Target Practice!

 While I was trail riding Dan today we ran into Judy. We went for a hack together and in our discussions we talked about Lyrics loading fears. Judy had a mare who would not load either so she had some advice and ideas for me. She mentioned clicker training and using a target. Ohhhh, that's smart. That would teach her to walk to the target and then I could even teach a "stay" on the target cue. Oooh... that's worth a shot!

Mike and I went for ice cream on the bike instead of me riding, but I did have enough time to do some trailering practice. So I grabbed her and my treat pouch and we went to the trailer. I found a lid to use as my target and we started with letting her touch the target with her nose and clicking and treating. We did it near the trailer but not associated with the trailer. So I did it in the air, on the ground, on the muck tub, on the trailer wheel well, and then.. on the ramp edge. And she got the hang of it quick. She was "targetting" quite nicely. So then I got on the side ramp (because that's my other plan.. just put her in the box stall for now.. then progress to backing into the slot... then progress to regular loading) and we worked on targetting there. I only asked for front feet on the ramp. Nothing else. She was good! Then we went back to the yard and did more practice away from the trailer again. Then we went back to the side ramp and she was great. Then we went back to the back ramp and did the same thing. And then we went back to the side ramp and she managed to get her two front feet on and leaned her head into the box. And we quit with that.  Good girl! Overall she seemed more game and more engaged. She seemed like she really wanted to play vs just doing it because she didn't have a choice. And she is super smart. She's picking it up quick! So... maybe this will work!






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