All training methods are comprised of three layers. It doesn’t matter if we are talking about positive reinforcement training or an opposite force-based system, all training methods are based on an underlying belief system. Out of this belief system evolve a set of guiding principles. And from these emerge the actual training methods you will use. With horses whenever I encounter a training puzzle, I have learned to refer back to basic principles. They help me to identify the problem and to set a course for solving it. I have two key principles that guide all the rest: * Safety always comes first - for you and your learner. * You can’t ask for something and expect to get it on a consistent basis unless you have gone through a teaching process to teach it to your horse. A third principle that I refer to often is: * For every behavior you teach there is an opposite behavior you must teach to keep things in balance. This is one that hums about the background of everything I teach. It’s a simple idea. If you teach your horse to go, you had better also teach him to whoa. If you teach your dog to wave his paw in the air, it’s a good idea to also teach him that four on the floor earns reinforcement. Keeping your training in balance leads to physical, emotional and mental balance. It creates great performance, great relationships, and - in horses - long-term soundness. In this program we’ll be exploring in depth where this simple training mantra takes us. Learning Objectives: Basic shaping and how teaching in pairs works to balance behavior Multi-dimensional training - tap root and base behaviors The role of cues in teaching behavior Movement cycles Loopy training Poisoned cues defined and their effect on training loops Macro and micro extinction Using micro extinction in shaping - priming the pump New cue/old cue - a priming process What is the function of the behavior - creating balance through broad repertoires The result - great performance, great relationships, sound for life

Sponsor:The Pet Professional Guild
Speaker(s):Alexandra Kurland

Contact: Sharon Nettles
 Email: Membershipcoordinator@petprofessionalguild.com
 Phone: 731-432-3688
 Web: https://petprofessionalguild.com/event-3126750