Ogden Cattle Co. Hangin Tree Cowdogs
In 2012 my wife decided we needed a dog, I decided it had to be a cowdog. We chose the Hangin Tree Cowdogs because of there well known reputation for being gritty cowdogs with brains. It was one of the best decisions we have made. Prior to getting the dogs we had to hire day help to gather cattle, now I (or me and my wife) can gather pretty much any herd we need to with the dogs. They get used on a daily basis to gather large herds of cattle. We chose the Hangin Tree Cowdogs because of their high level of intelligence, herding instinct, endurance, and multiple levels of aggression as needed. A cowdog is only as good as it listens; we feel that one of the biggest differences between a dog that helps and a dog that hinders is its obedience. These dogs love to work and will perform all day. We originally started out with unregistered dogs but after seeing how great this breed is and the importance of knowing their bloodlines, and not just something someone crossed to try to make one, we now own only registered Hangin Tree Cowdogs. |
The purpose of these dogs, is for us to control them and let the dogs control the herd. They work as a unit to keep the herd grouped and moving. The majority of the time our horses are at the back of the herd pushing while the dogs circle and keep the herd controlled. We can call the dogs to any side of the herd as needed and can send them 'ahead' if the herd is getting too strung out. We choose to walk behind the herd and push with our horses instead of having the dogs 'fetch' the herd to us because that is our gathering preference. At any time we call the dogs back to us and 'down' them until needed. When 'downed' we can ride several hundred yards away from the dogs and they will stay there until told 'up.' We work with these dogs at a very young age to begin getting control of them so they understand what our commands are in working situations. These dogs only get as aggressive as needed but will never have to be pried off a cow because it's latched on and won't release. This breed is known for its finesse in handling cattle, obeying commands, and needed aggression. Our dogs never harass calves and most the time avoid the newborn calves like their not even there. The dogs stay more focused on the cows and we have to remind them from time to time to push calves, as well.