Clicker training
focuses on using +R
(positive
reinforcement) and
avoids using –R
(negative
reinforcement). This
is primarily done
through shaping
behaviors, using
small steps and
rewarding each small
progress, to
encourage more of
the same. However,
waiting for a horse,
or other animal, to
offer a behavior can
be discouraging at
the beginning. So,
we give the horse
“clues.” We give the
horse a signal once
or twice, and wait
to see what the
horse offers. If the
horse offers
something close to
what we are looking
for, click and
reward.
This is different than training with –R. With negative reinforcement, you will continue with the aversive cue, until the horse does what you ask. For example, if you were teaching a horse to stop while riding using –R, you would pull back on the reins. You would start with light pressure, but then build on that pressure until the horse slowed or stopped. Only then would you release the pressure. Obviously, horses can learn using this method, but is there a better way?
Teaching the same thing to a horse using +R would look like this. You are riding your horse and would like him to slow or stop. You give him a “clue.” You very gently pick up on the rein, but then ease off the pressure. If the horse slows or stops, you would click and reward. (In an emergency, please do what you need to do to stop your horse and be safe.) However, in training, you allow the horse time to think about what you ask. If the horse didn’t stop or slow, perhaps pick up the rein again gently, slacking off again right away. Remember to reward any try on the horse’s part.
We use the clues to help give the horse an idea of what we want. Say we want the horse to lift his leg, we might just touch it once or twice lightly with our hand or crop and then wait. We don’t just tap, tap, tap. That would be –R.
In the beginning, it might be hard for the horse to understand that you want him to interact. He is used to being TOLD what to do and doesn’t understand what it means to be offered a choice. This freedom sets him apart from horses that only do what they are told and no more. This horse now has a choice, a say in what goes on.
Using +R instead of –R allows the horse to try to understand what we want. We aren’t pulling or shoving him around or making him do anything. We allow him the opportunity to fail or to be brilliant. When the horse realizes how the game is played, a spark of life appears and he happily joins in the fun.
This is different than training with –R. With negative reinforcement, you will continue with the aversive cue, until the horse does what you ask. For example, if you were teaching a horse to stop while riding using –R, you would pull back on the reins. You would start with light pressure, but then build on that pressure until the horse slowed or stopped. Only then would you release the pressure. Obviously, horses can learn using this method, but is there a better way?
Teaching the same thing to a horse using +R would look like this. You are riding your horse and would like him to slow or stop. You give him a “clue.” You very gently pick up on the rein, but then ease off the pressure. If the horse slows or stops, you would click and reward. (In an emergency, please do what you need to do to stop your horse and be safe.) However, in training, you allow the horse time to think about what you ask. If the horse didn’t stop or slow, perhaps pick up the rein again gently, slacking off again right away. Remember to reward any try on the horse’s part.
We use the clues to help give the horse an idea of what we want. Say we want the horse to lift his leg, we might just touch it once or twice lightly with our hand or crop and then wait. We don’t just tap, tap, tap. That would be –R.
In the beginning, it might be hard for the horse to understand that you want him to interact. He is used to being TOLD what to do and doesn’t understand what it means to be offered a choice. This freedom sets him apart from horses that only do what they are told and no more. This horse now has a choice, a say in what goes on.
Using +R instead of –R allows the horse to try to understand what we want. We aren’t pulling or shoving him around or making him do anything. We allow him the opportunity to fail or to be brilliant. When the horse realizes how the game is played, a spark of life appears and he happily joins in the fun.