How is a Cow Like a Dog?

Two-month-old Owen, a Scottish Highland steer with bangs that could rival any rock star, decided one day that he was not having it. The lead rope went tight—he pulled back like a mule, sprang forward like a kangaroo, and then flopped on the ground.

From beneath his shaggy forelock, his left eye glared up at me as if to say, “Lady, you’ve got the wrong steer.”

But, like toddlers with a flair for the dramatic, tantrums don’t last forever. A few minutes later, Owen got up, brushed off his pride, and followed me around the pen as though he’d been doing it all his life.

He’ll carry a child on his back without fuss, and will walk around with a pony harness and pull a cart like he’d been born for the circus. One day he’ll be able to pull a grown-up cart—but for now, he’s content with training wheels.

Here’s the lesson: if I had let Owen’s baby tantrum win, today I’d be wrestling with an 800-pound steer that refused to listen. Instead, I “spoke cow,” unlocked his calm nature, and turned him from a stubborn brat into a superstar.

Dogs? They’re no different. A dog yanking you down the sidewalk is basically a mini Owen—except on four turbo legs. When he pulls, it’s not just bad manners—it’s Dog-speak for, “I’m the boss here.” And if he’s the boss, expect barking, lunging, and all kinds of chaos.

The magic fix isn’t a fancy harness or gadget. It’s leadership. When your dog recognizes you as the one in charge, he’ll happily trot along at your side—calm, obedient, and proud to be your partner.

Think of it this way: which sounds better—being dragged by an 800-pound steer (or a determined terrier), or strolling with a massive animal who follows your lead with just a word?

The good news? Your dog already knows how to do it. You just have to unlock his “dog secrets.” I unlocked Owen’s bovine brilliance, and you can do the same with your pooch.