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Clicker Fundamentals
Safety should always be the number one concern of ANY training system, both for us and for our horses. For this reason I build three behaviors into the foundation of every clicker-trained horse I work with. I begin with targeting because targeting is a simple way to teach the horse what the clicker means.
Targeting is the first step in the clicker process. The next step is to show your horse that even though your pockets are full of food, you are NEVER an “open buffet”. Teaching him to back moves him away from your pockets and shows him that the best way to get treats is to respect your space. So we use clicker training to teach the horse to move away from pressure.
A calm attitude is another key element you need in your training. Fear is a distraction to learning. When your horse is worried about goblins hiding in the bushes, he’s not focused on the lessons you’re trying to teach him. To help him relax you’re going to teach him to drop his head to the ground.
When you use the clicker to teach head lowering, it becomes linked to these feelings of relaxation. Now it doesn’t just mean treats are coming. It also means “you’re safe”. That’s an important message of trust that you are building into the foundation of your training.
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The Three Foundation Lessons for a Clicker-Trained Horse
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Just as a house depends upon the strength of its foundation, so to does a horse. Take your time establishing these early lessons. They are the building blocks for the rest of your training.
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Part One: Getting Started with the Clicker
A Step-By-Step Guide
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