The Training Pen with Ken Sykes Yard Training Weaner Cattle KEN SYKES
Ken Sykes has been working with sheepdogs most of his life. A successful competitor at sheepdog trials, Ken has now retired from running training days for livestock producers and giving working dog demonstrations. He is a feature writer and speaker. His expertise draws on a broad range of research as well as practical expertise.
If there is one thing guaranteed to cause heated debate amongst cattlemen, it is whether dogs should be used for yard training of weaner cattle. There is little doubt that if the dogs are hard biting and not under control, the results will be the opposite of the ideal of calm, well-controlled cattle. At the other end of the spectrum, calm, quiet, strong, well-controlled dogs will result in calm, quiet cattle that remain easy to muster and handle through the yards for the rest of their lives.
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I have seen excellent results with low-stress stock handling advocates working weaners through the yards without dogs. I have also seen excellent results using similar techniques with the addition of well-trained dogs. The use of dogs may also improve the handler’s safety, particularly when working in large yards and when we progress to lane and paddock work. Training weaners may be one of the best investments in time on any cattle property. The same may apply to the training of bought-in cattle. A few hours spent now may save many hours later.
