On the surface clicker training is a very simple concept. If you like it, you click it and you reinforce it. So in one sense all you need is a clicker and some treats to get started. That's easy. And once your horse understands the basic game, you don't even need the actual clicker. A tongue click will do just fine. Nothing could be simpler.
That's on the surface. Clicker training is a very simple concept, but those of us who have been using clicker training know that underneath that simple statement lies a rich world of training. Every horse presents unique puzzles, but if you can see how others have solved puzzles that are of a similar nature, your training will be all the smoother and more pleasant.
So what books and videos should you order?
For the Beginner:
If you are new to clicker training and just want to get a general overview of the types of things you can use it for the following resources may be the best for you.
The Click That Teaches: An Introduction to Clicker Training $19.95 A one hour DVD giving an overview of clicker training.
Getting Started Kit $16.95 Includes a booklet, a wrist clicker and horse treats. This makes a great gift for someone you want to introduce to the clicker.
The Click That Teaches: A Step-By-Step Guide in Picture $29.95 The format of this book makes it very easy to dip into and follow. It is set up as a series of short lessons that take you from the clicker foundation lessons to more advanced skills.
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For the Beginner:
If you are new to clicker training and want to get started with your horse, here is is a good "Getting Started" package:
The Click That Teaches: A Step-By-Step Guide in Picture $29.95 The format of this book makes it very easy to dip into and follow. It is set up as a series of short lessons that take you from the clicker foundation lessons to more advanced skills.
And/or
Clicker Training for your Horse $29.95 This was the first reference for the horse community on clicker training. Like the Step-By-Step book it introduces you to clicker training and shows you how to get started. The Step-By-Step book gives you what the title suggest: a step-by-step lesson plan. Clicker Training for your Horse is set up differently. It helps you learn how to think like a clicker trainer by providing training stories in addition to how to lessons.
Both books will give you a solid introduction to clicker training. They were written to complement one another.
The books give you an overall training program. The DVD lessons focus on specific topics covered in the books. If you get only the DVDs, you will be getting a slice of the picture, not the entire picture. The DVDs allow me to focus on particular lessons, concepts and mechanical skills which are important to the overall success of a clicker training program. They are designed to be used in conjunction with the books so you can see how each of these specific lessons covered fit into a larger picture.
DVD Lessons to Help You Get Started:
The Click That Teaches: Lesson 1: Getting Started with the Clicker $39.95 3 hour DVD Clicker training is a very simple concept, but mechanical skills matter. Good timing, treat delivery, and many other small details can make a huge difference. This DVD gets off to a good start and sets the stage for future clicker training success. I suggest ordering this DVD along with the books.
More Foundation DVD Lessons:
The Click That Teaches: Lesson 2: Ground Manners $29.95 2 hour DVD This lesson shows you how to combine pressure and release of pressure with the clicker. It looks in detail at the "Duct Tape Lesson" which introduces your horse to lateral flexions. Lateral flexions are covered in both books. This lesson shows you what they look like and how to teach them to your horse. Lateral flexions are one of the main tools used to develop good emotional control andgorgeous gaits.
The Click That Teaches: Lesson 3: Head Lowering $29.95 2 hour DVD If you have a nervous horse, a pushy horse, a reactive horse, or you are a timid, fearful rider, this is a must have DVD. Head lowering is covered in both books, but this is the main reference for teaching this all important lesson. It is a two hour DVD devoted entirely to head lowering - the lesson is that important. And there are details in it that go beyond the scope of what is covered in the books. It is a conerstone lesson that introduces you to the rope handling skill refered to as the "t'ai chi" wall. I recommend this video to everyone who wants to explore the gait development that is at the core of my work.
The Click That Teaches: Lesson 4: Stimulus Control: Putting Behavior on Cue $29.95 2 hour DVD If you've been experimenting with clicker training and you've reached the stage where your horse is "mugging" you with behavior, you need this video. As your horse catches on to the clicker game, he'll become an enthusiastic player. As soon as he sees you, he'll stars throwing clicker trained behaviors at you. At first this can be amusing, but it can also feel a little out of control. So at this point you need to learn about cues and the concept of stimulus control.
Moving On:
There are three phases to clicker training. In the first you introduce your horse to the clicker and develop good emotional control in your horse through the foundation lessons (DVD Lessons 1-3). In the second you establish stimulus control and learn how to stabilize behavior (Lesson 4). The third phase brings you to the performance stage. You're ready to move on to the more advanced books and DVDs in this series.
The Click That Teaches: Riding with the Clicker $49.95 This is the reference in this series for riding. It is not a beginner book. If you are new to clicker training, I suggest you begin with either the Step-By-Step book and/or "Clicker Training for your Horse". Once you and your horse have a good understanding of the foundation lessons and lateral flexions, you will be ready to move on to this book. It looks at two main aspects of riding: the first is safety and the second is developing your horse's gaits so he maintains long term soundness.
The second series of DVDs are designed to accompany the riding book. These lessons can certainly be used without the riding book, but the riding book gives you an overall training program and shows you how each of these individual lessons fits into a larger training plan.
"The Why Would You Leave Me?" Game $29.95 1 hour DVD This DVD could easily be included with the other foundation lessons. It teaches loose leash leading and shows you a very easy way to introduce your horse to lateral flexions. It is a transition lesson that prepares your horse for riding.
Shaping on a Point of Contact 2 hours 25 minutes DVD $29.95 This lesson uses the simplicity of one of the foundation lessons: standing on a mat to introduce you to some very advanced concepts and rope handling skills. It is a key lesson for understanding the importance of working on a release, and for developing the skills that allow you to do this. If you are interested in developing lightness and beautiful balance in your horse, this is a must have lesson.
T'ai Chi rope Handling Exercises 1 hour 40 minutes DVD $29.95 There are times when the best way to learn a new skill is to leave your horse in his stall to take a nap while you work on your own balance and body mechanics. This lesson uses a series of Laing Gong exercises to improve the handler's ground skills and riding posture. If you can not get to a clinic to get direct hands-on assistance with your rope handling skills, this is an excellent substitute.
More lessons in this series will be listed as they become available.