Halter Training

[natmadaboutdexters]

Lisa, Do you have any tips for training my Limousin X? She is quite lively and knows that she is stronger than me. I can lead her around her pen but she does try to run a bit and I am worried that once I get her outside she will just kick up her heels and go! Is it just a case of shut all the gates and just try? Thanks

Natasha

[LISA]

Hello Natasha,
Have you tried her with "Bull Dog Clips" in her nose? The majority of the beef breeds and commercial beef show with these in. The animal is generally more controllable, HOWEVER be very careful the first time you put these in as some animals go berserk when these are put in for the first time (maybe put her in the crush to put them in, and take them out until she is used to it so that you are safe). Give her an edible treat once you have put them in, and again after removing them.

If you feel she is very edgy/nervous then maybe she just won't be suitable for young handlers even with all the training in the world (and I know that your daughter is a very competent and talented handler). It is a sad fact that even a very talented handler won't win leading a Dexter, so I can understand your reason for this heifer.

[Louisa Gidney]

I'm currently getting a yearling heifer and bull ready for showing next weekend. This morning I put both halters on the ground before giving them a cuddle as a prelude to doing some work. Heifer walked up to the halters, sniffed them, chose her own then stood while I slipped it on. Brilliant, thought I, got this cracked. However, I was then informed that merely putting a halter on had nothing to with going for a walk afterwards!