71. Beginner‘s Guide to +R Horse Training (Pt. 1)

EquiTheory

Hi All🌞🌎

This episode is all about the basics of training with +R (positive reinforcement) and Clicker Training. From top to bottom!

🔥OUTLINE + TOPICS COVERED🔥

◆ What is +R? Why should I? How do I?

• Quadrants & Operant Conditioning
• What are the main differences between -R/traditional and +R?
• Can anyone do it?
• Can any horse do it? Is there an age limit or a breed?
• What all do I need to train with +R?
• What is the clicker about
• Bridge/marker signal
• What do I use as Reinforcement? (Type of treats, scratches, what horse likes, overfeeding, dependent on learner)
• How do I start?
• Pick a behavior
• Setting up the environment (health, physical environment)
• Trainer etiquette (Trainer self-awareness for success)
• Horse etiquette
• Session length
• Low criteria
• Rate of reinforcement
• Timing with the clicker
• Got the behavior… Where do we go from here?
• Put on Cue (How to choose good cues)
• Put on Stimulus Control
• When do we increase our criteria?
• When do we move on to new behavior? What do I need to master before I move on? How do I know when I’m ready to progress to the next step? How do I make sure I’m going slow & breaking down without rushing/pushing?
• What if I have to use +P/-R in an emergency? Does that undo everything?
• Realize you are stepping into the role of the trainer. You must know what you are doing before you try to tell the horse what to do!

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EquiTheory Podcast — Hosted by Jill Treece of JETEquiTheory

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