The Land Report

Texas 2016

The Magazine of the American Landowner is an essential guide for investors, landowners, and those interested in buying or selling land. The award-winning quarterly is known for its annual survey of America's largest landowners, The Land Report 100.

Issue link: http://landreport.epubxp.com/i/656422

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 27 of 101

24 The LandReport | T E X A S 2 0 1 6 LANDREPORT.COM It wasn't long before Cox realized that he was on to something. Cowmen like himself are always in need of a good hand, especially one with impeccable training and a rock-solid work ethic. Soon he began to train cowdogs full-time. That was more than 30 years ago, and he couldn't be happier about his decision. "I'm a blessed man because I live my hobby everyday," he says. "I love what I do. When you work with a dog and you witness the moment he finally understands his own ability, it's a wonderful thing." At first, Cox bred and trained cowdogs. Now he only trains them. The process of socializing puppies, he says, proved too time consuming. Instead, he has concentrated on working with dogs sent to him by clients from across the country. One of his current charges is the beautiful red-and-white border collie pictured above. Walker is an eager cowdog who belongs to a Utah rancher. The three-year-old has been under Cox's tutelage at his cowdog boot camp outside of Ringling, Oklahoma. The process is a simple one. For several weeks Cox works with a dog on various drills. Simultaneously, he monitors its disposition to ensure it is on track to be as good a family dog as it is a cowdog. It's a steep challenge, but the Aussie has a deft touch and the requisite patience. Cox and his charges develop a bond that borders on miraculous. This gift was on full display at the 2015 National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Futurity Sale last December in Fort Worth. In the middle of a weeklong series of horse sales, Western Bloodstock held a select cowdog sale. "The NCHA wanted something a little different. Some entertainment," says Cox. "So we had the idea to have a low number of quality dogs and have them show the crowd what they could do." Cox insists his dogs work calmly. Spooked cattle are stressed cattle. Stressed cattle lose pounds. Lost pounds means lost dollars. "When you work with a dog and you witness the moment he finally understands his own ability, it's a wonderful thing. " — Roy Cox

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of The Land Report - Texas 2016