Clicker training is a slang name which originally came from the scientific term operant conditioning. Formerly used to train aquatic mammals, it has become progressively more distinguished in training horses using positive reinforcement.

An animal learns a particular behavior or a task using the concept of operant conditioning in psychology where positive reinforcement is given after the action that the trainer wants the animal to repeat has been carried out successfully. However, the undesirable behavior or actions done by the animal aren’t rewarded and it will be ignored. Therefore the horse is more eager and quick to learn because they know rewards are given for the right actions.

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.’ must come with a condition

Firstly, try to click your clicker for several times and then reward it with a treat every time your horse hears the sound. Why we are doing this? This is a process to let it know that the sound ‘click’ means that a reward is coming. Repeat the sequence of clicking followed by treating Later after about every 10-15 minutes. Some horses can easily get accustomed to the clicker training after three sequences, but some horses may need more sessions.

Avoid pushing your horse too much

It is going to be more effective to train your horse for more than 10-15 minutes. However it is important for you to know that every horse differs in its readiness and ability to learn new tricks. Try to do short sessions broken into several days than having a long one in a day. When it is tired, you can’t expect much.

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.

The next step

After it has learned to bump the target, move on to the next level. Then, guide your horse to pursue the target then head bob it before you give it a reward. This is some sort like a revision to test your previous training and will tell whether you have properly conditioned your horse to respond to the ‘click.’ Each session should be conducted in short periods and you have to be patient. Not all horses will learn in the same manner, you need to remember that.

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.

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