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| Some one also suggested to lure him in w food. Im not so sure about it. Any thoughts on that one? Thank you for the suggestions by the way. |
I think it depends. Luring can be a good *initial* tactic in teaching things. But you have to be careful how you do it, and to 'fade out' the lure(bribe, before the behaviour you want) pretty quickly in favour of reinforcement(reward, at the time of the behaviour you want), so that the horse doesn't think the behaviour is only required when food is offered, and so they don't learn to do the absolute minimum to get the treat.
If the horse is pretty comfortable with the whole situation, luring & food reinforcements are helpful. But if the horse is nervous - or downright terrified - I don't think trying to bribe with food is helpful. I also think using food to attempt to reinforce behaviours is not the best option with a scared horse. It's not the no. 1 priority for the horse for one, may be ignored, or the horse associates it with their fear & becomes a nervous eater, which can rub off in other areas. I think the best reinforcement in this sort of situation is negative - ie removal of stress/pressure/discomfort when the horse does 'good'. Ie. You get him to walk half way onto the ramp - instantly reinforce this by asking him to walk away from the trailer, back to his comfort zone.