Professional loader is coming today

Paint Me Proud

Paint Me Proud

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Well I have bit the bullet and have a professional coming today to try and cure Chicos loading issues.

Watch this space and i will let you know how he gets on (lol, i hope he does get on!!)
 
Well......

Firstly, in order with my usual bad luck, the lorry wouldnt start this morning, first time ever since i've had it! So had to get someone to help me jumps start it before we could begin.

So lorry started and moved to appropriate place.

Sue Palmer turned up, we filled in some forms and i gave her the low down on Chicos behaviour.

I wont go into all the details but will say that after about 2 hours Chico was happily loading himself.

She is a miracle worker and i cant thank her enough.

I found it so interesting and learnt loads and hopefully i can continue to educate Chico using the methods Sue has shown me.

So so so thrilled tonight :D:D
 
ngrace said:
Oh do go into details, we might all learn a thing or two!
Click to expand...

oh okay then!

First she worked with Chico on the ground next to the lorry - getting him to understand that she was in charge by taking the lead and correcting any moves he made without consent without having to move herself (blimey it's hard to explain!)

When he understood that she moved to by the ramp. Asked him to work in circles going past the ramp. She then worked on his avoidance techniques on the circles - ie he refused to complete the section of circle that was by the ramp so he was encouraged to and worked until he was relaxed about it.

Then was asking him to stand straight, in front of the ramp without using his learnt avoidance techniques (in Chicos case these are rearing and turning side on to the lorry). When he did he was allowed to stand quietly and was rewarded. When he wasnt doing what was asked he was kept moving and not allowed to stop unless it was in the desired place.

Once relaxed in front of ramp he was asked to put on foot on - and again worked through any avoidance techniques he had.

Once on foot on, them two.....once front feet one then asked for on back leg.

Each time he went up onto ramp he was rewarded and then asked to back off again.

Only once he had 3 feet on the ramp did HE make the decision to just get onto the lorry.

It is a very difficult process to describe but watching it it all made perfect sense and you could actually see the dogs turning in Chicos mind when he was asked to do something - sometimes he said 'no way!' and reacted but eventually he realised it was easier and nicer for him to just say 'okay then' :D:D

Once he was going on and off with ease Sue asked me to take control and i took him on and off with her correcting me on any mistakes i was making (which were quite a few on my first try, lol!).

Really feel confident that i can load him completely on my own now. Lets hope Chico agrees :)
 
Sue Palmer is an Intelligenthorsemanship Recommended Associate which probably explains why she works as per Monty Roberts. Sue came out to my present horse when I first had him and she was very good.

So pleased your day has gone well.
 
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