Clicker training for clippers?

HopperVal · 11-05-2009, 04:30 AM

Last time I tried introducing the clippers to Spirit it was a disaster. He was terrified of them, so much so that he kicked at me and bit me!

So I was wondering if maybe clicker training would work in this situation. Like, everytime he touches the clippers with his nose he gets a click and a treat, hopefully associating the clippers with treats instead of scary.

You think this would work?

SpinThatPony · 11-05-2009, 12:38 PM

I don't know about the clicker part but how did you "introduce" him to the clippers?

HopperVal · 11-05-2009, 12:57 PM

I let him smell and play with the clippers while they were off and I turned them on and did the same thing, but when he seemed comfortable with them I touched him with them and he didn't like the way they felt and he threw a fit.

Kelsey5674 · 11-06-2009, 10:08 AM

I take some cordless clippers and rub them all over the horses body. Wait until there comferable with that consistanly. Than I turn them on and put my hand between the clippers and the horse and repeat the process above. Than I will actually clip something, like the pasterns or the muzzle or whatever. The ears were the most difficult for me. I have had luck with the advance and retreat method. If you put the clippers on them and they jerk away and you remove the clippers the horse learns that ******** out is the best way too get the clippers away. So keep the clippers on them until there calm than pull them away. Repeat and practice in short spurts daily.

MuleyGirl · 11-06-2009, 07:36 PM

Yes, the clicker training will speed it up immensely, and break it down into much smaller pieces. Figure out where he is OK with things, and work in little pieces from there. He will tell you where he gets uncomfortable. Stay there until he is OK before you progress. And you don't need a clicker, just use a word, I use "AH" to mark the correct behavior, then reward away from your body. I trim my mule's feet with an angle grinder, try getting them used to that one, much louder than clippers : ) The other thing to do is teach them to target their ears to your hand, meaning hold your hand near the ear, and when they touch it they are rewarded. When they get this, replace it with the clipper, first not running, then running. Takes away the whole evasion and struggle part of the equation.

11-05-2009, 04:30 AM	#1
HopperVal Full Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 126 Images: 1	Clicker training for clippers? Last time I tried introducing the clippers to Spirit it was a disaster. He was terrified of them, so much so that he kicked at me and bit me! So I was wondering if maybe clicker training would work in this situation. Like, everytime he touches the clippers with his nose he gets a click and a treat, hopefully associating the clippers with treats instead of scary. You think this would work? __________________ What?

11-05-2009, 12:57 PM	#3
HopperVal Full Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 126 Images: 1	I let him smell and play with the clippers while they were off and I turned them on and did the same thing, but when he seemed comfortable with them I touched him with them and he didn't like the way they felt and he threw a fit. __________________ What?

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11-05-2009, 12:38 PM	#2
SpinThatPony Full Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 27	I don't know about the clicker part but how did you "introduce" him to the clippers?

11-06-2009, 10:08 AM	#4
Kelsey5674 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 352 Images: 7	I take some cordless clippers and rub them all over the horses body. Wait until there comferable with that consistanly. Than I turn them on and put my hand between the clippers and the horse and repeat the process above. Than I will actually clip something, like the pasterns or the muzzle or whatever. The ears were the most difficult for me. I have had luck with the advance and retreat method. If you put the clippers on them and they jerk away and you remove the clippers the horse learns that ******** out is the best way too get the clippers away. So keep the clippers on them until there calm than pull them away. Repeat and practice in short spurts daily.

11-06-2009, 07:36 PM	#5
MuleyGirl Full Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 31	Yes, the clicker training will speed it up immensely, and break it down into much smaller pieces. Figure out where he is OK with things, and work in little pieces from there. He will tell you where he gets uncomfortable. Stay there until he is OK before you progress. And you don't need a clicker, just use a word, I use "AH" to mark the correct behavior, then reward away from your body. I trim my mule's feet with an angle grinder, try getting them used to that one, much louder than clippers : ) The other thing to do is teach them to target their ears to your hand, meaning hold your hand near the ear, and when they touch it they are rewarded. When they get this, replace it with the clipper, first not running, then running. Takes away the whole evasion and struggle part of the equation.