Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #267989 in Books
• Published on: 2006-02-06
• Binding: Hardcover
• 200 pages

Synopsis
Everyone involved with horses wants them to consistently behave well and perform to the best of their ability and knowldge. But, as is all too well known, many horses simply do not cooperate, and this is because they are not motivated to do so. The "On Target" training system aims to change their attitude. The "On Target" method of training combines the basics of clicker training with a step-by-step target system that assures training success for horses of any breed or any age. Clicker training initially motivates a horse to perform correctly because the handler rewards him every single time he does what is required. Later the horse will come to associate the sound of the clicker with an upcoming reward, so the rider can "tell" the horse that he has performed correctly without having to stop and immediately give him a treat. This frees the rider to continue the movement he/she is performing while communicating to the horse that he is doing it right.Target-training takes reinforcement of correct behaviour a s tage further. The "target" is a tool - either fixed to a stationary object such as a fence or held in the trainer's hand - that the horse learns to focus on completely.

Because the horse is motivated to perform well to gain his reward, he can be trained to happily follow the person holding the target.

Customer Reviews

A real How To guide
This is a fantastically useful and practical guide to clicker training. It explains how to do it, but also why, which makes it far easier to understand than some other books I've read on the subject. I read it cover to cover and now use it as a reference book when I want to try something new with my horse.

And it works! It really is very easy to communicate with your horse using this technique and training becomes a real pleasure. You can use the techniques outlined in this book with any other training and it will just help improve your communication.

Clicker Training certainly 'clicked' with me!
This systems sounds too good to be true - but it isn't!

I first read about Clicker Training in a horsey mag and, while sceptical, thought I'd give it a go with my son's pony (a Welsh x Shetland). He was too small for me to ride, so I wanted to find a ground based training system that would help establish a rapport between us. So I bought the book, got a clicker from the local pet shop, a cistern float and dowelling from the local DIY superstore (read the book and you'll understand!) and got ready to start.

As a loan pony he had been around a bit and was mentally a little switched off (in other words bone idle), but I was amazed how quickly he responded to the Clicker system. His reactions, behaviour and progress was EXACTLY as described in the book - I was absolutely amazed at what I was seeing! (As were some others who hung over the stable door ready to scoff!).

It really is a quite remarkable approach, yet relatively easy to master, and I would encourage anyone to give it a go - just follow the instructions, be a little patient, and I guarantee you'll get results.

PS In case you're put off by the thought of constantly clicking at your horse, the system does ultimately wean your horse off the actual clicker.