Cow dog question

[cowboyup]

I know this is a hog hunting site but yall give the best advice. So here's my questions on cow dogs if yall can answer. I have a started bay dog that's seen about 10-20 hogs would it be easy to change her over to cattle? What would I need to do?

I also have a started catch dog and I was wondering if once they are a catch dog could they ever make a good cow dog?

I appreciate any input thanks.

[Slim9797]

I'd say the best case scenario is if this bay dog is between 1 and 2 years old and isn't real puppy in the head. If you have another cowdog you can work her with. If you don't, I'd think as long as you have shocked her off of cattle. Get her on the ground out in the pasture and drive around and get the cows moving. If she has it in her the instinct will take over. Praise her if she starts baying them. Work with her a few times before you decide it will or won't work. As for the catch dog I have no idea. I have a cat/cur gyp whose 14 months. She will work cows ok by herself already and I'm turning her onto hogs now. Most people with dogs that go both ways go from cows then to hogs but I don't see why it wouldn't work the other way around. Good luck with her, hope she will work for you

[Slim9797]

Sorry, I meant to say Have NOT shocked her off of cattle

[cowboyup]

Thank you and she's about 1 1/2 and no I haven't shocked her off cattle cause I've always thought of making her a cow dog

[Slim9797]

Then I'd say it's more than worth the shot. Really all you can do is put her on the ground and get a couple head of cows moving and she ought to get a little amped up. If she bays hogs she's obviously got the instinct to bay. Now she just gotta get confidence around cattle and she should figure it out I'd think

[cowboyup]

Should I go with just straight cows or some mommas and babies or yearlings? Or does it matter?

[Slim9797]

Just like a hog dog is start her on some small yearling calves. She won't be so intimidated by 3 or 4. I'd keep momma away. She will get ornery and with an could hurt an inexperienced dog . Imo

[cowboyup]

Alright thanks for your help

[Kid7]

I'd start her on some cattle that are already really dog broke if you have the opportunity. Makes life easier for a confidence builder as far as young dogs. It's way more controlled