Is clicker training any good?

[throwaway2022]

In a bit of a pickle -

Recently moved yearling to grass livery, that in itself was a nightmare due to loading issues. Just got off the phone to the yard (field?) owner and she can't get a head collar on him, not great considering she's the one caring for him. I need to go up and spend some time sorting this but it's about 30 mins away and I'm time poor at the moment for many reasons, hence sending him off to her. I can commit to twice weekly, hopefully more, the sooner this is resolved the better.

How would you guys approach this bearing in mind that I'm not able to see him daily to do things as gradually as I'd like? Didn't know whether clicker training could help make the most of the time I do have available to work with him and really reinforce things in a positive way? Although he's not particularly food orientated, maybe it wouldn't progress as quickly using scratches or whatever as the reward.

He's very happy to be approached and stroked/fussed all over including head and once the head collar is on he's fine, it's just the actually putting on he objects to. He wasn't totally consistent with having one put on prior to moving but appears to have totally regressed. Ponies - who'd have them?!

 

[soloequestrian]

I used a clicker with my youngster and liked it but I was the only one handling her. It does very much make you focus on the positives, I think having the clicker in my hand is more for me than her really.

 

[Matafleur]

Like any training method it's only as good as the trainer. I like it a lot and use it for all sorts of things, although not classically as I will often combine with traditional negative reinforcement, particularly under saddle. I find it excellent for giving a clear signal that what the horse is doing right NOW is exactly what I want. It's really helped my anxious horse as he understands what I'm asking much more quickly - and he loves the treats!

It would help with your headcollar issue if you train it correctly. My top tip would be to train with a "cluck" noise with your tongue rather than use a clicker. It means you can always use the signal, I always lose clickers, and if you use it under saddle you don't need to hold a clicker.

 

[Morgan123]

I think there's a reason that +ve reinforcement training (incl clicker) is what's used in pretty much all zoos, welfare organisations, rescue charities, behaviourists (qualified ones), researchers..... there's a massive wealth of science backing up its use for being practical, ethical, applicable in the real world, and to all types of animals from fish to elephants. So yes. It's good....

Connection Training on Facebook have a really good support system and advice, and their book is excellent too for helping you get started. There may also be behaviourists near you who can help you with this. You can use scratches instead of food if that's what he likes - or a combo. Whatever suits him best. You could also look up Gemma Pearson's Dont Break your Vet videos which could help, same principle.

One tip is that it's best not to start with the scary thing, though. So you can start with the clicker training on something else easy (e.g. touch a target, lower head, pick up your feet, whatever), then you'll have something positive to build on to help you sort the actual headcollar issue. I realise that's not ideal for you! The whole thing is v quick though. A clever horse will pick up something like "touch target" in maybe two-five mins, no probs. You jsut have to remember that if you're overcoming a fear, such as the headcollar in this case, that is much more difficult for you and the horse.

Good luck!

 

[canteron]

Like all training needs to have a consistent method and you also need a strategy to stop the pony being pushy for treats. (ie always treat the pony on the opposite side to you).

The main benefits are I think to the handler as it improves their timing and trains you to look for the positive, which makes training much more fun!!

 

[Red-1]

Yes, I think clicker would do the job, the issue being that you are not available and the YO may not have the skill / time / belief.

TBH, I would go fetch a few times with rustley wrapped mints. Rustle the mints before catching but don't give the mint until caught. I'm talking super mints, like Everton Mints, not comparatively low value Polos. That would then more easily convert to YO who is probably a bit sick of it all already and in a rush.

 

[Fransurrey]

My mare was trained with +R and clicker training for daily tasks such as headcollar application. Agree with Morgan123 to start with target training (one session will probably do it and depending on how he is, you might be able to use the headcollar). To be safe, if you have no experience of using +R as a training tool, it might be worth booking one session with an equine behaviourist and include the yard owner. The behaviourist can give you a shaping plan for applying a headcollar. Alternatively, Ben Hart has plans on his website for daily tasks like this. They're not expensive and I think he does include 1-1 advice with them.

 

[Horseysheepy]

Yes, I think clicker would do the job, the issue being that you are not available and the YO may not have the skill / time / belief.

TBH, I would go fetch a few times with rustley wrapped mints. Rustle the mints before catching but don't give the mint until caught. I'm talking super mints, like Everton Mints, not comparatively low value Polos. That would then more easily convert to YO who is probably a bit sick of it all already and in a rush.

Yep you and the YO would need to be singing from the same hymm sheet else the yearling will get mixed messages.

Mints or a scrumptious irresistible likit to get it on side with you. Then get it used to the rope lifting up and down in front of head, then rub rope over nose and gradually work over head and eyes with rope.
Then progress onto getting it used to rope going backward and forward over ears, replicating headcollar being pulled over ears ( if you take headcollar off this way).
Then start to slide rope behind ears, like you do when you catch it, and then unslide the rope to reward.
Then start to quietly grab the swinging end of rope so you're holding both ends in one hand. And technically you've got the youngster.
Then progress to gently putting it's nose in and out of nose part of headcollar and then progressing to flipping one ear at a time into the headpiece.
This is how I caught my feral youngster. It took me weeks to do the above, so it takes time and patience.

 

[smolmaus]

Have you watched the yard owner try to get a headcollar on him? I know a good few horses are fine with a headcollar if its put on by a person they know in the way they're accustomed to but anyone else hasn't a hope. Not saying YO is doing anything wrong per se, just that she might need to give him a fuss and a scratch or a mint to relax him before she puts it on, it could be that simple. I would go up and ask to see what he's like with her trying it and go from there once you can see what part of the process is the problem.

For context there is one horse I can't catch because I'm not confident enough, my usual nicey nicey catchy monkey approach makes her suspicious ? but some others need it!

 

[iknowmyvalue]

I’m with smolmaus, mine can be funny sometimes anyway but if someone he doesn’t know/trust tries to put a headcollar on it’s a big no. Tbh we pretty much solved the problem with leaving a field safe headcollar on, so nobody has to go near his ears.

but yes, clicker training is very useful when you do it right