Clicker training begins simply enough. In the horse world we generally introduce horses to the clicker using six foundation lessons. These six, simple lessons often become complicated by several factors - the size, speed and power of the animal we are dealing with, any physical issues brought about by poor conformation or poorly understood riding technique, and a general horse culture that believes deeply in the need for correction. The end result: poisoned cues.

To deal with the poisoned cue scenario in horses I have been evolving a variety of strategies that circumvent the poisoned cue behavior we see. These strategies help people understand the difference between being a clicker trainer - someone who focuses on the behavior they want and is non-reactive to unwanted behavior - as opposed to a handler who uses the clicker to mark desired behavior but also mixes in corrections.

The lecture will begin with a brief discussion of poisoned cues: what they are and how they manifest themselves in horses. We'll then consider strategies for dealing with poisoned cue behavior, including the microshaping strategy and the "Yes Answer" game - backchaining your way forward. We'll also look at "loopy training" what that means and how it helps you to recognize good training mechanics.