>>> So, if clicker was used consistently and correctly wouldn't the horse begin to trust because they've figured out the method of communication?
One thing Christine Schwartz told me that made sense, and maybe she was quoting Robyn or Linda T-J, I don't remember. Anyway, she said the idea she (they?) had found best was to see yourself as a slot machine, not a vending machine. How do you react if you put a dollar in the slot machine and win even $15? You feel lucky, extraordinarily lucky. How do you feel if you lose $1 in the slot machine... Most of us would think, Oh well, that's life, not this time... and keep going about our business. Now, how do you feel when you put a dollar in the candy machine and you get a candy bar? That was your just reward. You EXPECT that candy. It's your right. How do you feel if you don't get your candy bar? Ticked off? Angry that you didn't get what you deserved? Hey, I PAID for that doggone candy bar, and I'd better get the darned thing! Christine's advice was never to treat your horse so often and so much that he EXPECTS the click and treat. Let it be a happy reward. I've seen a couple of horses that aren't always treated with their clicks who still demand the click. Karen Thomas, NC -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.10/720 - Release Date: 3/12/2007 7:19 PM
