... Continuing from
my previous post Training Approaches – creating a slave or partner?
In the previous post I explained how bridges work. I use a
Terminal Bridge (TB) to tell the horse that s/he made the correct response. It’s the Stamp of Approval, so to speak. If the horse almost gets it right, but isn’t quite “there” yet, I encourage using an Intermediate
Bridge (IB). The intensity and
enthusiasm of my IB is like the crowd cheering an imminent touchdown. Judicious use of the IB and TB dramatically
reduces the guess work (and the resulting frustration) for the horse.
In order for the
bridge have significance for the horse you must first associate the sound
"X" with a reward (treat). This
is a crucial first step, as this association must be so strong that the horse
will actually choose his/her actions in order to elicit the sound "X"
from you.
Conditioning
the bridges
The Terminal Bridge
1. Face the
horse
2. Make an
emphatic, sharp sound: "X"!
3. Immediately
present a treat so s/he can receive it immediately (i.e don’t make the horse
“hunt” for it).
4. Repeat 3
times.
Then,
5. wait until s/he
looks away (is distracted).
6. Say "X"!
7. As soon as s/he
returns his attention back to you, give the treat. If s/he does
not, repeat steps 1-4.
The horse MUST
be convinced that every time s/he hears you say "X" s/he will get a
treat. Without this association,
subsequent steps will not work well, or at all.
The Intermediate Bridge
1. Hide a treat
behind your back.
2. Say
"X", and reveal the treat but at arm's length from the horse's
muzzle.
3. As s/he
reaches for it, keep the treat steady, and say "xxxxx..." (sounds
like little "x"s strung together), increasing the volume and pitch of the
sound as s/he approaches the treat.
4. Allow the
horse to take the treat, and say "X"!
If s/he stops reaching
for the treat, or goes in the wrong direction, immediately stop making the “xxx”
sound. When s/he resumes on the right
path, you resume the IB.
5. Repeat 3 times.
Stop for the day! Time to absorb
This absorption interval is very important for the learning process: it allows the horse's brain to process his/her new experiences. I work newbies
for only a few minutes per session, but I
may do a couple of sessions in a day. If I sense
burn-out or any sign of stress I quit for the day. Never let it get to burn-out. This is
supposed to be fun and interesting for the horse, and it’s better to stop with
him/her still wanting to do more. NEVER DRILL - three successful trials of any exercise will be more beneficial than twenty.
Start each new
day with a brief review of the previous day.
Progress of some behaviors may be unbelievably fast (the horse will “get
it” in a few minutes); others will be like watching grass grow. Always remember that training is a never-ending
process that lasts the life time of your relationship with the horse.
Next post,
shaping behaviors …
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