I’m surprised…I have to send SNOW PICTURES to my northern friends!
Well….thankfully, its not SNOW!
Memphis;
I try to build confidence rather than, “desensitize”. Building confidence is allowing the animal to express its natural instincts…either flight or curiosity. These are two of primal instincts in every mule or horse.
Trying to stop an animal from fleeing works against instinct, trust and what I call, “want to”.
You’ll see the mules expression of curiosity and his apprehension. You’ll also see him take the initiative to settle himself.
It’s not all about “training” but facilitating…to work with the WHOLE animal from the inside out. It’s not just WHAT they do but HOW they do it, as well.
This mules first exposure to a tarp.
Description in the video.
I had someone ask me the other day what I meant by herd-dynamic and instinct in training.
This short video is a good example of both. I try to explain a bit while we’re working but to clarify…
This mule and I first had to be “herd mates”.
I spent time in his half-acre paddock just walking to and away from him, standing and watching. When I fed either hay or pellets/oats…I claimed the feed by slight movements with intent to keep him away. When we first did this, he was pretty expressive and adamant that HE should be #1. I used just enough energy with each of his challenges to convince him to yield to me.
It didn’t take long for him to understand that I should be regarded as above him in status.
I used his instinct (herd) to change his mind about my status. He now began to regard me not only as herd member but yielded to me in status.
By consistently conducting myself that way, he became consistent in challenging less. The product of the interaction is…though he’s not
had experience with the tarp…because he see’s me (his herd member) calmly moving the tarp around, HIS anxiety will be lower.
He may still be apprehensive but his flight mode is greatly reduced and, as you can see…he looks fairly relaxed for his first experience and he’s looking to hang with me rather than escape the situation.
Teetle time;
Started out with an electric toothbrush to get him accustomed to the feel and sound…similar to clippers.
Much easier/cheaper than dropping a pricey clipper on the ground.
By this time I had spent enough time with him, we had some mutual trust.
Btw, he let me hand-clip his ears just fine.
If you notice… A couple times, when I want his head repositioned/lowered, I'd say, “head please”. It’s not only speaking to the mule but to myself. “Please” helps keep my ask an “ask” rather than a force…which can easily create a brace or lift.
Teetle sessions;
Noise and motion, sack of cans.
Notice, he’s at liberty. Always good…
Teetle sessions;
Tarp exposure
Memphis sessions;
Noise and motion/sack of cans.