I fed the cows very lightly last evening in the hopes that the “comfortably hungry” trick would work on them as well as it does on dogs. I’m happy to say that Matilda is now dragging a lead rope just like Maggie! The alfalfa pellets were just to tempting and she eventually allowed me close enough to snap on a lead rope.
I didn’t tie her up as the rope really freaks her out. Every time she steps on it she gets into a battle with the rope, so she is learning to respect it without my having to be around. Later on today I will start in with the short tie up routine, followed by treats. Just wish I could find something other than sweet feed or alfalfa that gets their attention.
Maggie is not fighting the rope at all any more, and is learning that if she takes a step towards me that the pressure on her halter is released. She will stretch out her nose and sniff my hand, but will not allow me to touch her yet.
In case you are wondering, the trailing lead rope is about 8 feet long and the knot on the end allows me to more easily catch up the rope when I want to work with them. I’m sure it will take the three P’s – prayer, patience & persistence - to get them tamed, but I am feeling much more optimistic this morning that it will eventually be accomplished.
- Maggie & Matilda
