a halter and anytime you can lead behind another calf, walking out the barn, to feed, etc.. it all helps.

 

[shortybreeder]

A trick I read a couple years ago, and have used on every animal since, is before you take the halter off make them take a step forward and stand properly. In the past I'd just take the halter off when I was done, and some would shake their heads violently as I did it. This taught them that they could "shake it off" so they'd always be shaking their heads when I was working them.