Behavior-Modification/Training

Behavior Modification/Training

We can think of the majority of this website as Exits 1 and 2 on the Humane Hierarchy. When we come across an unwanted behavior, our first steps are to make sure the horse's needs are met and rule out pain as the cause of the behavior. If the cause of the behavior is pain, training will not work to fix the problem, only addressing the pain with professionals.  After basic needs are met and pain is ruled out/addressed, we can then move on to Behavior Modification! Exit 3 on the Humane Hierarchy is the first step of training, Positive Reinforcement, which includes Clicker Training. In another practical application, De-Sensitization and Counter-Conditioning aim to decrease a horse's reactivity towards objects/events. 

Exit 4 and beyond get into the use of aversives in training, which should be used minimally and with great caution. Aversive stimuli (something the horse does not like, wants to get away from, etc.) cause stress, which is the opposite of what we want. In training, we want to minimize stress as much as possible. Therefore, training techniques involving aversive stimuli should be reserved for tasks that directly affect the horse's quality of life. For example, a horse needs to go to the vet, but it is refusing to go in the trailer. If there is no other option but to take the horse into the clinic, then using aversive stimuli might be necessary to get the horse into the trailer for vet care. Aversive stimuli should not be used for unnecessary tasks like tricks, as those behaviors do not increase the horse's quality of life. If you find yourself using Positive Punishment, you should stop, take a step back, and re-evaluate the situation and what lead up to you needing to use Positive Punishment. This is discussed in greater detail on the Learning Theory page.