P1 What is Targeting? And why is it so USEFUL?

P1 Targeting! I use targeting ALL. THE. TIME. It's one of the most useful behaviours you can train your horse for leading, loading, de-spooking, lunging, groundwork and riding.
But what is it? Well, basically, it's teaching your horse to touch an object with her nose when you ask. But, there are 3 different types of nose targeting and each has different benefits.
This video gives you a full introduction to targeting so you can learn:
- exactly what targeting is
- the 3 different types of nose targeting
- what you can use as a target
- the importance of creating positive emotions around targeting
- using clicker training to teach your horse to touch a target
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[@poniesinthemist]

Fantastic video. Thanks

[@ConnectionTraining]

Glad you liked it!

[@alquarius86]

that helps with training and positive behavior and command and did it, good horse. I know about that, but CAN'T explain well. its on its me or the dog, that's how I know about that and how it works and why .

[@alithorne2194]

Does it matter what the target on the stick is? Does it have to be something different for different types of training?

[@trickedouttech321]

I agree with target training, however, not so much with food rewards. The horses should be trained to offer the behavior without wanting a food reward this can lead to an upset horse when they don't get the food. I l.ik.e the method of releasing them into the behavior,. they want to do as it becomes a partnership the reward is the partnership.

[@Mangoo88]

Not true. Food can be used as a treat and it keeps the horse motivated. My horse for example is a very traumatized horse, causing her to shut down really quick. Plus she's a left-brain introvert, meaning that when I ask her to do something, she'll think "okay but what will I get from this?". Taking away the pressure is the first reward but I have to let her know that she is doing it right by treating her with a piece of food. I usually use slices of carrot cut in half. You don't have to give them alot. Mostly she won't even eat a whole carrot when we're finished training. It keeps her motivated and interested. Horses shouldn't nessecarily be trained without food. Keep in mind that you teach your horse to only get the food when you say they can get it. Rewarding with partnership is something you cannot explain to a horse so the horse doesn't know that will be his reward. Partnership will grow overtime. Food is a strong and short way to reward them.

[@elsaandersson1652]

horses getting frustrated is a common problem but you can fix it, by using rewards with lower value and by building duration, just as you do while riding. Horses (and all animals) learn by the learning theory quadrant which consists of positive reinforcement (rewardbased), negative reinforcement (pressure and release), positive punishemt (e.g hitting your horse) and negative punshment (e.g stopping scratching if the horse bites). I wouldn't classify partnership as a reward, so you are probably talking about negative reinforcement. Keep in mind, negative doesn't mean bad, it means that you are taking away stimuli.