Clicker Training - Horse Training Program
The process of a clicker training horse program uses operant conditioning.
The name of the training program comes from the conditioned re-enforcer that is used (the click or other marker signal) paired with a primary re-enforcer (food or something the horse values).
This way the trainer can mark correct behavior with the clicker and then use positive reinforcement to help the animal identify its correct responses.
The clicker training horse program encourages the horse to take an active role in the learning process and provides a basis for the trainer and horse to have a positive partnership.
For many their first exposure to clicker training is at a dolphin show at the aquarium, a dog agility performance at the park or a trained animal in the circus or zoo.
While this form of clicker training is fascinating and interesting, many don't interact with their horses this same way.
Often trainers don't require horses to work at a distance or to perform complicated maneuvers without being in contact with a human.
In fact, most of the time horse handling is going to require the contact of a human.
So why is there a clicker training horse program and why does it work well for horse? Why Does It Work The best thing about a clicker horse program is that it is extremely flexible.
For most trainers you simply have to add the click and treat to your existing training methods.
By adding these two things to your training method you will make the lesson clearer to your horse so that training becomes easier and the trainer can build behaviors in smaller steps.
However, when you want to go beyond the basics a clicker training horse program will also help you to train your horse in other methods that would otherwise be too difficult to do without the precision of the clicker and the treat motivation for the horse.
The clicker is ideal for training liberty work or any horse behavior that doesn't require direct physical contact with the horse through either body or equipment.
The clicker is an ideal way to build your horse's confidence and change their attitude toward handling and riding.
The clicker provides you with a clear way to communicate with your horse and a positive way of training horses that have emotional difficulties ranging from aggressive to scared.
When people think of clicker training they tend to think of the free shaping method first.
This is where you wait for the animal to perform a specific behavior and then click while providing a treat.
This marks the behavior for the horse and makes them more likely to repeat that behavior in the future.
The second type of clicker training horse method is known as molding.
This is when you physical put the horse or a part of the horse into a position you want.
For example, if you are teaching the horse to step on a mat then you could place the foot on the mat yourself.
This is helpful for horses that are calm about training and don't offer any form of behavior.
Lastly, there is the most common method of clicker training with horses.
Clicker training allows you to use the same aids of horse training that require direct contact with the horse, but you don't need to add pressure in order to get the desired response.
This is an excellent way to teach horses to become responsive without needing to increase pressure to the point that you or the horse are uncomfortable or cause a negative reaction from the horse.
The clicker training horse method that you choose to use will depend on your unique and individual horse training methods as well as the temperament of your individual horse.
The name of the training program comes from the conditioned re-enforcer that is used (the click or other marker signal) paired with a primary re-enforcer (food or something the horse values).
This way the trainer can mark correct behavior with the clicker and then use positive reinforcement to help the animal identify its correct responses.
The clicker training horse program encourages the horse to take an active role in the learning process and provides a basis for the trainer and horse to have a positive partnership.
For many their first exposure to clicker training is at a dolphin show at the aquarium, a dog agility performance at the park or a trained animal in the circus or zoo.
While this form of clicker training is fascinating and interesting, many don't interact with their horses this same way.
Often trainers don't require horses to work at a distance or to perform complicated maneuvers without being in contact with a human.
In fact, most of the time horse handling is going to require the contact of a human.
So why is there a clicker training horse program and why does it work well for horse? Why Does It Work The best thing about a clicker horse program is that it is extremely flexible.
For most trainers you simply have to add the click and treat to your existing training methods.
By adding these two things to your training method you will make the lesson clearer to your horse so that training becomes easier and the trainer can build behaviors in smaller steps.
However, when you want to go beyond the basics a clicker training horse program will also help you to train your horse in other methods that would otherwise be too difficult to do without the precision of the clicker and the treat motivation for the horse.
The clicker is ideal for training liberty work or any horse behavior that doesn't require direct physical contact with the horse through either body or equipment.
The clicker is an ideal way to build your horse's confidence and change their attitude toward handling and riding.
The clicker provides you with a clear way to communicate with your horse and a positive way of training horses that have emotional difficulties ranging from aggressive to scared.
When people think of clicker training they tend to think of the free shaping method first.
This is where you wait for the animal to perform a specific behavior and then click while providing a treat.
This marks the behavior for the horse and makes them more likely to repeat that behavior in the future.
The second type of clicker training horse method is known as molding.
This is when you physical put the horse or a part of the horse into a position you want.
For example, if you are teaching the horse to step on a mat then you could place the foot on the mat yourself.
This is helpful for horses that are calm about training and don't offer any form of behavior.
Lastly, there is the most common method of clicker training with horses.
Clicker training allows you to use the same aids of horse training that require direct contact with the horse, but you don't need to add pressure in order to get the desired response.
This is an excellent way to teach horses to become responsive without needing to increase pressure to the point that you or the horse are uncomfortable or cause a negative reaction from the horse.
The clicker training horse method that you choose to use will depend on your unique and individual horse training methods as well as the temperament of your individual horse.
