+R training

[lifewithflash]

does anyone have any good videos, website or books on positive reinforcement? I know some stuff on it and do clicker training with my horse but im wanting to know different methods and just learn more.

and also I was wondering is positive reinforcement and science based training the same thing? if not could someone give me any websites on science based training please.

 

[ThreeFurs]

The International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) "Ethical, researched and peer-reviewed equitation science. Committed to enhancing horse welfare and improving the horse–rider relationship".​

International Society for Equitation Science

www.equitationscience.com

And you can see on YouTube training examples with Dr Paul McGreevy [Vet Science, University of Sydney] and Prof. Andrew McLean. But there's practitioners all over, its very much linked to Animal Studies courses at Universities -- Hartpury being a major centre, but there a plenty of practical take-aways for everyone.

The groundwork is especially valuable. I teach my horses the classic McLean stuff; ie: to 'park' - stand still by themselves with you a few meters away; step back, step forward, step sideways, hind quarter yield etc. You can use clicker or other rewards training these. All invaluable for trailer training, shows, or tricky situations. Its actually very much like what Tristan Tucker does.

Anyways! have fun.

 

[sbloom]

I follow Milestone Equestrian and Dorothy Heffernan on FB, both R+ but quite different, Dorothy has a Scottish organisation or company with more than just her as the trainer, I think they do clinics etc.

 

[Glitter's fun]

'Positive reinforcement', '+R', 'clicker training' and 'operant conditioning' all mean the same.

The standard book that explains the what & how of it is "Don't Shoot The Dog" by Karen Pryor.
The book is not by any means all about dogs. KP was a dolphin trainer originally. It tells you how training works from the basics, in any species. (Includes how not to be trained by a manipulative romance scammer and how to get your teenager to tidy his room; right down to how to get a woodlouse to go towards food!) Explains how to devise your own training program to get from where you are to where you want to be, for any animal.

 

[Glitter's fun]

'Science Based Training' is such a vague term that it can mean anything from "we are attached to a university" down to "I want your money & I think this makes me sound legit!"

The reputable horse training sites mostly seem to mean "not old fashioned, not using punishment, dominance or strapping into position with tack". So, basically they are using operant conditioning , combined with some species-specific observations on natural horse behaviour.

ISES that @ThreeFurs linked to above is a good place to start.

Edited to add - not read it but this book seems to get good feedback https://www.amazon.co.uk/Equine-Empowerment-Positive-Reinforcement-Training/dp/0692181717

 

[maya2008]

Well… scientifically, if an action gives a positive response (good for animal/feels good/gets something they want) then it statistically shows a greater chance of the animal repeating that action. If the action gets a negative response (bad for animal, or just not what they wanted) then less likely for them to repeat it.

To throw fun into the mix, if it SOMETIMES gets a positive response, then it is more likely to be repeated than if it always does.

From wood lice to pigeons to mammals and so on.


Then we have operant conditioning which is pavlov’s dog. Ring a bell for food time each day. Will eventually salivate at the ringing of the bell.


Anyway. I use clicker training for the latest feral one because she likes the clear goals and the food. Not more effective than other methods, just different. Progress similar. Just the right one for this particular mare.

 

[pistolpete]

Hannah Dawsons Connection Training is a great book. Also look up Ben Hart. He’s brilliant and all about horse psychology effective training and kind.