Haltering and Hitching the Ox: A Two Act Play

I set everything up for an unflawed demonstration of haltering and hitching the ox to a sled, but everything didn't exactly go as planned! To start with Harry the Dog stole Scout the Ox's collar --- and wouldn't give it back--- Scout the Ox took over from there. It all turned out to be a bit of a yoke. 

PitambarTheRedBull commented on YouTube

Loved it! Made me smile!

 

http://www.enasco.com/product/C02446N

I have no association with eNasco nor do I endorse this particular halter. I have done business with this company and have been a satisfied customer

This type of rope and sliding chain cattle halter has been an excellent training tool. It offers some control by tightening around the nose when the ox-in-training resists. Once the animal complies, a gentle shake of the rope relieves the tension as a reward for correct behavior. Rough or indiscriminate use would constitute aversive behavior training, or even cruelty, and is to be avoided.

As Scout the Ox's training progresses I use this halter less and less. In a work situation I prefer a standard nylon web halter. The ox should be controlled primarily with the gentle guidance of the whip or goad --- not by tugging on the halter. Playing tug-of-war with an ox sets you up for failure.

With teams of oxen the halter should be removed as soon as reasonable control makes that possible. With the single oxen, in complicated working situations, the halter may continue to be a desirable tool for communication and to help him overcome distractions. Some teamsters would maintain, however, that the ultimate goal should be to eliminate the use of any halter.

The yoke pictured in the video is highlighted in this previous post.

The broomstick used in place of a lead rope is highlighted in this previous post. It has been a valuable training aid, and when it's unsnapped from the ox it doubles as a goad.