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In this episode, we delve into the fascinating technique of shaping in animal behaviour and training. Shaping, also known as successive approximation, is a method where small, incremental steps are reinforced to guide an animal toward a desired behaviour. We break down how shaping works, from rewarding initial attempts to refining a behaviour until it meets the training goal.

Throughout the episode, we explore real-world examples of shaping across various species, from dogs learning to sit on command to horses mastering complex tasks. We also discuss the importance of timing, consistency, and patience, along with the common challenges trainers may face when using this technique.

Whether you’re an experienced trainer or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical tips and insights to help you incorporate shaping into your training toolkit.

Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review, and share your thoughts with us on social media. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you valuable content. Join the conversation and let’s shape the future of animal training together!

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

📧barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ☎️+353 85 143 8688

Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

📧 Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ☎️+44 7902920923

Send Us Your Questions

In this episode, we unravel the concept of extinction in behaviour modification, exploring how the strategic removal of reinforcement can effectively reduce and eliminate unwanted behaviors in animals. We start by defining extinction in a training context and discuss its application across various scenarios, from curbing a dog’s excessive barking to managing more complex behavioural issues in horses.

Along the way, we dive into the challenges of using extinction, including the notorious “extinction burst” and the importance of consistency and patience. We also compare extinction with other behavior modification techniques, offering a well-rounded perspective on when and how to use this powerful method.

Whether you’re a pet owner, an animal trainer, or simply fascinated by behaviour science, this episode offers practical insights and strategies to help you tackle even the most stubborn behaviours.

Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review, and share your thoughts with us on social media. Your feedback fuels our passion for delivering valuable content. Join the conversation, and let’s refine the art of animal training together!

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

📧barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ☎️+353 85 143 8688

Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

📧 Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ☎️+44 7902920923

Send Us Your Questions

Barn Bonus 4 - What is Positive Punishment?

Welcome to our fourth bonus episode of "Dangerous at Both Ends, Tricky in the Middle"! In this special "Barn Bonus" series, we dive into key behavioural terms that are crucial for understanding equine behaviour and training.

In today's episode, we explore the concept of positive punishment. Positive punishment involves adding an aversive stimulus to decrease the likelihood of an unwanted behaviour. We'll break down what it means, how it works, and why it’s a significant concept in horse training.

Join us for a concise and informative discussion that will enhance your understanding of horse behaviour and improve your training techniques. Perfect for both new and experienced horse enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge.

Tune in and let’s get to the core of positive punishment in this quick yet insightful episode!

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out to Barbara and Jen at the links below. We'd love to hear from you!

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

📧barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ☎️+353 85 143 8688

Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

📧 Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ☎️+44 7902920923

Send Us Your Questions

In this episode, we delve into the art of desensitization in horse training, exploring how systematic desensitization can (in theory) help horses remain calm and confident in the face of challenging stimuli. Starting with the basics, we discuss how desensitization 'works', from identifying triggers to gradually increasing the intensity of exposure. Along the way, we highlight the role of counter-conditioning and share practical tips for integrating these techniques into your training routine.

But fair warning—what began as a concise 25-minute discussion... quickly turned into a lively, off-the-rails debate/exploration.

Join us as we navigate through our own insights, laughs, and passionate tangents on the topic. It’s a slightly unhinged 😆, but thoroughly enjoyable deep dive into one of the most effective strategies in horse training.

Whether you’re a seasoned trainer, a horse enthusiast, or just curious about animal behaviour, this episode is packed with actionable advice and a whole lot of fun.

Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review, and share your thoughts with us on social media. Your feedback helps us create more engaging and informative content for our listeners. Join the conversation and let’s continue to improve the future of horse training together!

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

📧barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ☎️+353 85 143 8688

Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

📧 Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ☎️+44 7902920923

Send Us Your Questions

Barn Bonus 3 - What is Negative Punishment?

Welcome to our third bonus episode of "Dangerous at Both Ends, Tricky in the Middle"! In this special "Barn Bonus" series, we dive into key behavioural terms that are crucial for understanding equine behaviour and training.

In today's episode, we explore the concept of negative punishment. Negative punishment involves removing something desirable to decrease the likelihood of unwanted behaviours. We'll break down what it means, how it works, and why it’s an important concept in effective horse training.

Join us for a concise and informative discussion that will enhance your understanding of horse behaviour and improve your training techniques. Perfect for both new and experienced horse enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge.

Tune in and let’s get to the core of negative punishment in this quick yet insightful episode!

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out to Barbara and Jen at the links below. We'd love to hear from you!

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

📧barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ☎️+353 85 143 8688

Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

📧 Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ☎️+44 7902920923

Send Us Your Questions

In this episode, we explore the roots of dominance theory, beginning with Schjelderup-Ebbe’s 1922 research on domestic hens, and discuss how it has shaped our understanding of animal behaviour.

The episode also dives into the intricate dominance behaviors within and between species, from wolves and primates to birds, showcasing the complexity of their social structures. Additionally, we scrutinise the scientific evidence that challenges traditional dominance-based training methods for dogs and horses, advocating for the more humane and effective approach of positive reinforcement/learning theory.

Whether you're an animal enthusiast, a pet owner, or a behavioural science aficionado, this episode is packed with valuable information to transform your understanding of animal social structures and training techniques.

Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review, and share your thoughts with us on social media. Your feedback helps us bring more valuable content to our listeners. Join the conversation and let’s reshape the future of animal training together!

🔗 ISES position statement on the use/misuse of leadership and dominance concepts in horse training
🔗 The Ethics of Using Dominance-Based Training Within the Equine Leisure Industry

References:

• Bradshaw, J., Blackwell, E., & Casey, R. (2008). Dominance in domestic dogs: Useful construct or bad habit? Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, 4, 135-144.
• Westgarth, C. (2016). Why nobody will ever agree about dominance in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, 11, 99-101.
• Dierendonck, M. C., Vries, H., & Schilder, M. B. (1994). An Analysis of Dominance, Its Behavioural Parameters and Possible Determinants in a Herd of Icelandic Horses in Captivity. Netherlands Journal of Zoology, 45, 362-385.
• Houpt, K. A., Law, K., & Martinisi, V. (1978). Dominance hierarchies in domestic horses. Applied Animal Ethology, 4, 273-283.
• Chase, I. D. (1982). Behavioral Sequences During Dominance Hierarchy Formation in Chickens. Science, 216, 439-440.
• Piper, W. (1997). Social Dominance in Birds.
• Drews, C. (1993). The concept and definition of dominance in animal behaviour. Behaviour, 125, 283-313.
• Mitman, G. (1990). Dominance, leadership, and aggression: Animal behavior studies during the Second World War.
• Kamath, A. (2020). Territoriality.
• Hinsch, M., & Komdeur, J. (2010). Defence, intrusion and the stability of territoriality.
• Mitani, J. C., & Rodman, P. S. (1979). Territoriality: the relation of ranging patterns and home range size to defendability, with an analysis of territoriality among primate species. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 5(3), 241-251.

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

📧barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ☎️+353 85 143 8688

Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

📧 Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ☎️+44 7902920923

Send Us Your Questions

Barn Bonus 2 - What is Positive Reinforcement?

Welcome to our second bonus episode of "Dangerous at Both Ends, Tricky in the Middle"! In this special "Barn Bonus" series, we dive into key behavioural terms that are crucial for understanding equine behaviour and training.

In today's episode, we explore the concept of positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in behavioural psychology and horse training that encourages desired behaviours by offering rewards. We'll explain what it is, how it works, and why it’s an effective technique for training your horse.

Join us for a concise and informative discussion that will enhance your understanding of horse behaviour and improve your training techniques. Perfect for both new and experienced horse enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge.

Tune in and let’s uncover the benefits of positive reinforcement in this quick yet insightful episode!

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out to Barbara and Jen at the links below. We'd love to hear from you!

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

📧barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ☎️+353 85 143 8688

Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

📧 Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ☎️+44 7902920923

Send Us Your Questions

Feeling like you’re failing with your horse’s training? You’re not alone, and we’re here to help.

We explore the science behind habits, discuss the importance of consistent routines for both horses and their owners, and provide practical tips to overcome common barriers to habit formation. With insights from key research and real-life success stories, we'll guide you through setting realistic goals, tracking progress, and staying motivated.

Plus, we answer listener questions about training routines, improving behaviour, and maintaining positive habits. (Email 📧barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie or 📧 Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk with your questions)

Join us as we navigate the challenges of training and help you and your horse build a foundation of positive habits for lasting success.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out to Barbara and Jen at the links below. We'd love to hear from you!

Research Papers Discussed:

• Lally, P., van Jaarsveld, C. H., Potts, H. W., & Wardle, J. (2010). How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world. European Journal of Social Psychology, 40(6), 998-1009.
• Lally, P., van Jaarsveld, C. H., Potts, H. W., & Wardle, J. (2011). How habits are formed: The concept of automaticity in behavior. European Journal of Social Psychology, 41(10), 101-108.
• Lally, P., van Jaarsveld, C. H., Potts, H. W., & Wardle, J. (2011). How habits are formed: The role of environmental and contextual factors. European Journal of Social Psychology, 41(12), 120-128.
• Gardner, B., & Rebar, A. L. (2019). Habit formation and behavior change. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, 26, 15-20.
• Jog, M. S., Kubota, Y., Connolly, C. I., Hillegaart, V., & Graybiel, A. M. (1999). Building neural representations of habits. Science, 286(5445), 1745-1749.
• Judah, G., Gardner, B., & Aunger, R. (2013). Forming a flossing habit: An exploratory study of the psychological determinants of habit formation. British Journal of Health Psychology, 18(2), 338-353.
• Walesh, K. (2007). Teaching Old Dogs New Tricks. Journal of Adult Learning, 8(2), 123-134
• McMullan, M., Endacott, R., Gray, M. A., Jasper, M., Miller, C., Scholes, J., & Webb, C. (2019). Teaching old dogs new tricks: Challenges of faculty development in simulation. Simulation in Healthcare, 14(3), 211-217.
• Garborg, K., & Bretthauer, M. (2012). Can Old Dogs Learn New Tricks? Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 15(1), 36-44.
• Pawlina, W., & Drake, R. L. (2015). Old dogs, new tricks: Ultrasound imaging in anatomy laboratories. Anatomical Sciences Education, 8(5), 453-460.
• Greenberg, D. L., Grünbaum, A., & Winslow, R. (2018). “Old Dogs” Can Learn Ultrasound. The Journal of Clinical Ultrasound, 46(8), 503-508.
• Francis, T., & Job, V. (2018). Lay theories of willpower. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 75, 210-220.
• Jeffrey, R. W., & Christensen, A. J. (1975). Behavior therapy versus "will power" in the management of obesity. Behavior Therapy, 6(3), 409-420.
• Job, V. (2016). Implicit theories about willpower affect self-control and goal striving. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 42(3), 406-414.
• Ainslie, G. (2020). Willpower with and without

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

📧barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ☎️+353 85 143 8688

Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

📧 Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ☎️+44 7902920923