Post by wyomama on Jun 29, 2010 7:54:07 GMT -5
I HAVE a stanchion, but my husband then points out we'd have to get her into and used to the stanchion. I have not convinced him, because I have too little experience to offer much argument. Yes, the stanchion seems like a very good idea, but is it a good idea to throw in another new thing for this cow? Anyone?
I think the stanchion will make great strides in your relationship with this cow - and it's only new the first time she goes in. With her, the stanchion is not going to be a big deal. She is used to being restrained with the collar, so she will not panic about having the head catch closed on her. She might object, because it sounds like she's enjoying running the show, but she won't panic and hurt herself. Once she's in the stanchion, then you can safely get a halter on her without her being able to swing her head.
I hear your heart saying you want to have a peaceful, loving relationship with this cow, and I completely understand that. Cows are herd animals, not people, so you have to "think like a cow" to get to that place.
First, the cow must respect you and defer to you as "the boss". Then she will learn to trust that you aren't going to hurt her. Then she will learn that you can bring her pleasurable experiences. Then, and only then, will you find the rewarding experience of milking a good cow. If you get things in the wrong order, or miss any steps of the progression, you end up with frustration, and even danger.
If you watch a group of cows together, you will see that they have a hierarchy. You will see quickly which is at the top. As long as the other cows respect her personal space, defer to her over food, water, and shelter, everything is peaceful. If a lower cow is standing in the choicest shade and the boss cow gets hot, she looks at the lower cow and her body language says "move". 95% of the time, the lower cow will move. If she doesn't, she gets threatened with body language - a lowered head, a snort, a step or two - "I said MOVE!". If she still doesn't move, she gets the boss cow's head slammed in her side, and then she moves, or gets pinned in and pummeled. In a group of cows, though, you rarely see a pummeling. You usually see the boss cow give a look, and everyone else defer to her peacefully.
That's where you need to be with your Violet. Every time she threatens you, or objects to you being in her space by swinging around and you back off, you are reaffirming in her mind that you are lower than her on the totem pole. In your mind you are trying to build trust and affection by not upsetting her, but in her mind, you are submitting to her authority. The trust and affection cannot exist until you have her respect. You don't have 1300# of body weight and a skull with a two inch thick chunk of armor built in to gain her respect. What you do have is superior intellect, and the ability to use tools. The cow does not have the ability to transcend the species barrier and "think like a human" to get along with you. That's your job.