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MUGGING FOR TREATS
A common issue with horses is the "greed" they often display when you offer them treats. Although some may find
this a threatening act, note that it is not the horse's intention to injure the person, but the animal's own selfish drive
for food. With that said, a 1000 lbs animal can be a danger in this situation, which is why the animal needs to learn that
"mugging" a handler for treats gets him no where. Alex Kurland recommends practicing with your horse by his stall,
where you can be separated safely by cross ties. In my training I am using Dakota's round pen to serve as a barrier. I am
teaching Kotie that if he moves away from me, he will get a treat. Attempting to mug me will either make me step back, or
leave entirely. Thus the mugging behavior decreases and becomes extinct, while backing up for a treat becomes the reflexive
behavior to the sight of food.
Click Here To View The Mugging Session
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Goal: The horse moves away on cue ("ABB"), and does not push or mug the handler for food.
SHAPING STEPS
1. The horse moves it's head away from the handler, c/t*
2. The horse backs away from handler, c/t
3. The horse backs away from handler while moving his head away, c/t
4. Once horse's behavior can be predicted, add the cue. Remember that is should be:
Cue -> Predicted Behavior -> c/t
* click and treat
***~*** If the horse begins to paw, nudge, nip, bob his head, or provide any other undesired behavior, walk away and remove
the reinforcer for a few minutes. This will make him realize that bad behavior means "game over". ***~***
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There's No "Break" In Fix Or Learn!
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