Clicker training experts - can I run this past you pls

[Supertrooper]

Ok, so i've never clicker trained before but I've been reading my clicker training horses book, I have my clicker and I'm ready to go.

So tomorrow afternoon is going to be our first session but I'm not entirely sure how long I should make it and where I should leave it. I was going to start by loading the clicker (ie click/treat) and then move onto touching a target - for this I was going to use a old whip with possible a tennis ball on the end (partly because I want to use clicker training to improve his leading skills).

Does that sound about right??

 

[Lotty]

I'm no clicker expert When my mare was on box rest last year I did some clicker training. For a target I used a sweat scraper as when they get the hang of it you no longer need the target, its normally 'ask for what you want' then click and treat 'reward'. I started off by just doing 10-15minutes, she got the hang of it very quickly as she is very food oriantated - I put some spillers high fibre cubes in my bum bag and she gets about 4 at a time, not alot but she looks forward to some more.

I taught her to say no and lift her legs when I pointed - silly I know but when she got better I asked her to lead nicely as she can be bolshy and some other stuff. At first I used the clicker but now I use my tongue with the same effect.

 

[Supertrooper]

Thanks, hadn't thought of a sweat scraper xx

 

[tazzle]

10 - 15 mins sounds ok for a first session but just be guided by her.... ie stop at a positive place where she has been successful rather than by the clock.

the whip with ball sounds a good target . the possible problem with using an everyday object like a brush or similar is that if its around and they see it and have not got the action of touching on cue yet there migh be frustration if they are touching it and you dont notice

some horses "get it" faster than others

I would load the clicker first then present the target perhaps having it by your side then deliberatly "presenting" it ( about a foot in front of her ) ..... since your horse will naturally look at it its very easy to click the first time then put the target down by your side again. Repeat a few times then just wait till she reaches her nose out a little. After a few successful goes you can hold out till she reaches further then till she actually touches it. I personally go for three touches then jackpot ( several treats) then leave it.

You can do another session after a rest if you want but its surprising what latent learning will do if you leave her till next day

the trick is not to keep going too long after getting some good stuff and getting it wrong.......... make small but secure steps and always start off a session by recapping the steps you did yesterday, make sure they are solid before you move on a step.

Planning each little part of what you are aiming for is highly reccomended ......... as any good teacher / trainer will tell you ... preparation and lesson plans come in very handy ..... well along with flexibility and adaptability to react to what you get not what you thought you would get

have great fun !

 

[MissMistletoe]

Sounds like a good plan.

My 4 year old loves her clicker sessions. I no longer use a proper clicker because sometimes you want to use it when you havent got it on you,so I just use my 'tongue click' instead and she soon twigged what it meant.

You will find that once your horse catches onto it, it will really work in your favour for future challenges and training.