A training technique called the ‘clicker horse training program’ is used for circus horse training. The horse is taught to associate something which interests him like food through the clicker. This technique is a type of operant conditioning. During the training, the horse is made to hear the clicker to signal that he will be given something like food. Thus, the horse will start to relate the sound of clicker with food.
This technique is greatly useful to give positive reinforcement for the horse and help the horse to understand its correct behavior. The clicker training horse program helps maintain an understanding between the trainer and the horse and they can now perform as a team.
Some people might wonder why is a clicker needed in circus horse training since by the time of doing tricks, the horse are always in contact with humans. Why is there a need to use the clicker and why is it a huge success in horse training?
For most trainers, the clicker horse training program is very useful and flexible. They simply include the clicker to their training technique too. To further convey the message clearer to the horse, you can use the clicker so the horse’s behavior could be modulated in smaller steps at a time. This training method could also be utilized in more complex training techniques.
Clicker horse training is ideal for circus horse training. This also gives the absolute moment for the horse that would be very helpful in circus’ training complicated tricks since there are no physical contacts with the trainer required. It eventually becomes a communication tool between the trainer and the horse. Moreover, this also perk up the confidence of the horse in handling and performing making them less shaky. Clicker horse training is known to work like magic with horses that have emotional disturbances too.
Through the ‘free shaping method’ the clicker horse training was developed. In this method the horse is given a food item to eat and at the same time the clicker is used in the background. Every time the horse is given food, this action must be done. The horse will then start to relate the sound of the clicker with food. Through this, the clicker can be used to mark the behavior of the horse which he must repeat every time.
Molding is another type of circus horse training. Here you show the horse the physical position you wish him to take, example: If you want that the horse should place his feet on a mat, you place your feet on the mat as an indicator of what is expected from the horse. This is only effective for mild and tame horses.
Clicker horse training lets you use your various circus horse training techniques, but without the need of any extra pressure. Understanding between the trainer and the horse is the basis of this technique. The horse will be taught to be responsive without putting much force to which could further prevent any backlash from the horse.