Clicker training horses is not common and yet I think that there is a lot of scope for this very successful training method to be used far more widely in horse and pony training.

Clicker training is so good because when done well it uses a distinct and consistent signal to mark a desired behavior in real time and then follows that signal with a motivating reward. Because animals understand precisely which action earned the click and their reward, they learn new behaviors quickly, easily, and enthusiastically.

Clicker training can be better than just using your voice, positive attention, praise, food, or other training methods. There are lots of important reasons for this.


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The click pinpoints the behavior exactly so your dog will learn desirable behavior amazingly quickly-often from one, two, or three clicks

The information the click provides is retained. Behavior is remembered from one training session to the next, so training sessions can be short and flexibly designed. Also, unlike word cues, clicker training does not convey emotionally loaded approval or disapproval to the anima. lt is simply information the dog can use to earn a reward or try again.

The clicker provides a consistent, non-emotional marker so your dog always receives the same information. The clicker is also distinct from other signals in the environment.

Clicker training is well used for training dogs, and it works with all breeds, all ages, all types of dogs, purebred and rescue, champions and house companions. With deaf dogs, substitute a light flash for the clicker.

Dogs and horses can be trained "traditionally" and be "crossed over" to clicker training. Dog owners report that even previously hesitant and shy dogs become enthusiastic and creative learners.

But, I hear you asking why, if clicker training is so great, it isn't universally practiced? Well, in the dog world for example many people believe that it will take over one day, but it takes some time for the techniques to become accepted and then move become commonplace.

But, all the time more trainers are using clicker training to teach basic obedience and other classes, more shelters are using it to care for animals, and more vets are recommending it.

Clicker training is the most positive form of training used with horses, dogs and other animals. It is actually the same method of training always used with marine animals, like Dolphins and Killer Whales; however marine animal trainers use a whistle instead of a clicker because that sound travels best under water. Believe it or not, you can clicker train cats and parrots and other birds, you can also clicker train chickens and horses. We bet that you might even clicker train a gold fish!