Tuesday, August 19, 2008

157/365 Positive reinforcement

A significant part of Tina's horse training method focuses on positive reinforcement (as seen here).

It seems like common sense -- when the horse does something correctly, when they've listened to you and executed the appropriate action after your cue, praise them. Even if all they're doing is standing still while the reins are in their "stand cue" position at the base of their neck. And it works!

Yet it amazes me to observe other training methods and see how little they praise the horses for a job well done.

I've been using the technique on Buster, too, and it's working with him, just like it works with the horses. Is he sitting quietly while I cut up chicken, not begging for a piece? "Good boy!"

Praise: so simple, but so often underutilized. Interesting concept, isn't it?

Camera: Canon 40D 1/125s, f/5.6 at ISO 100 at about 7:00 p.m.

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