Clicker Training, Does It Work?

Clicker training has over the years become a very popular and widespread training method for horses - however like all methods it has its benefits and shortcomings.
We took a look at clicker training and what you would need to know before undertaking this type of training with your horse.
 
What is clicker training?
Clicker training originates from animal actor training and trainers. It is used to train animals to hit their marks and to combine required movements, gestures and actions as required by the director. It is a very powerful training tool when used correctly and can cause numerous complications if applied incorrectly.
 
Uses for clicker training
Clicker training for the owner is useful for encouraging the horse to perform and focus better. The clicker is used to notify the horse that it has done well, or has done what is needed. It thus builds confidence in the horse, strengthening the relationship between horse and owner, both of these resulting in a more willing horse (and hopefully a happier owner).
 
Clicker training from a horse's point of view is clearer than most other methods. Horses are very compliant in nature and will willingly work hard for praise and reward. With clicker training there is a definite confirmation (clicker clicking) when the horse has done correctly. It then understands that it has done well and develops confidence in its abilities to do things correctly.
 
In most instances clicker training has proved useful in correcting problems or fears that a horse may experience, or have acquired whilst in training.
 
How does it work?
The clicker is a little handheld box containing a metal clicker that when pushed down makes a clicking sound. To start off the trainer is armed with this clicker, a touching rod and treats (carrots, cut up apples, whatever the horse likes). At the starting phase the horse is trained to touch the rod. When it touches it, the clicker is clicked and the horse given a treat and the reward for good or desired behaviour is installed. Most horses catch on very quickly and learn to look for the rod as finding it and touching it brings rewards. Initially the food is associated as the reward, later only the clicker is required.
 
Is my horse suitable?
Most horses are suited to clicker training because they are willing to work on this system, some horses even excell. These horses are considered natural animal actors, being able to pick up a queue and to progressively work through a series of steps with minimal time spent on training.
However there are some horses that should not be clicker trained. Of these, horses with bullying natures are at the top of the list. By bullying we don't mean biting and kicking, we're talking about a horse that has little respect for one's space or that is willing to walk over you if needed.
Because clicker training is done on a reward system it is important that your horse be willing to comply before getting a treat. Horses with bullying natures do little and want everything, so for your own safety and sanity do not attempt to do clicker training with one of these.
 
The benefits for your horse

• It allows for the development of a trusting relationship between horse and owner or trainer,
• your horse will become more confidant and be more willing to work,
• it will become more attentive and focused as its confidence grows,
• it will become more willing as the training is progressive, and
• your horse will be capable of overcoming its fears as it focuses more on what is asked.

 
The benefits to you the owner

• You will become a more confidant handler,
• you will understand the use of progressive training and that things are done in steps and stages, you will also learn how to break training stages up into these steps,
• the communication with your horse will become clearer and less frustrated, and
• you will have more fun with your horse.

 
Clicker training is a great way to play and have fun with your horse while training. It allows for the development of deeper bonds. It is one of the few training systems around that encourages the trainer and handler to think of what is required, then break it down into simpler steps before building those steps up into the required result.
 
Or as a movie director would say "I need him to gallop up to his mark, rear up then turn and run off again" and you the clicker trainer will hear, gallop to mark and halt "Click" Rear "Click" turn and gallop off "Click." The three steps needed to complete the movement.
 
Simple isn't it.

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