AboutJauson Expertise I can answer questions about training, such as but not limited to halter breaking, saddle, harness and trick training. Health, housing and some breeding issues. I will not answer health questions that would require me to examine the animal in person. These types of questions are best handled by your local vet.
Experience Im the founder of the IRSA, I have trained cattle and bison for many years. I have written a book about training and have owned and shown many grand champion Longhorn cattle.
Organizations IRSA, ITLA
Publications Apples N Oats,The Farm Show Magazine, Western Horseman, The Complete Book of Riding Steers, Steers with Gears,The Drover
Education/Credentials equine science
Awards and Honors Many Produce of dam, and grand champion steers of all ages.
Expert: Jauson Date: 5/14/2008 Subject: Training a 14 month old Brown Swiss
Question I recently purchased two dairy cows. One is a Brown Swiss that is 14 months old. She has been in pasture all her life and has never had close contact with anyone. She is not crazy per say she is very stand-offish. I purchased her to breed and eventually become a family milk cow. How can I start training her to interact and obey without using any physical force?
Answer She is quite old to be starting to train to milk with out firm contact of any kind. You can't let them run over you and you will have to set some ground rules. This is not abuse, but telling a cow the word "no" if she doesn't know what the word means won't help you much.
I would call the vet out or if you have a chute put her in it. Get a halter on her and when the chute gate opens, have a place picked out to dally her to. She is stronger than you are. Let her fight a post, not your back. She shouldn't fight to long and they don't go crazy like a horse does.Maybe give her a treat when she is good, but I do not advice using treats as a constant reinforcer. You are going to need to tie her up and do allot of grooming if you are to milk her. get her used to being touched everywhere, and I do mean everywhere.
The draw back of this method is that some cows will charge you when they are let out of the chute if they are mad. Others put their head down and run, dragging you with them. The ability to dally them quickly is key.
You may want to start with a younger one next time? I have done this with a 3yr Longhorn recently and she just walked off nicely its all in what that animal feels like doing that day.
Good luck.
