Cows!

Discussion in 'Labrador Puppies' started by Rolokris, Nov 13, 2014.

  1. Rolokris

    Rolokris Registered Users

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    Are cow's dangerous? We have been doing loads of off lead training with Rolo and it is going great. Yesterday we went to the local reservoir and today the marsh. We were warned about there being cows there. When we got there we could see the cows on the horizon and off we went it was so windy but Rolo loved it and so did the kids, my daughter had been concerned about the cows so we stopped and I said look how far away they are they can't hurt us and thats when i noticed they were making their way to the gate we had come through. We realised we would get there at about the same time so we started to run back to the gate. The cows are so fast, it was lucky they all stopped at a trough giving us a few more seconds, once they saw us though they gained even more speed heading towards us and we made it through the gate just in time. The picture doesn't do it justice we all were scared, except Rolo he wanted to make friends with the cows. I'm not sure if I needed to be as worried as I was to be honest. Should I be worried? I'm hoping to go back again but don't want that experience again.
    https://www.dropbox.com/s/u4vz42eruskzgki/2014-11-13 17.23.26.jpg?dl=0
     
  2. kateincornwall

    kateincornwall Registered Users

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    Re: Cows!

    I tend to give cattle a wide berth , especially if they have calves , its just not worth the risk . I`m sure its just curiosity but I wont hang around to find out :)
     
  3. Naya

    Naya Registered Users

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    Re: Cows!

    I tend to give them a wide berth too......especially as Harley seems to live cow pats :-X
     
  4. Rosie

    Rosie Registered Users

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    Re: Cows!

    I've lived in the country most of my life and I'd say avoid cows if they have calves - above all don't get between a mother and her calf, you are at risk then. But most commonly you will see steers in fields (young males) - they are very inquisitive but will run off if you wave arms and shout. No problem.

    BUT.... I think it may be different with a young dog. Pongo would want to chase them, and then I'm not sure they wouldn't have a go at him (kicking, charging) and I do think they could hurt him if they decided he was threat. So I would keep Pongo on a lead if going through a field of any sort of cattle.

    The farmer may not take kindly to a dog disturbing his beasts, either.

    Rosie

    PS Obviously if there is a bull in the field, don't go there!!!
     
  5. Holliesmum

    Holliesmum Registered Users

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    Re: Cows!

    We never go in a field with cows that's before we had hollie, they are bigger than me and very unpredictable :)
     
  6. rubyrubyruby

    rubyrubyruby Registered Users

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    Re: Cows!

    Our favourite walks are down by the river here and for about 9 months of the year we have the delights of cattle and lots of cow pats to put up with! They start the year with herds of about 40 in each field but now we only have about 20 left which is much easier to deal with !

    A couple of years ago we were chased by them and cornered so I have learnt to be careful around them.

    The things I have learnt are -

    Never run, as they will run after you.
    Keep dogs on lead or close to heel when walking near them.
    Don't look them in the eye.
    If they come near you, wave your arms/stick/lead at them and shout in a firm voice to "get away" or something similar !!

    Hope this helps.

    Chloe
     
  7. Mollly

    Mollly Registered Users

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    Re: Cows!

    Dogs are a magnet for cows. The cows mean no harm but they are big and because of that quite dangerous when in close proximity. Most cases of people being trampled occur when they have a dog with them.

    If you ever get in a situation with a cow let go of the lead, the cows are more interested in the dog than you, and the dog can run a hell of a lot faster than you.

    As Kate, says when they have calves with them give them a very wide berth, also young frolicsome beasts in the spring, they can decide to investigate you en masse and at speed.

    Here speaks a woman who has had to scale a fence to get away from some young 'uns. I have also walked through fields of grazing cattle and been ignored by every one of them, but since I was chased I have been much more circumspect.

    As Chloe pointed out, do NOT run, it winds them up even more.

    It is the farmer's land and his livelihood we should always respect that.
     
  8. drjs@5

    drjs@5 Registered Users

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    Re: Cows!

    Scared of cows up close....
    I would give them a wide berth.

    There are lots of reports of cattle trampling farmers to death :-\
    Or causing serious injury.

    And I agree
    [quote author=Mollly ]
    If you ever get in a situation with a cow let go of the lead, the cows are more interested in the dog than you, and the dog can run a hell of a lot faster than you.
    [/quote]
     
  9. Stacia

    Stacia Registered Users

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    Re: Cows!

    Don't keep dog on lead in field of cows if they approach you, let dog go, he will be able to escape safely. Dogs have been killed when on the lead by cows.
     

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