Clicker training ... for clipping

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canteron

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One of my horses is horrible to clip and even worse to dope - so that isn't an option.

I have worked on desensitising her and can just about clip her, with a bit of luck and a lot of patience.

It is a mixture of genuine fear (she had a troubled childhood) and strong mindedness.

I just wondered whether clicker training may help??? Is it any good with strong minded mares? Could it be used to make her more trusting with the proceedure?

Has anyone used it for anything similar???

Thanks!
 
How odd! I just posted about this in another post!

I am a big fan of the clicker especially for overcoming fearful reactions:
Have you used the clicker before with this mare? If not you will have to start by working on a 'leave it' exercise to make sure she does not mob you for treats (PM me if you would like more details on this).

Then to get her used to the clippers the main thing is to do as little as possible and get her to do as much as possible. Don't force the issue, don't move the clippers in her direction, rather let her approach you. Walk in the stable with the clippers and if she makes any sort of move in your direction, either a step or even just turning her head to look at you (even by coincidence, it doesn't matter why she does it), click and give her a treat. Treat her often (very, very small treats) for any movement towards you and the clippers, until she touches them with her nose (this may take a few repetitions, don't expect it to work first time, but always rewards behaviour towards touching the clippers even if she is not actually touching them quite yet). Repeat little and often, then repeat with the clippers on and repeat with her touching different body parts to the clippers. That way she will come to think she is training you: "look at silly mommy, she is giving me treats for touching the clippers" rather than you forcing the clippers on her.
 
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