Back in August I bought Alex Kurland's book 'Clicker Training for Your Horse' and I really enjoyed it- it was a good read. However; I think, at present, I prefer Ben's for a numerous amount of reasons. It makes so much sense to me, a lot of it is re-reading things I've read in the past- yet he gives examples but what I like is that he points out common errors- some of which I am guilty of! But it is bringing me this awareness of what I am doing and I think it's brilliant! It's very readable- he doesn't sugarcoat the truth and is honest about clicker training but through his candour, he provides us with this fantastic read that I think would convert anyone over to clicker training ideas.
I wanted to share a few lines from parts I've read so far- I agree with him and also found it a good summary of some of the points I've tried to get across in the past as well as it just making lots of sense!
The first one is in Chapter 5, when he answers the question ''Doesn't using food rewards cause equines to bite?''
I think wherever you go; people always say that you mustn't give your horses treats, as it will cause him to bite for food- but Ben makes a brilliant point!!
''If food is used incorrectly, the notion that it causes equines to bite appears true. However; if we consider that all equines have their feed restricted by domestication and are given feed by humans, yet not all equines bite we begin to see that food itself cannot be the cause of biting or food aggression. The factor influencing the behaviour of the animal is timing, knowledge and consistency of the trainer- and this has more influence over the animal than food alone.''
I think that is a brilliant way to sum up and justify that us as clicker trainers aren't creating dangerous and evil horses who are aggressive for food- but becoming more aware of the environment we create for our horses and how we influence them. Perfect!
I will do more later- but I'm off to the yard!
See ya!
Amy xx
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