Using the concept of operant conditioning in psychology, an animal learns a particular behavior or a task when positive reinforcement follows the action that the trainer wants the animal to repeat. Eventually, the undesirable behavior or actions done by the animal aren't rewarded and ignored. Hence, giving rewards for getting things right make horses more eager and quick to learn.
When you are using clicker training you still can complement it with other training methods, that is one of the reasons why it is such a great tool to use. There is no fancy tools, except must get a clicker, some treats, and a container for the rewards. Once you have got the hang of it, your horse is going to be following your orders now. There are no specific rules to use when using the clicker training. However, the article given below will guide you on how to use this method to your benefit and save a lot of your time.
The sound of the 'click.' is very important
Your horse has to know that the sound 'click' means a reward is coming. First try to click your clicker for a few times and reward it with a treat every time it hears the sound. After about 10-15 minutes, you must repeat the sequence of clicking followed by treating. Some horses may need more sessions, but there are horses that easily get accustomed to the clicker training after three sequences.
Pushing your horse too hard should be avoided
It is important to consider that every horse differs in its readiness and ability to learn new tricks. It will be more effective to train for more than 10-15 minutes. Try to uphold short sessions broken into several days than having a long one in a day.
Use a target.
By using a target, it will be much easier to train your horse and it has something to aim at. Apply the positive reinforcement when appropriate and let this be the first task that it needs to fulfilled. The simplest thing is by hanging a plastic bottle and ask it to bump it using its head. Having done it successfully, you must reward it not once but every time it does it perfectly.
In clicker training, timing is the most important thing. So, make sure you click each time the horse has bumped the target by giving it a reward. The rewarding has to be repeated until the behavior is reinforced.
Proceed to the next level
Move on to the next step once it learns to bump the target correctly. Before giving a reward to your horse, let it pursue the target then head bob it. Your previous training is being tested here. It will tell whether you have properly conditioned it to respond to the 'click.' However, you have to always remember that you must be patient and not to conduct each session for too long . Not all horses will learn on the same speed so do not be disappointed.
You may continue to a more advance training as soon as you have finished this basic clicker training. You can employ this method to compliment your other trainings to make it easier for you to train your horse and for it to learn.
Do you have any interest in training your pet parrot to take food from your mouth or ring a little bell, you can! Bird training is no longer regulated to the professionals. Taking the time to train your pet parrot will be rewarding for both of you. It’s a way to communicate and your relationship is sure to improve regardless of how good it already is. So if you’re ready to get “clicking," let’s look at what it’s all about.
What is Clicker Training?
Clicker training is a gentle way to communicate with your bird. Clicker training has been used to train all types of animals and has also proven successful for birds. Basically, you help your parrot understand what you want from it in a playful manner.
Clicker training is never a punishment. If the parrot senses that when the clicker comes out, he or she’s in trouble, then you might as well forget about the training session. Clicker training always uses food as a reward since all animals see food as a good thing. So when your pet parrot sees that clicker, he or she should squawk with happiness knowing that a treat is soon to come!
How Do I Clicker Train?
The goal as the trainer is to be the authority figure without complete domination. Your bird will then treat you with respect without fear. Bird owners realize that physical exercise is necessary for a happy and healthy bird, but so also is mental exercise. Without mental exercise, a parrot can get restless and bored. Birds are born problem solvers and clicker training helps stimulate their natural desire to figure things out. The additional bonus with training is that the more a parrot learns, the quicker he is able to learn even more!
The Brigde between you and the Parrot!
When researching clicker training, you may see the term ‘bridge’ mentioned. A bridge is a training term that refers to the communication between the trainer and the parrot. The bridge is the signal that lets the bird know that he or she has correctly performed the task. This is what the “click" is. After the parrot hears the clicking noise, he knows that a treat is coming. It is important to give your parrot the treat immediately after the click noise so that he puts the click and reward together.
In regard to the food reward, you never want to use it as a deprivation or punishment. It is always a treat. Good treats to use are nuts and seeds. Your parrot will perform better if training commences before feeding time, but don’t over do it or your bird will resent you and will quit training.
Just remember not to rush your parrot to learn faster than he or she is able. Clicker training sessions must be short and fun. Keep the treats varied and you’ll be surprised at how responsive Polly becomes. Enjoy your training sessions and you are sure to see great results.
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