#63 Playdough and Legos

#63  Playdough and Legos

Shaping the behavior - is a nice calming phrase to remember. It goes with the statement "reward the slightest try. " So when you are trying to teach your darling something and he only does real real tiny baby steps in the beginning - which is to be expected - that is his way of attempting to understand what it is you are asking. It is YOUR job to let him know he is in the process of getting the correct ANSWER and he has to know this UNEQUIVOCALLY.

 
To avoid frustration & impatience on your part - KEEP thinking of it as "shaping" like when you are making something out of playdough or legos - you start off and it is just a messy blob, then little by little by little it starts to take shape. That is what your horse is doing. So that he knows he is going in the right direction he needs acknowledgement from you that he is going in the right direction and this can take any form such as  a treat, or the release (just stop doing what you were doing), a gentle pat and short wait, etc. He is shaping the playdough or building the lego thingee which will eventually result in the act or behavior that you are asking of him.

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS            Smilla13@gmail.com  (Mary Dixon)         www.RideNYS.com

Tip: Mugging

     If you enjoy giving treats to your horse but he keeps mugging you for them and won't knock it off, try doing this:  each time he mugs you, push his face gently but firmly away from you to where he is looking straight ahead.

     In the beginning, as soon as he keeps his head to the front instead of mugging you, give him his treat.  You may have to be quick about it and timing is everything.

     As he begins to understand he won't get a treat until he looks ahead (and not mug you), you can ask him to wait a bit longer, then a bit longer, and then a bit longer.  It won't take him long to figure this all out.

     BE CONSISTENT - if you do this, whatever you do, don't screw everything  up and give him a treat when he mugs you.  Then you've lost the war !  And, totally confused the poor fellow with your mixed messages.

      Giving treats doesn't make horses bite, the darlings start biting or nipping  only because you allowed the mugging behavior.  Do the above and you and your horse will be happy.

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS   ---      www.RideNYS.com