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Post by jojoebony on Aug 18, 2006 10:27:00 GMT -1
As Shadow is getting desperately bored (and very nippy) on box rest I am thinking about trying some clicker training to try and channel some of his mental energy. But, I really don't know a thing about it.
I wondered if any one had any first hand experience and could recommend any books, videos etc.
I can walk him in hand for 10 mins, three times a day so any other suggestions based along these lines would be appreciated.
Thanks
Jo
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Post by Debbie on Aug 18, 2006 17:31:27 GMT -1
I'm absolutely useless at clicker training, but I think Sarah from flintfoot herd does this extremely well...perhaps she can recommend a video/book?
Does he like puzzles? Like some form of a Likkit, or maybe one of the snak a balls? I recently threw in some apple chunks to encourage Blossom to drink more during our heatwave, and she spent a few good minutes 'bobbing for apples'.
I think someone else suggested a mirror if they are in a stall all by themselves, but you'd want to be sure it was pony proof....or very well out of reach.
Good luck keeping him 'busy' while on boxrest... not the easiest of things to do.
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Post by jojoebony on Aug 18, 2006 18:20:18 GMT -1
Thanks debbie.
he had a lickit but I had to take it out as he couldn't get the hang on licking it and nearly knocked himself out trying to eat it LOL!
Whatever he has needs to be soft and squishy as he is so accident prone (lastest injury involved a 10 x 12 turnout paddock and a stem from a nettle and two puncture wounds).
Will try the apple bobbing, but will supervise as he may very well drown himself!!
I really am missing the sanity of a Dales!
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Post by flintfootfilly on Aug 18, 2006 18:38:59 GMT -1
I'd recommend Alexandra Kurland's two most recent books on clicker training (only available from her US website clickercenter.com so they might not arrive soon enough for you to be able to start while your boy is on box rest?). They are titled something like "the click that teaches......" and one is riding with the clicker, and the other covers purely groundwork.
She emphasises 3 foundation tasks which are targetting, head lowering and backing up....... all of which are incredibly valuable in ensuring that you have a well mannered horse who respects your personal space and can also learn to control his emotions.
Only downside at the moment is that if he's already a bit nippy, you may well find that behaviour escalates in the early stages of clicker training, and you need to assess whether you are able to safely see through that behaviour to come out of the other side.
Personally I'd not recommend starting any clicker training until you have read a fair bit, either on the net or through a book, because it's so important to realise how powerful a tool it is, and the fact that we are training our horses every second of every time we are with our horses, so if we choose to back down from asking for something, or if we physically take a step back from them if they get bargey or worse, then we are sending a very clear training message to them..... and it's not the one we'd want them to learn!! LOL.
Short bursts of clicking work very well, though, and if you can read up on it, then you may well find it a very useful tool to introduce at this stage, and then be able to use later on as well.
Sarah
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Post by ang on Aug 18, 2006 21:07:30 GMT -1
I agree with Sarah, make sure you have a good read through first to fully understand as it does make them excited and Boisterous at first and Charlie still has occassions where he can be quite insistant but I know he understands that he shouldn't or he gets nothing & we both understand cues to ask him to back off, go back out of my space and stand nicely, pose or whatever it is that stops them mugging you. Really though its worth looking into. I intend to do a lot more this winter on boring old winter nights when you are stuck in the stable. It has made such a massive difference to my approach to training Charlie & he obviously enjoys it so much.
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Post by lucydales on Aug 20, 2006 11:02:13 GMT -1
Where are you? I have a group of experienced clicker/b&t trainers all over and there may be one near you that could come and help?
Lucy
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Post by jojoebony on Aug 20, 2006 17:25:44 GMT -1
Hi Lucy, I am up in Consett, Co Durham.
I have found a webite with quite a bit of info and have started training him with a target ( a body brush) and he has grasped the idea quite quickly. I am keeping the sessions short (no more than 5 mins) and he seems to be enjoying it.
But, if I could get some help it would be great, having read up it seems as though it could be very useful for both of us.
Jo
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Post by lucydales on Aug 20, 2006 18:04:53 GMT -1
Umm! You have found a hole in our (not!) nationwide coverage! LOL! I do know some b&t peeps in north yorks but they are dog people not horsey ones but they may be able to help as the were clicker trainers (and good ones) in an earlier life. Pm me your contact details and I'll get you there's as it may come to something. Failing that I'm happy to help via the phone if that's any use to you?
Luce
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Post by jojoebony on Oct 5, 2006 10:37:00 GMT -1
Sorry for not having replied sooner. Things have gone from bad to worse and I really haven't wanted to moan about my problems when other people have bigger issues to deal with.
Sha was turned out a few weeks ago, not sound but appearing a bit better. It has all gone wrong again and he's off to the Royal Dick in Edinburgh next week for some tests and hopefully for some answers.
Thanks for your advice and offers of help, it's appreciated.
Jo
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Post by harveydales on Oct 5, 2006 11:01:09 GMT -1
Oh no, I'm very sorry to read this. I hope the vets at Edinburgh can get to the bottom of the problem quickly. Shaddow couldn't be in better hands.
Please do keep posting though. We all want to support you through this and it does help to talk and have a moan.
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Post by zeldalithgow on Oct 5, 2006 20:41:19 GMT -1
Sorry to hear about Shadow - the D.I.C.K vets are very good used to be my vets when we lived in Edin. You can moan all you like to us, it's good to let it all out, DFs are very good at listening and offering  and vibes |
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Post by sammy on Oct 6, 2006 8:47:47 GMT -1
Yes moan away! Hope some improvement is made soon.
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Post by Debbie on Oct 6, 2006 17:23:56 GMT -1
LOL oh dear! So the censor did catch that  Laughing aside, I'm really sorry to hear about this and will keep fingers n toes crossed that they can find out what's wrong soon. PLEASE keep posting! That's what Dalesfans is all about  |
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Post by zeldalithgow on Oct 6, 2006 19:11:09 GMT -1
That censor certainly keep you guessing ;D
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Post by Manx Cat on Nov 12, 2006 21:13:52 GMT -1
Can clicker training be used with your tongue....? Cos I tried this once, and got all finger twisted with clicking with the small gadget that eventually I lost. Then I ran out of treats.....
I assume this can be done with clicking the tongue?
Im gonna have to think of something for his lordship.
Im fed up with being dragged about the place. If this doesnt work, its back to the control headcoller.
Mary xx
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