Stubborn show heifer that won't lead

[Justinthomforde]

I've got a stubborn heifer that won't lead very well and tries to get away. When we try and lead her she starts to back pedal and get away or throws her head at me. I've drug her around with a trailer a few times and she does OK but when I try to lead her by myself she wants to take off. I am suppose to show her in 2 weeks and don't Want to give up on her yet. What should I do?

 

[knabe]

first off, there are plenty of posts on what to do on this site.  search them.


second, let the heifer put the slack in the rope herself.


don't drag her.


third, put her in a pen that is small enough that if she takes off, you still have enough lead on your rope. if there still isn't enough, get a longer lead.


accept leans toward you instead of getting her feet to move.  reward the smallest try from her with release in the lead.


keep repeating.


fourth.  pull and hold from the side.  don't keep pulling.  when she comes to you, don't keep pulling. release the lead.

 

[SlickTxMaine]

first off, there are plenty of posts on what to do on this site.  search them.


second, let the heifer put the slack in the rope herself.


don't drag her.


third, put her in a pen that is small enough that if she takes off, you still have enough lead on your rope. if there still isn't enough, get a longer lead.


accept leans toward you instead of getting her feet to move.  reward the smallest try from her with release in the lead.


keep repeating.


fourth.  pull and hold from the side.  don't keep pulling.  when she comes to you, don't keep pulling. release the lead.

This works - try it!  It will likely take a few daily sessions, but they figure it out fairly quickly.  This method is used and successful with horses as well.  Be patient and don't give up. 

 

[GoWyo]

Check out this video starting about 4:20 for the pressure and release demonstration

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fa6jSwbMh1w