Hi Springy,
However, now she constantly offers head down when I'm not training her and then gets a little agitated when I don't click and reward her. What do you do when the horse keeps repeating the behaviour when you're not clicker training? Will she get dissolusioned if she doesn't always get treated? or will she work out that she only get a click and treat if she's asked to do something first.
This is fairly common when first starting clicker training. First of all i'd introduce tongue clicks to her as we often need to click when we haven't one handy, or our hand are full, secondly don't panic! You can do one of two things, ignore the behaviour completly or give occasional clicks, ie, if whilst grooming or tacking up she continually try's to make you click by putting her head down click when she hasn't done anything but stand still. You could also shape that first response so she keeps her head down longer. I find it useful to develop key words that begin and end each training session, which at first won't mean much to your horse but eventually they will reconise what they mean. This type of behaviour will stop though once a few more thing are taught.
[/QUOTE] was also wondering if it's ok to use both verbal and physical cues when CT? For example, I have taught spring that both "over" and touching the hip both mean the same thing and she responds to either. Is consistency with the type of cue used necessary for successful clicker training
Consistency is important with any teaching what is important to is the introduction of the word command or cue. Try at first to give the word as the action happens and don't repeat them in an attempt to make it happen, but as long as what you are doing is working don't change it!
Also am I asking for to many different behaviours in one session? Is it better to stick to one thing and perfect that first before moving on to something else?
There is nothing wrong in teaching different things in one session as long as you are clear with each thing you are teaching, remember not to teach two things at once within a behaviour as this will cause confusion. I think for your benifit it would be best to master the method before introducing to many things. It sounds like you've achieved alot already though!
keep us posted!!
Becky
