Alright, let’s gab about the best cow dogs, you know, the ones that help ya with the cows and such. I ain’t no fancy expert or nothin’, but I’ve seen my share of dogs workin’ cattle, and I know what’s what.
What Makes a Good Cow Dog Anyways?
Well, first off, ya need a dog that’s gonna listen. Ain’t no good havin’ a dog that runs off chasin’ squirrels when you need ’em to bring in the cows. So, smart dogs, that’s what ya need. Dogs that learn quick and do what you tell ’em.
Then there’s the energy. Cows ain’t always the easiest things to move around, ya know? You need a dog with some pep in its step, one that can run and herd all day long if need be. Lazy dogs ain’t gonna cut it, no sir.
- Smart and quick learner
- Lots of energy
- Listens good
And don’t forget about the size of the dog. A tiny little thing might get trampled by a big ol’ cow, and a giant dog might be too rough with the calves. You want somethin’ in between, somethin’ that’s strong enough to handle the cows but not so big that it scares ’em half to death.
Some Good Cow Dog Breeds, Now Listen Up
Okay, so there are a bunch of different breeds that folks use for cow dogs, but some are just plain better than others. I’m gonna tell ya about a few that I’ve seen do a good job.
First up, we got them Australian Shepherds. Some folks call ’em “aussies” for short. These dogs are smart as a whip, I tell ya. They learn fast and they’re always ready to work. They’re good at herdin’ just about anything – sheep, cows, even them pesky kids that run around all day. They’re kinda in the middle size-wise, not too big, not too small, just right.
Then there are the Australian Cattle Dogs. These fellas are tough little buggers. They’re real strong and they don’t back down from nothin’. They’re good at pushin’ the cows where ya want ’em to go. I seen one of these dogs work a whole herd of cows all by itself, no problem.
And let’s not forget about the Border Collies. Oh, them border collies, they’re somethin’ else. They’re super smart and they got this way of lookin’ at the cows that just makes ’em do what they’re supposed to. They kinda like to stay at the front of the herd, keepin’ ’em all together. They’re real quick and agile, too. I’ve seen ’em run circles around cows faster than you can blink.
Drivin’ Dogs and Fetchin’ Dogs, What’s the Difference?
Now, some dogs, they drive the cows, and some dogs, they fetch ’em. Drivin’ dogs, they kinda push the cows from behind, gettin’ ’em movin’ forward. Fetchin’ dogs, they do the opposite. They gather up the cows and bring ’em to ya, like they’re fetchin’ a stick or somethin’. Both ways work, just depends on what you need and how you like to work your cows.
Pickin’ the Right Dog for You
So, how do ya pick the best cow dog for you? Well, like I said before, ya gotta think about what you need. You got a big farm with lots of cows? You need a dog with lots of energy and stamina. You got a smaller place with just a few cows? Maybe a smaller dog would be just fine. And don’t forget what ya like and how you wanna work with your animals. Some folks like the drivery dogs and some like the fetching ones.
You also gotta think about the dog’s temperament. You want a dog that’s gonna be gentle with the calves but tough enough to handle the big cows. You don’t want a dog that’s gonna bite or be mean to the cows, but you also don’t want one that’s gonna be scared of ’em. It’s a balance ya gotta find.
And most important of all, ya gotta train your dog. Even the smartest dog in the world ain’t gonna be no good if ya don’t teach it what to do. Start ’em young, be patient, and use lots of praise. And don’t forget the treats, dogs love treats. Treats and a good pat on the head go a long way.
Last words
So there ya have it, a little bit of what I know about cow dogs. Like I said, I ain’t no expert, but I’ve been around cows and dogs my whole life, and I know what works and what don’t. Get yourself a good dog, treat it right, and it’ll be the best help you ever had on the farm. And that’s all there is to it.
