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  Discussion on Clicker training
Author Message
Member:
Maggienm

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 3, 2006 - 9:53 am:

I am wondering about clicker training. How long does it take for the horse to understand that a click means good job?
Do you have to combine a treat with the click initially?
Do you use a clicker from the saddle also?
A clicker in the saddle might be tricky, do you think you could substitute a snap of the finger?
Any other tips?
Thanks
Member:
Cheryl

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 3, 2006 - 10:25 am:

Lori - I absolutely love clicker training. Different horses get the idea at different rates. My TB picked it up from watching me working with my Walker. You will know - without doubt - when your horse understands - you can actually see the light bulb go on. The biggie is teaching them they are working for the click - not the treat. If your horse gets muggy - start with them in the stall and just work with them over the door. There are clickers with rubber band type fasteners you can fit around your finger so the clicker is handy when working from the saddle. I was afraid it would be difficult but haven't found it to be so. I started using c/t when Fox was stall bound for months just to give her something to do. It's amazing how fast horses understand. What I find really outstanding is that there is absolutely no wrong responses - they just don't get the click for them. All the horses I've worked with have gotten the targeting in one session - After the behavior is learned they no longer get the click for doing what's requested. Refinements can be added until you have a horse going through an entire sequence of movements to receive the click. It's great - give it a try - just don't let your horse get away with mugging. Fear is one of the easiest behaviors to overcome with C/T. It's a super way to build a really good relationship with your horse because you have so much more than a release for good behavior.
Cheryl
Member:
Dove2

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 3, 2006 - 10:33 am:

Clicker training has been a real lifesaver for me when one of our horses was stalled for a lengthy time. It kept her from stall-walking and weaving, which she had just started to do. But clicker training kept her mind busy and she just blossomed into a very happy horse, particularly because she could then show us how smart she really was.

The way we started was at the very beginning. Click and offer the treat. No tricks or maneuver yet. After about 5 or 6 times, the horse pretty much gets it: when I hear a click, I get a treat! Then introduce an object for her to touch with her nose. I use a tennis ball on a dowel or a stick. Anything which might peak her curiosity and cause her to touch it with her nose. Hold it up in front of her at her eye level and allow her to find it and touch it with her nose. As soon as she does, click and then treat. It really doesn't take long at all; you'll be amazed. You can successfully use a clicker from the saddle. Snapping your finger would also work well. I suggest you look at this website for more ideas:
https://theclickercenter.com/2004/guide/index.php
Member:
Hwood

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 3, 2006 - 10:45 am:

Lori, try this web-site for more information or to ask questions:
www.clickryder.com
Member:
Maggienm

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 4, 2006 - 1:08 pm:

Thank you for the tips. I am going to give it a try.
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