>>> One of the foundation lessons is called "the grown-ups are talking,
please don't interrupt".

I think that is possibly the biggest single thing I've seen people miss, and
what has turned me off the method as much as I am.  I've seen too many
people who get so whooped up in what their horse can do, to the point that
they don't see the bratty behaviors that have developed too.  It's like the
adults whose kids disrupt the family reunion, church, the restaurant,
whatever.  All that those parents see are how adorable the kids are, not the
bad behavior.  Often when these human children don't get the attention
that's their birthright, the behavior escalates, often negatively.  I see
exactly that same mistake made too often with clicker-trained horses.

When I made my observations about clicker training gone awry, several people
pointed out that "done properly"... Yes, I understand that it's another
issue when done with full insight as to what might happen along the way, not
only with the mugging, but with the "trying too hard" attitude that I find
equally disruptive. I'd just say if someone doesn't think they can follow
through with "the grown-ups are talking" mindset, c/t is probably not a good
choice for them.  Trouble is, can the most likely to offend owners recognize
that shortcoming in themselves...?  From what I've seen, I'd say that many
people can't.

Karen Thomas, NC


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