"mounting" greenhorn question

[kozzy]

I have only a single girl right now--coming on a year old in about a month. She is mostly well behaved, lead trained, but has a slight issue with trying to head-butt: Not a huge problem and she backs off when you get after her but she really wants to be right there with you when in the pasture. She was bottled from a very young (probably too young) age and had a lot of human contact but almost no contact with other cattle.

The problem is, every once in a while when I'm in the field she seems to rear up as though she wants to mount me. It's not overly-aggressive but I'm afraid that the one time I lose constant attention, it's going to be a painful and dangerous encounter. I definitely would not let the grandkids or wife into the pasture right now without supervision.

I'm not even sure that she is actually "mounting" vs some other cow behavior. Since I have seen female dogs mount other dogs, I am just concluding it's similar misguided instinctive behavior.

Any suggestions regarding stopping this behavior? Do I need to get really aggressive with nose-whacking or something? Some other method to nip this in the bud? Do I need to actively make it clear that I'm the boss...and what would be the best method?

Any suggestions would be helpful. I'm greener than the pasture when it comes to cattle-knowledge so could use a lesson in teaching cow-manners.

Happy to answer any questions but I don't know what would be pertinent until asked and I don't just want to ramble on with random info.

Thanks!

[kozzy]

Thanks, that's what I figured. I've been "shopping" for an age appropriate herd companion for her but haven't gotten around to pulling the trigger yet.

In terms of an "authority stick", would it be possible for your to post a link or better description? All I find online are show sticks which have a steel point and small hook--about 54" long. (http://highlandlivestocksupply.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=310 and similar) You described yours slightly differently; Modification of a show stick?. Heavier/stiffer?

Thanks again. It's nice to be able to get some verification rather than giving it only my "best guess".

[dexterfarm]

the companion does not have to be age appropriate. She will be happy with any age of a companion.

[kozzy]

I phrased it wrong trying to make a bit of a joke...Was mostly meaning that I didn't want to go the route of a too-young calf again. This girl was an odd situation and VERY young when the owner's had to get rid of her (almost free even though registered parentage).

Trying to find another girl semi-locally but they are not very common around this area. A couple have come up but there is always some negative involved. I'm trying to buy wiser this time as per some board advice.

Thanks

[littlecowfl]

What area are you in?

[kozzy]

I'm about as far from you in Florida as it gets--Palouse area of Eastern Washington.

[hollydzie]

Kozzy~ this might be a little closer than Florida ;D

www.emeraldparkfarm.com/index.html

They have very nice Dexters, I got my new herd sire from them and I am in Florida. He was trailered to GA and I picked him up there.

Best of luck

Holly