Dominique and I spent an afternoon catching up and going through topics she’s been collecting from my new book, Modern Horse Training, and the on-line clinics.  In Part 1 the focus was on working both sides of your horse.In part two we shifted topics to talk about piaffe, managing energy, cues, and base behaviors.  What we're looking for in this work is we want a deep, deep feeling of all is well within the horse. You can ask for added energy and then immediately go back to calm because the horse is feeling deeply safe in his being. Base behaviors give you a middle ground to return to as you ask for different behaviors.  Base behaviors give you the calm center.This discussion brought us to the metaphor of tap root behaviors and different strategies for teaching and using base behaviors. Base behaviors help you slow everything down. They give you time to think so you can remain organized.  Base behaviors help you develop for your horse the kind of consistent, reliable good manners you would be proud to share with others.

Dominique and I spent an afternoon catching up and going through topics she’s been collecting from my new book, Modern Horse Training, and the on-line clinics. In Part 1 the focus was on working both sides of your horse. In part two we shifted topics to talk about piaffe, managing energy, cues, and base behaviors. What we're looking for in this work is we want a deep, deep feeling of all is well within the horse. You can ask for added energy and then immediately go back to calm because the horse is feeling deeply safe in his being. Base behaviors give you a middle ground to return to as you ask for different behaviors. Base behaviors give you the calm center. This discussion brought us to the metaphor of tap root behaviors and different strategies for teaching and using base behaviors. Base behaviors help you slow everything down. They give you time to think so you can remain organized. Base behaviors help you develop for your horse the kind of consistent, reliable good manners you would be proud to share with others.

Episode 245 In Conversation Pt 3 Creating Emotional Stability

Dominique and I spent an afternoon catching up and going through topics she’s been collecting from my new book, Modern Horse Training, and the on-line clinics.  In Part 1 the focus was on working both sides of your horse.  We’re often told that we have to work both sides equally during a training session.  As always, it is go to people for opinions and horses for answers.  What answers have the horses given us?  And what strategies can we use to help a horse become comfortable and well balanced  on both sides.  That was the focus of Part 1.  We stopped as Dominique changed the topic to piaffe.  This is a world divides topic.  Some people will be perking up, eager to learn more, others will be groaning thinking this episode won’t have anything in it for them.  But wait.  Before you turn us off,  consider this.  Maybe you don’t think of yourself as a dressage rider.  You don’t dream of teaching your horse to piaffe.  In fact, if you’re a trail rider, to you piaffe may mean a horse who jigs all the way back to the barn.  And that’s really the point.  What we’re going to be talking about is changing energy levels and emotional states.  In this podcast we’re going to be exploring the transition from being settled and calm to full of the kind of energy that can be channeled into performance.We’ll be talking about the role that cues, behavior chains and base behaviors play in developing a horse who can remain deeply settled and relaxed even while he is performing at a very high level.

Dominique and I spent an afternoon catching up and going through topics she’s been collecting from my new book, Modern Horse Training, and the on-line clinics. In Part 1 the focus was on working both sides of your horse. We’re often told that we have to work both sides equally during a training session. As always, it is go to people for opinions and horses for answers. What answers have the horses given us? And what strategies can we use to help a horse become comfortable and well balanced on both sides. That was the focus of Part 1. We stopped as Dominique changed the topic to piaffe. This is a world divides topic. Some people will be perking up, eager to learn more, others will be groaning thinking this episode won’t have anything in it for them. But wait. Before you turn us off, consider this. Maybe you don’t think of yourself as a dressage rider. You don’t dream of teaching your horse to piaffe. In fact, if you’re a trail rider, to you piaffe may mean a horse who jigs all the way back to the barn. And that’s really the point. What we’re going to be talking about is changing energy levels and emotional states. In this podcast we’re going to be exploring the transition from being settled and calm to full of the kind of energy that can be channeled into performance. We’ll be talking about the role that cues, behavior chains and base behaviors play in developing a horse who can remain deeply settled and relaxed even while he is performing at a very high level.

Episode 244 In Conversation Pt 2  Piaffe And Managing Energy

Periodically Dominique get together for a catch up conversation.  Dominique has been going through my new book, Modern Horse Training, and my on-line clinics.  From those resources she’s been collecting topics that are interesting to explore.  But first we begin with a short follow up to the episodes we did with Joe Layng on reinforcement schedules.  We talk about the role clean loops play in developing behavior.  What is the difference between clean and fully developed?Then we move on and talk about strategies for working both sides of your horse.  We begin by examining the premise of is it necessary to work both sides when you train.  What does that mean?  And how do you get to the point where your horse is comfortable and capable being worked on both the left and right side.

Periodically Dominique get together for a catch up conversation. Dominique has been going through my new book, Modern Horse Training, and my on-line clinics. From those resources she’s been collecting topics that are interesting to explore. But first we begin with a short follow up to the episodes we did with Joe Layng on reinforcement schedules. We talk about the role clean loops play in developing behavior. What is the difference between clean and fully developed? Then we move on and talk about strategies for working both sides of your horse. We begin by examining the premise of is it necessary to work both sides when you train. What does that mean? And how do you get to the point where your horse is comfortable and capable being worked on both the left and right side.

Episode 243 In Conversation With Dominique Pt 1 Becoming Ambidextrous

Joe Layng

This is the fourth installment of our conversation with Dr. Joe Layng about schedules of reinforcement.  In this episode we begin with the distinction Joe is making between contingencies and dependencies, and a program versus a schedule.  This takes us to this question:  Given this distinction between shaping and maintaining, at what point does an exploration of schedules become relevant?  As you stabilize behaviors, how much variability do you need to maintain?  How does all of this relate to the loopy training teaching strategy?  One of the main takeaways from the conversation is how sensitive all organisms are to their environment.  Their environment includes changes to the schedules of reinforcement.

Episode 242 Dr. Joe Layng Pt 4 Schedules - It Depends

This is the third installment of our conversation with Dr. Joe Layng about schedules of reinforcement.  In this episode we’ll be talking more directly about shaping.  Joe introduces some more terms into the discussion, including ratio strain.  He makes distinctions between a program and a schedule, and between contingencies and dependencies.  And he highlights the role that extinction plays in shaping.

Episode 241  Dr. Joe Layng Pt 3 Schedules And Shaping

This is part 2 of our conversation with Dr Joe Layng about schedules of reinforcement.  Last week Joe got us started by describing the four basic types of schedules you are likely to encounter.  Fixed Interval schedules and variable Interval schedules are both time based.  Fix ratio and variable ratio schedules refer to the number of responses.In this episode Joe moves beyond the basics of schedules to show us how complex the application and interpretation of schedules can become.  He looks at how drugs interact with different schedules to either increase or decrease responses.  The teaser is the effect may not be what you would expect.  Joe talks about the effect of schedules on social behavior - how you can change an animal’s behavior from cooperative to aggressive depending upon the schedule the animal is on.  It’s a head spinning conversation in part because there are so many ways to manipulate schedules.  One of the main takeaways is how sensitive behavior is to the environment.  As Joe says in the episode: “What the study of schedules under controlled conditions shows us is how precisely the environment comes to control behavior. They show us how sensitive behavior is to these different environmental arrangements.  The behavior you get depends on how you set it up the environment. You can get almost anything you want. It depends upon how you set it up. “That’s an extraordinarily hopeful statement.  So instead of feeling stuck with behavior you don’t like, Joe is offering us a different way of thinking about behavior.  It isn’t fixed in the genes.  It isn’t even fixed in previous history.  Change the environment and rats that are social may become aggressive and aggressive rats may suddenly lend a helping paw pressing a lever.  It’s all in the schedules.  That can be either very frightening or very hopeful depending upon your perspective.

This is part 2 of our conversation with Dr Joe Layng about schedules of reinforcement. Last week Joe got us started by describing the four basic types of schedules you are likely to encounter. Fixed Interval schedules and variable Interval schedules are both time based. Fix ratio and variable ratio schedules refer to the number of responses. In this episode Joe moves beyond the basics of schedules to show us how complex the application and interpretation of schedules can become. He looks at how drugs interact with different schedules to either increase or decrease responses. The teaser is the effect may not be what you would expect. Joe talks about the effect of schedules on social behavior - how you can change an animal’s behavior from cooperative to aggressive depending upon the schedule the animal is on. It’s a head spinning conversation in part because there are so many ways to manipulate schedules. One of the main takeaways is how sensitive behavior is to the environment. As Joe says in the episode: “What the study of schedules under controlled conditions shows us is how precisely the environment comes to control behavior. They show us how sensitive behavior is to these different environmental arrangements. The behavior you get depends on how you set it up the environment. You can get almost anything you want. It depends upon how you set it up. “ That’s an extraordinarily hopeful statement. So instead of feeling stuck with behavior you don’t like, Joe is offering us a different way of thinking about behavior. It isn’t fixed in the genes. It isn’t even fixed in previous history. Change the environment and rats that are social may become aggressive and aggressive rats may suddenly lend a helping paw pressing a lever. It’s all in the schedules. That can be either very frightening or very hopeful depending upon your perspective.

Episode 240 Dr Joe Layng Pt 2 Schedules Of Reinforcement - Change The Schedule - Change The Behavior

We’re beginning a four part series on schedules of reinforcement with Dr Joe Layng.  Dr. Layng is a behavior analyst with over fifty years of experience in the experimental and applied analysis of behavior.  His most recent book is “Nonlinear Contingency Analysis: Going Beyond Cognition and Behavior in Clinical Practice.  I could go on with a long list of Joe’s professional credentials, but instead I’ll say that Joe was one of the regular presenters at the Art and Science of Animal Training conference.  That’s where I first met him. Joe’s talks were always for me the highlight of the conference in part because he prompted me to look at familiar concepts through a different lens.  I always think of Joe as better than google.  During any conversation he’ll rattle off at least half a dozen references that need to be explored.   You’ll discover very quickly what I mean by that in the first part of this episode.  Joe has our guest before.  We’ve talked about contingency adduction, the effect of schedules on social behavior, and one of my favorite topics to discuss with Joe, degrees of freedom.  If those topics sound too academic for your tastes, don’t worry.  Joe is a wonderful story teller.  In every  conversation Joe has left us with a teaser.  In this case he begins with a teaser.  Our plan was to talk about reinforcement schedules, but Joe jumped in chatting about a topic he’s been exploring recently - that of private experiences.  Typically, I edit out the conversations we have when we first sign into zoom and we’re getting ourselves organized. In this case Joe’s comments were too much fun not to share.  So yes, we are going to talk about schedules of reinforcement in this episode, but first we’re going to indulge in a journey down a couple of interesting rabbit holes.

We’re beginning a four part series on schedules of reinforcement with Dr Joe Layng. Dr. Layng is a behavior analyst with over fifty years of experience in the experimental and applied analysis of behavior. His most recent book is “Nonlinear Contingency Analysis: Going Beyond Cognition and Behavior in Clinical Practice. I could go on with a long list of Joe’s professional credentials, but instead I’ll say that Joe was one of the regular presenters at the Art and Science of Animal Training conference. That’s where I first met him. Joe’s talks were always for me the highlight of the conference in part because he prompted me to look at familiar concepts through a different lens. I always think of Joe as better than google. During any conversation he’ll rattle off at least half a dozen references that need to be explored. You’ll discover very quickly what I mean by that in the first part of this episode. Joe has our guest before. We’ve talked about contingency adduction, the effect of schedules on social behavior, and one of my favorite topics to discuss with Joe, degrees of freedom. If those topics sound too academic for your tastes, don’t worry. Joe is a wonderful story teller. In every conversation Joe has left us with a teaser. In this case he begins with a teaser. Our plan was to talk about reinforcement schedules, but Joe jumped in chatting about a topic he’s been exploring recently - that of private experiences. Typically, I edit out the conversations we have when we first sign into zoom and we’re getting ourselves organized. In this case Joe’s comments were too much fun not to share. So yes, we are going to talk about schedules of reinforcement in this episode, but first we’re going to indulge in a journey down a couple of interesting rabbit holes.

Episode 239 Dr Joe Layng Pt 1 Schedules Of Reinforcement

This is the second half of an afternoon conversation.   Dominique has been collecting some topics to discuss from the coaching sessions that are part of my on-line clinics, from the new book, Modern Horse Training, and from conversations she’s seen on the internet.  We cover four or five big topics so I have divided the conversation into two parts.  In Part 1 we began with a discussion of tying. From there we looked at leading and the importance of signaling your intent so you don’t end up playing a game of red light-green light with your horse.In part 2 we’ll be looking at another useful metaphor, that of filmstrips and how they can be used to teach patterns both on the ground and under saddle.  Then we’ll talk about working with injured horses, and we’ll finish up with how you can use the snap on your lead rope like a toggle switch to create very nuanced tactile cues.  We’ll look in particular at how to ask your horse to back up so you aren’t pushing into your horse.

This is the second half of an afternoon conversation. Dominique has been collecting some topics to discuss from the coaching sessions that are part of my on-line clinics, from the new book, Modern Horse Training, and from conversations she’s seen on the internet. We cover four or five big topics so I have divided the conversation into two parts. In Part 1 we began with a discussion of tying. From there we looked at leading and the importance of signaling your intent so you don’t end up playing a game of red light-green light with your horse. In part 2 we’ll be looking at another useful metaphor, that of filmstrips and how they can be used to teach patterns both on the ground and under saddle. Then we’ll talk about working with injured horses, and we’ll finish up with how you can use the snap on your lead rope like a toggle switch to create very nuanced tactile cues. We’ll look in particular at how to ask your horse to back up so you aren’t pushing into your horse.

Episode 238 Film Strips, Working With Injured Horses, And More Rope Handling Details

We’re starting a new conversation.  Dominique has been collecting some topics to discuss from the coaching sessions that are part of my on-line clinics, from the new book, Modern Horse Training, and from conversations she’s seen on the internet.  We cover four or five big topics so I have divided the conversation into two parts.  We’ll begin with a discussion of tying.  On the internet Dominique ran across what turned into a very heated discussion about whether or not you should tie your horse.  From there we look at leading and the importance of signaling your intent so you don’t end up playing a game of red light-green light with your horse.In part 2 we’ll be looking at another useful metaphor, that of filmstrips and how they can be used to teach patterns both on the ground and under saddle.  Then we’ll talk about working with injured horses, and we’ll finish up with how you can use the snap on your lead rope like a toggle switch to create very nuanced tactile cues.  We’ll look in particular how to ask your horse to back up so you aren’t pushing into your horse.

We’re starting a new conversation. Dominique has been collecting some topics to discuss from the coaching sessions that are part of my on-line clinics, from the new book, Modern Horse Training, and from conversations she’s seen on the internet. We cover four or five big topics so I have divided the conversation into two parts. We’ll begin with a discussion of tying. On the internet Dominique ran across what turned into a very heated discussion about whether or not you should tie your horse. From there we look at leading and the importance of signaling your intent so you don’t end up playing a game of red light-green light with your horse. In part 2 we’ll be looking at another useful metaphor, that of filmstrips and how they can be used to teach patterns both on the ground and under saddle. Then we’ll talk about working with injured horses, and we’ll finish up with how you can use the snap on your lead rope like a toggle switch to create very nuanced tactile cues. We’ll look in particular how to ask your horse to back up so you aren’t pushing into your horse.

Episode 237: To Tie Or Not To Tie And The Problem With Red Light/Green Light Cues

This is part 3 of a conversation about my new book: Modern Horse Training.   In our previous conversation, Dominique started at the end of the book to talk about riding.  Now we’re back at the beginning of the book.  Dominique picked out three elements that stood out for her that contribute to what is meant by modern horse training.  In Part 1 we talked about constructional training - what that means and the clarity it brings to training.  A second element is of course loopy training.  In Part 2 we talked about what it means to flip the funnel.  Another element that stood out for Dominique was the inclusion of extinction in discussions of the four quadrants of operant conditioning. That brought us to it is okay for our horses to say NO.  In this episode we consider more of the elements that contribute to our use today of positive reinforcement training.  What it brings us to is one of the great benefits of this work  - it is so accessible.  That’s true for both the horse and the handler.  It doesn’t matter what skill level you bring to the work, there’s a starting point that will work for you.  It doesn’t matter what training puzzles your horse presents, there is a starting point for that horse, as well.  Accessibility is a hugely important element of this work.  We share stories that illustrate what this means.

This is part 3 of a conversation about my new book: Modern Horse Training. In our previous conversation, Dominique started at the end of the book to talk about riding. Now we’re back at the beginning of the book. Dominique picked out three elements that stood out for her that contribute to what is meant by modern horse training. In Part 1 we talked about constructional training - what that means and the clarity it brings to training. A second element is of course loopy training. In Part 2 we talked about what it means to flip the funnel. Another element that stood out for Dominique was the inclusion of extinction in discussions of the four quadrants of operant conditioning. That brought us to it is okay for our horses to say NO. In this episode we consider more of the elements that contribute to our use today of positive reinforcement training. What it brings us to is one of the great benefits of this work - it is so accessible. That’s true for both the horse and the handler. It doesn’t matter what skill level you bring to the work, there’s a starting point that will work for you. It doesn’t matter what training puzzles your horse presents, there is a starting point for that horse, as well. Accessibility is a hugely important element of this work. We share stories that illustrate what this means.

Episode 236 Modern Horse Training Pt 3 Accessibility

Equiosity is the podcast about all things equine with a special emphasis on the horse-human bond.

If you are interested in clicker training horses, but short on time, then this podcast is a good place to get info.  Listen while mucking stalls, picking fields or even on lunch breaks from your desk job!!

Great place to start!

Alex and Dominique have created a marvelous podcast on the power of positive training. While they call it Equiosity, the questions they explore are important to training any species in a positive way. The importance of choice can’t be over emphasized. How we use our training tools (food delivery, mats) has wide implications.  There are bonus articles for members.  Listen and enjoy!

Gems for the positive trainer

Equiosity

Anja Beran

This episode begins a very special series.  In July I attended Anja Beran’s Annual International Workshop.  I was accompanied by eight other clicker trainers.  At the end of the week Anja sat down with us for an evening of questions.  I began by asking Anja for her definition of classical dressage.  From there the conversation ranged over a variety of questions, including one from Heather Binns on the use of bits, spurs, and whips.  I know many in the clicker training community are unequivocally opposed to the use of these tools.  But when you hear Anja’s explanation of how she uses these tools it, it may not change your mind for your own practice, but it may help you to understand why others choose to use them.  This is a double decker episode.  Dominique was not able to join us for the interview, but I wanted her reaction to Anja’s interview.  When she first heard Anja talking about bits and spurs, she sent me a distressed email.  Why are we presenting this interview?  She had heard similar words from other trainers.  Everyone says whips are arm extenders, but what she has seen is at some point they aren’t used to just point, they are used to hit.  The words she was hearing at first made her very uncomfortable.  She was not at the Workshop so she had not watched Anja Beran’s training as I have done now over three years.  She has not seen the horses nor has she experienced what I also know - you can ride horses into soundness.  But after listening to Parts 2 and 3 of the interview, Dominique came to understand that Anja Beran very much shares our ethical foundation.  The welfare of the horse sits first and foremost at the center of her training.   This is an important interview.  I feel very privileged that Anja spent so much time with our group.  It was a great pleasure to spend the week watching her beautiful horses. It is important to preserve classical dressage.  It is part of our riding heritage and there is much that can be learned from the old masters that is of benefit to our horses.  I hope you enjoy this interview series with Anja Beran.

This episode begins a very special series. In July I attended Anja Beran’s Annual International Workshop. I was accompanied by eight other clicker trainers. At the end of the week Anja sat down with us for an evening of questions. I began by asking Anja for her definition of classical dressage. From there the conversation ranged over a variety of questions, including one from Heather Binns on the use of bits, spurs, and whips. I know many in the clicker training community are unequivocally opposed to the use of these tools. But when you hear Anja’s explanation of how she uses these tools it, it may not change your mind for your own practice, but it may help you to understand why others choose to use them. This is a double decker episode. Dominique was not able to join us for the interview, but I wanted her reaction to Anja’s interview. When she first heard Anja talking about bits and spurs, she sent me a distressed email. Why are we presenting this interview? She had heard similar words from other trainers. Everyone says whips are arm extenders, but what she has seen is at some point they aren’t used to just point, they are used to hit. The words she was hearing at first made her very uncomfortable. She was not at the Workshop so she had not watched Anja Beran’s training as I have done now over three years. She has not seen the horses nor has she experienced what I also know - you can ride horses into soundness. But after listening to Parts 2 and 3 of the interview, Dominique came to understand that Anja Beran very much shares our ethical foundation. The welfare of the horse sits first and foremost at the center of her training. This is an important interview. I feel very privileged that Anja spent so much time with our group. It was a great pleasure to spend the week watching her beautiful horses. It is important to preserve classical dressage. It is part of our riding heritage and there is much that can be learned from the old masters that is of benefit to our horses. I hope you enjoy this interview series with Anja Beran.

Episode 74 Anja Beran Pt 1 What Is Classical Dressage And Why Use Bits?

Rules are useful things.   They keep us out of trouble - especially when it comes to training.  But always it is a study of one - so when do you follow "the rules" and when do you deviate from them?  That's what we explore in this week's podcast?

Episode 34: When Do You Follow The Rules?

Clicker training lets us work so effectively at liberty should we even put leads on our horses?  If we do, how do we use them? How do we turn rope handling into a clicker-compatible tool? These are some of the many questions we explore in Part One of a two part series on rope handling.  In this podcast we talk about the "dance" that evolves out of good rope handling.  Used well, the lead becomes an incredibly light and tactful communication tool. The "dance" of good rope handling is both beautiful to watch and a delight to use.

Clicker training lets us work so effectively at liberty should we even put leads on our horses?  If we do, how do we use them? How do we turn rope handling into a clicker-compatible tool?  These are some of the many questions we explore in Part One of a two part series on rope handling.  In this podcast we talk about the "dance" that evolves out of good rope handling.  Used well, the lead becomes an incredibly light and tactful communication tool. The "dance" of good rope handling is both beautiful to watch and a delight to use.

Rope Handling Part 1

We’re celebrating!  Episode 52 marks the end of one very full year of podcasting.  We’re celebrating this milestone with a special event.  We’ve invited all of the guests who joined us in this first year of podcasting to come back and join us for a special panel discussion on duration.So we’re joined in this podcast by Hannah Brannigan, Nancy Kelly, Michaela Hempen, Cindy Martin, Mary Concannon, and Jane Jackson. Through the marvels of technology we gathered around a virtual kitchen table and had a great discussion about training.  It is always a treat to have that many skilled trainers joining the conversation.  And the best part is you get to listen in!Enjoy!

We’re celebrating! Episode 52 marks the end of one very full year of podcasting. We’re celebrating this milestone with a special event. We’ve invited all of the guests who joined us in this first year of podcasting to come back and join us for a special panel discussion on duration. So we’re joined in this podcast by Hannah Brannigan, Nancy Kelly, Michaela Hempen, Cindy Martin, Mary Concannon, and Jane Jackson. Through the marvels of technology we gathered around a virtual kitchen table and had a great discussion about training. It is always a treat to have that many skilled trainers joining the conversation. And the best part is you get to listen in! Enjoy!

Episode 52: A Celebration! - Panel On Duration Pt. 1

Michaela Hempen

We need your help!In our first season we did two podcasts with Dr. Michaela Hempen.  In the first she explained how single-subject design studies work.  In the second she described a research project she is conducting that is exploring a behavioral approach to reducing cribbing.  This is much more than an update on that project.  This is a request for help.  Please listen to this podcast to find out what is needed.

We need your help! In our first season we did two podcasts with Dr. Michaela Hempen. In the first she explained how single-subject design studies work. In the second she described a research project she is conducting that is exploring a behavioral approach to reducing cribbing. This is much more than an update on that project. This is a request for help. Please listen to this podcast to find out what is needed.

Episode 83: Michaela Hempen: Cribbing Research Update

Sarah Owings

Sarah Owings joins us for a conversation about cues, but first we begin with a discussion about progressive education and puzzle solving.  Before she became a professional dog trainer Sarah taught kindergarten in a progressive school that valued "brave learners". We talk about what that means for both children and our animal learners.

Episode 57: Sarah Owings Pt. 1: Progressive Education for our Animals

It was Dr. Jesús Rosales Ruiz who gave us the name “Loopy Training”.  That’s a name that seems on first glance to be silly and frivolous but it's really grounded in the very sophisticated concept of movement cycles.  This week’s podcast is part of a long conversation Dominique Day and I were having one afternoon in late May.  In this podcast we continue on with the discussion of poisoned cues.  We explore how loopy training can help retrain behaviors that have poisoned cues attached to them.  That takes us into a discussion of what it means to have clean loops and how to use loopy training to create a balance between calm energy and enthusiasm in your animal learners.  Not surprisingly food delivery becomes part of the conversation.  We end with cue communication - an important topic which will be the main focus of podcast #13.

It was Dr. Jesús Rosales Ruiz who gave us the name “Loopy Training”. That’s a name that seems on first glance to be silly and frivolous but it's really grounded in the very sophisticated concept of movement cycles. This week’s podcast is part of a long conversation Dominique Day and I were having one afternoon in late May. In this podcast we continue on with the discussion of poisoned cues. We explore how loopy training can help retrain behaviors that have poisoned cues attached to them. That takes us into a discussion of what it means to have clean loops and how to use loopy training to create a balance between calm energy and enthusiasm in your animal learners. Not surprisingly food delivery becomes part of the conversation. We end with cue communication - an important topic which will be the main focus of podcast #13.

Epsiode 12 -Loopy Training

In the previous podcast our guest, Michaela Hempen set the stage for this week’s podcast by describing single-subject design studies.  Now she shares with us some research she has been doing on cribbing.Anyone who has had a cribber in their barn knows what an annoying habit this can be.  But it is more than an annoyance.  Cribbing has been linked to some serious health issues, including a higher risk of colics.  Michaela summarizes the different types of interventions people try - often drawing from the medical model and the ethological approach.  These help but only up to a point.  Michaela has been taking a different approach.  She is looking at the types of interventions that might be effective if we think of cribbing from the perspective of operant conditioning. You don’t have to have a cribber to benefit from this podcast.  We can all become citizen scientists as we learn to incorporate single-subject design studies into our training.  What is the best training strategy for your horse?  Does he work better if you use bigger treats, different treats, a variety of treats?  Now you don’t have to guess.  You can set up AB reversals and directly ask your horse these questions and many more.

In the previous podcast our guest, Michaela Hempen set the stage for this week’s podcast by describing single-subject design studies. Now she shares with us some research she has been doing on cribbing. Anyone who has had a cribber in their barn knows what an annoying habit this can be. But it is more than an annoyance. Cribbing has been linked to some serious health issues, including a higher risk of colics. Michaela summarizes the different types of interventions people try - often drawing from the medical model and the ethological approach. These help but only up to a point. Michaela has been taking a different approach. She is looking at the types of interventions that might be effective if we think of cribbing from the perspective of operant conditioning. You don’t have to have a cribber to benefit from this podcast. We can all become citizen scientists as we learn to incorporate single-subject design studies into our training. What is the best training strategy for your horse? Does he work better if you use bigger treats, different treats, a variety of treats? Now you don’t have to guess. You can set up AB reversals and directly ask your horse these questions and many more.

Episode 28 Cribbing

After taping episodes 1 and 2, we took a short break from our conversation and went for a walk with Dominique’s dogs.  When we came back, I asked Dominique to share a story she had just told me about how she solved the dilemma of getting her dogs to come in at night.  This relates to all of us who have eager clicker learners who don’t want the training sessions to end.    Several more stories follow all illustrating how important it is to set up your environment for success.  Whether you are training goats, dog, horses, or guinea pigs this principle very much applies. Ending well means we end with a reinforcer for you, so be certain to listen all the way to the end of the podcast to learn how to receive your bonus material.

After taping episodes 1 and 2, we took a short break from our conversation and went for a walk with Dominique’s dogs.  When we came back, I asked Dominique to share a story she had just told me about how she solved the dilemma of getting her dogs to come in at night.  This relates to all of us who have eager clicker learners who don’t want the training sessions to end.      Several more stories follow all illustrating how important it is to set up your environment for success.  Whether you are training goats, dog, horses, or guinea pigs this principle very much applies.   Ending well means we end with a reinforcer for you, so be certain to listen all the way to the end of the podcast to learn how to receive your bonus material.

Ending Well

In the second half of this conversation we continue with the theme of cues evolve.  Cues should evolve because the behaviors they are associated with are also evolving.  What does that mean?  Is anticipation a problem or is it a good thing?  How do we stabilize cues?  What is the "What Happens If . . . " game?  Find out in this week's episode.

Episode 62: Get Ready! Get Set! Go! Part 2

We discuss the basics of teaching great foot care manners.

Episode 82: Pick Up Your Foot!

Paige Poss

Every week I introduce the podcast by saying it is about all things equine.  For the most part the conversation has focused on training.  This week we’re going to broaden our focus to include a discussion of foot care.  Two weeks ago we did a podcast on the training of good foot care manners.  This week we are joined by foot care specialist and anatomy specialist, Paige Poss.  The conversation centers around a project that Dominique is exploring with two of her horses.   She wants to transition her horses to barefoot.  She has lots of questions.  She’s been doing a lot of research, so of course we want to share with you what she’s been learning.

Every week I introduce the podcast by saying it is about all things equine. For the most part the conversation has focused on training. This week we’re going to broaden our focus to include a discussion of foot care. Two weeks ago we did a podcast on the training of good foot care manners. This week we are joined by foot care specialist and anatomy specialist, Paige Poss. The conversation centers around a project that Dominique is exploring with two of her horses. She wants to transition her horses to barefoot. She has lots of questions. She’s been doing a lot of research, so of course we want to share with you what she’s been learning.

Episode 84: Paige Poss - Going Barefoot

We’ve come to the last installment of our conversation with Sarah Owings.  In the previous episodes we looked at two different ways of thinking about building cues.  In one the handler works hard to remove any body language hints.  In the other the handler acknowledges that animals are super observant so she lets the cues evolve out of the shaping process. We ended the previous episode with this statement: "Our conversation has brought us to a milestone.  We have reached this recognition that our animals are communicating to us and we can allow their behavior to modify ours." So now it’s time to see where these two different models for teaching cues takes us.

We’ve come to the last installment of our conversation with Sarah Owings. In the previous episodes we looked at two different ways of thinking about building cues. In one the handler works hard to remove any body language hints. In the other the handler acknowledges that animals are super observant so she lets the cues evolve out of the shaping process. We ended the previous episode with this statement: "Our conversation has brought us to a milestone. We have reached this recognition that our animals are communicating to us and we can allow their behavior to modify ours." So now it’s time to see where these two different models for teaching cues takes us.

Episode 60 Sarah Owings Pt 4 The Dance Of Cues

Karen Pryor coined the term “poisoned cue”.  She commented that behavior analysts can easily set up experiments that look at pure positive or pure negative reinforcement.   But Karen said that’s not the real world.  The real world is filled with mixed consequences.  What happens when a cue can lead to good things happening or to bad things happening but you don’t know which it is going to be?  That’s the poisoned cue.  Dr. Jesús Rosales-Ruiz explored this question in a study he conducted with one of his graduate students at the University of North Texas.  In this podcast Dominique Day and Alexandra Kurland describe his findings and discuss how this relates to horse training.

The Poisoned Cue

The click ends a unit of behavior. When you click, your horse breaks off what he was just doing to get his treat. From the outside looking in this can seem like a huge nuisance. How are you ever going to get anything done with all this stopping?  But when you start clicker training, all that stopping begins to make sense.  You discover that it’s the keys to the kingdom for creating outstanding performance. In this podcast we’ll explore how this works.

Episode 43: Stop!

Becky Chapman

Becky Chapman is a classical riding instructor and biomechanics coach.  And she is also a clicker trainer. In June she joined us for a three hour conversation that ranged over many topics.  We've divided it into five episodes. In Episode 1 Becky shares with us how she got started with horses.  Becky is a great story teller.  Her background is one that is shared by many of us who have always loved horses and who know about the drama that horses often bring with them.

Episode 69 Becky Chapman Pt 1 - Finding Horses

How well does your horse adjust to change?  When you take your horse on a weekend outing or you move him to a new barn, how well does he settle in?  Do you recognize his signs of stress and do you adjust your expectations based on his needs?  These are just a few of the threads we follow in this week’s conversation.  We wind our way around to the homecoming many of us find when we begin to explore clicker training.

Changes

Cindy Martin

Cushings disease is something more and more horses owners are dealing with in part because we are keeping our horses into their old age.  Cindy Martin provides a comprehensive starting point for understanding this disease - what are the early symptoms, how do you test for it, manage it, what is the difference between cushings disease and insulin resistance, what on-line resources can help you?

Episode 89: Cindy Martin Pt 2: Cushings Disease

It’s spring here in the Northeast which means the Siren’s call of the grass is pulling at our horses.  In this podcast we talk about how to turn the grass from a distraction into a reinforcer.  That takes us to the general training principle of “Train where you can, not where you can’t.” We define Loopy Training and look at how that teaching strategy can help create clean training.Be sure to listen all the way to the end.  We’re including a bonus article with this week’s podcast.

It’s spring here in the Northeast which means the Siren’s call of the grass is pulling at our horses. In this podcast we talk about how to turn the grass from a distraction into a reinforcer. That takes us to the general training principle of “Train where you can, not where you can’t.” We define Loopy Training and look at how that teaching strategy can help create clean training. Be sure to listen all the way to the end. We’re including a bonus article with this week’s podcast.

Train Where You Can

We use the occasion of the publication of the new revised edition of "The Click That Teaches: A Step By Step Guide in Pictures" as the launching point for a discussion of some of the changes we've seen in over the years in positive reinforcement training.

Episode 86: What Has Changed Part 1

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