3 Reasons why Clicker Training is difficult (and what to do about it)
3 Reasons why clicker training can feel like a struggle and what you can do about that.
3 Reasons why Clicker Training is difficult (and what to do about it) Read More »
natural horsemanship
6 Things That You Might Not Know About Clicker Training (5/6)
In this series I will be sharing 6 interesting facts I didn\’t know about when I started using positive reinforcement in training animals. This is part 5. I like this one! Some of these are common misunderstandings people have about clicker training while others are facts most equestrians don\’t know at all. The goal of
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6 Things Your Might Not Know About Clicker Training (1/6)
In this series I will be sharing 6 interesting facts I didn\’t know about when I started using positive reinforcement in training animals. This is part 1. Some of these are common misunderstandings people have about clicker training while others are facts most equestrians don\’t know at all. The goal of this blog is to
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\”There is nothing wrong with Negative Reinforcement applied properly\”
Said someone once to me. I didn\’t say anything, but my body screamed: \’Yes, there is….\’ Although I couldn\’t explain in words why I felt that way, now I do. Since it was hard to catch it in words, it is a long explanation, so please get seated. When I talk about horse training, I
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Why are NH and traditional horse training methods still popular? This is why
You would think that if one knows better, they will do better. Right? I think it is a bit more complicated than that. Here is why. Natural horsemanship (NH) and traditional horse training are based on negative reinforcement. Negatieve reinforcement is strengthening behaviour by taking away an aversive (= something unpleasant). Pressure-release is an example
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\’When can I stop using food?\’ in Clicker Training
Here is the answer to the question \’When can I stop using food in clicker training?\’
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Debunking Myths: \’The Whip is only an Extension of my Arm\’
\’The whip is just an extension of my arm,\’ \’I don\’t use it to whack my horse with,\’ \’I only tap my horse lightly and I don\’t cause pain\’ are only a few of the explanations horse people give when they are asked why they are using a whip. They don\’t realize that the whip IS an aversive tool and the reason the horse listens is because of that. There is an alternative, a way of training without force that works just as well and leads to a better relationship with your horse.
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Difference between Negative (R-) and Positive Reinforcement (R+)
Let\’s start with explaining what positive and negative reinforcement is. Then I will share what was a real eye-opener for me about the difference between positive reinforcement (R+) and negative reinforcement (R-). It is not so much the obvious difference (the carrot or the stick-difference), it\’s way cooler! Definitions Reinforcement (R): strengthening (a behaviour) +
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Debunking Myths: \’The Whip is only an Extension of my Arm\’
There are so many myths in the horse world it is hard to choose where to start debunking them. Since I have seen several advertisements on Facebook with videos of horses at liberty and instructors talking about \’freedom\’, \’connection\’, \’positive training\’ or \’friendship\’ while carrying a whip directing a horse with a swishing tail and
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Clicker Training: How to start with a horse that is traditionally trained?
How do you start positive reinforcement training with a horse that is already trained with negative reinforcement (traditional or natural horsemanship training)? Start with a \’clean slate\’ I would suggest start with some exercises that are totally new to the horse. Choose exercises (and cues) the horse doesn\’t know yet. You should make sure it is a new
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