Pinto And I Start Clicker Training

[Casey76]

And so far it has been really good fun.

I now no longer treat by hand unless he has touched the target (supplement lid which is bright green), and I've noticed a vast improvement in his muggy behaviour - towards me... apparantly any other person is still fair game <_<

We've come on quite well with the target training, though I'm still not entirely sure he associates the click with the good behaviour or not.  He knows what the target is for, and we can do high and low, side to side, etc, and we've just started on touching the target when I'm not holding on to it.

This was so funny.  I started by putting it standing up on the floor against the wall of his box, and he'd stretch he neck out, then stretch his lip out, but not touch it, then he'd look at me, and repeat, and repeat, til in frustration (I think) he actually bit it and threw it across the box.  Well of course he got a click for 'touching' the target, but it was so funny "But mum, look, I'm pointing to it, wheres my treat?"

The first thing I want to work on without the target is 'head down', but I think i will still have to do a few more sessions with the target to ensure that the click is reall enforced... what do you think?

[Becky holden]

Great to hear you're having so much fun!!  :P
Just remember though when something changes i.e. the target on the floor and not in your hand relax previous standards. I would of clicked the horse for nearly touching it as to make it easy for him to succeed some horses wouldn't of been as enthusiastic as yours and would of given up trying. Remember this also when your training area changes i.e. from stable to school or vice versa, always click attempts in the correct direction if criteria has changed or been added.

Sounds like you have a very intelligent horse!!
Becky