We present a kinetic model for Q-switched, cladding-pumped, high-power Yb-doped fiber lasers that are based on the rate equation, in a difference equation form, of ion population and propagation equations for both pumping and signal light. The effects of fiber-laser parameters, such as doping, length, pump power, and repetition rate on pulse characteristics are analyzed. This model is used to analyze the performance of Q-switched multicore fiber lasers and to show the output pulses with enhanced characteristics.