DENVER, Colo. – Charlie Trayer disputes the myth that dogs make cattle wild.
Trayer raises and trains Hangin’ Tree Cowdogs, a composite breed developed in Kansas about 20 years ago to retrieve and herd cattle.
“This kind of dog has the brains and the ability to move a bunch of cattle with just a few commands,” he said during an education session held at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association convention in Denver Jan. 31-Feb. 4.
Hangin’ Tree Cowdogs include bloodlines from Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Australian Kelpies and Catahoula Leopard Dogs, which are a hunting breed.
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They are thick and muscular with short hair, tails and ears. The dogs move close to the ground like a collie but are tough enough to teach cattle to respect them.
They also emit warning barks to move the herd, which eventually trains and warns the cattle to heed them.
The dogs can move a herd in the pasture and find strays on command. They can move cattle in and out of pens and into trailers with help from Trayer as he stays on horseback. He does not get between the dogs and the cattle when they are working.
“The dogs don’t know where you want to go with the cattle so you have to keep maneuvering and positioning the dogs to keep the cattle under control,” he said.
“The easiest way is to ride to the gate and let the dogs bring the cattle to you.”
Trayer does not start training the dogs until they are about a year old. They should be well socialized as pups and in the early training period they are not worked hard. They need plenty of water and rest periods as they work.
“You have to quit before they get tired and are still having fun and full of enthusiasm.”
Commands need to be consistent and there is no need to yell at the dogs. They have keen hearing.
“If you want your dog to work fast, give fast and enthusiastic commands. If you want him to slow down, talk soft and low.”
