Behavior Modification

Behavior modification (Pg. 138, 10-12-15) is much more than just dispensing treats to get your equine to comply. It includes identifying and defining tasks, breaking them down into small, doable steps and rewarding the animal when you get proper compliance. As opposed to Clicker Training, your voice commands are an integral and important part of the process. “Lucky Three Melinda’s Masterpiece” is being “rewarded” for completing the specific task of side passing the rail (Photo #1). The task was set up in a way that will aid her in success. The mules in the round pen have been taught to consistently assemble properly for their “rewards” for a job well done (Photo #2). There is a very specific negative reinforcement that is used and promptly applied for any overly aggressive behavior.

The mules quickly learn respect and I can send you the details about this correction and much more if you email me at meredith@luckythreeranch.com or you can find it in DVD #2 of my TRAINING MULES & DONKEYS DVD series. “D.J.” is being “coaxed” to approach a scary obstacle (Photo #3). He will then be rewarded for his effort when the smaller step of getting as close as he can manage is achieved. There is no photo for “bribery” where the equine is fed throughout the task with no differentiation between their behaviors. We NEVER dispense “treats,” or engage in “bribery, just to make them like us and do what we want them to do!” Those that get too many rewards for free (treats) rarely appreciate what they are getting, and they will only learn to take advantage of every situation. Read more about “Behavior Modification” and “Rewards, Treats, Coaxing and Bribery” in my MULE CROSSING articles about this topic under TRAINING/MULE CROSSING/BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION on my website at www.luckythreeranch.com. If you do not find the answers to your questions, please feel free to contact me at meredith@luckythreeranch.com and I will answer promptly.