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.
