Can we shape behaviour using negative reinforcement?

We often think of positive reinforcement as the only that can be shaped but could behaviour produced using negative reinforcement be shaped too? In this episode, I explore what constructional training is, how CAT protocols use R- to build functional skills, and where R- stops serving the learner and starts serving the trainer. Spoiler: for me it’s all about whose needs the behaviour is meeting.

As humans we might perceive many reinforcers in our world from edible delicacies to buying new clothes but often we feel limited with finding different reinforcers for our horses. This is a hypothetical discussion about using a 'time to relax' or 'giving a break' as a reinforcer. https://www.equine.training/my-courses/ for my courses.

We consider your questions on:Hunter training- balance and moreChoice vs Structure in trainingListening to horsesReinforcers failingTechniques we stole from dog trainersX-species training

If you didn't catch the webinar you can do so at this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bd-rr-4HLVYThanks to those who asked some brilliant questions.

In my equine scent work session with Rum this week, I made a mistake that really highlighted the need for an errorless approach. He indicated on the wrong container, the blank without odour (in theory) and my instinct, was to offer no reinforcement, and redirect him to the search. Not really an errorless approach. In an errorless framework, we don’t let the learner practise mistakes. Instead, we set up the training so they always have a clear path to success. In scent work, that means making the right choice easy and reinforcing it well, while using free food to reset if they make an unexpected response. When Rum got it ‘wrong,’ the real error was mine, my container was potentially contaminated. I should have dropped food to reset and adjusted the setup to prevent it happening again. It’s about guiding the learner rather than correcting them, so they’re always working in a space where success is [email protected] if you have questionsPlease recommend the podcast, share it and like it.

In this episode my friend and colleague Katrina Per-Carruthers unpick some training fails and discuss solutions that are horse centred.Mounting block problems, fence refusal and unwillingness to go forward were in our sights this time. If you have topics you'd like us to cover then do drop me a message.Katrina Per-Carruthers lives in British Columbia, Canada where she trains a variety of species. Katrina has been a coach for over 15 years and is a passionate advocate for the use of humane training methods to improve animal welfare.Find Katrina here:https://www.instagram.com/leviosaequinehttps://www.facebook.com/leviosaequinehttps://www.leviosaequine.com/

I don't always recommend clicker training as a first option when I start working with a new client. Why? Well take a listen as I talk through a specific example and explain ways that I might add some R+ based training without the pressure of the trainer carrying food and having to be great at timing and mechanics.How do I square this with working inside a LIMA framework?As always questions and comments are welcome!Email me at [email protected]

The topic of male horses 'dropping' when training with food (clicker training) has reared its head again- I'm glad because it is a topic we need to consider. In this short episode I will explain (again) why I don't think we should brush this topic under the carpet! Warning- I talk about penises in this episode. If you want help with your horse dropping or over threshold when training with food- get in touch, [email protected] or www.equine.training

In this episode Dr. Katerina Junghansova (Kate) and I chat about cooperative care for horses. Kate is an equine veterinarian, lifelong equestrian, animal lover, and the founder of an educational project called VetCareTraining. Her mission is to promote safe, and ethical horse handling and training. She is really passionate about equine cooperative care, and she thinks it´s the future of equine health care. In her project, she offers online courses and individual online consultations. She also teaches clinics and seminars focused on helping horse owners, as well as equine professionals, handle horses in an easier, safer, more effective, and more ethical way during daily care, veterinary or husbandry procedures, and other real-life situations.  Find Kate: Insta Threads Facebook YouTube

In this final short episode on target training I delve a little deeper into how and when I use targets in my training. Questions? Comments? Drop me a message or email [email protected]