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Clicker Training
Clicker dog training is a positive; reward based training method which relies on co-operation, consistency, repetition and positive reinforcement. Clicker training is free from any violence or harsh corrections. Quite simply clicker dog training is the most humane and effective way we know how to shape any new behavior in our dogs and extinguish any existing behavior problems. The clicker is a plastic toy like device with a metal strip that makes a quick, clear, consistent and distinctive sound when pressed. For our purpose it serves to accurately "mark" the behavior that we are shaping in our dogs and provides them with precise feedback. At the core of the clicker dog training principle is this proven belief - reinforced or rewarded behavior in a dog is more likely to be repeated, and behaviors that are not reinforced will become less likely to occur again. While clicker training is most commonly associated with dog training it can also be used when training other animals such as; marine animals, small animals, horses, and birds.

Operant Conditioning
Basically this takes advantage of the fact that dogs learn by the immediate consequence of their actions. What this means is that if we provide and control these consequences we will in fact be controlling our dog's behavior. This feedback or consequence can take the form of the following five outcomes: Positive Reinforcement is when we add something to strengthen or increase the occurrence of a behavior. Negative Reinforcement is when we take something away to strengthen or increase the occurrence of a behavior. Positive Punishment is when we add something to weaken or decrease the occurrence of a behavior. Negative Punishment is when we take something away to weaken or decrease the occurrence of a behavior. Extinction is when we no longer reinforce a behavior so it goes away.

Classical Conditioning
When we combine the effectiveness of operant conditioning with the power of classical conditioning clicker dog training is the brilliant result. Classical conditioning is the pairing of two unrelated stimuli so that an association is formed between the two. In clicker dog training the sound of the clicker becomes associated with receiving a reward.

Behavioral Training
Behavioral training is any type of training that teaches dogs to behave well around both people and other animals. It may include some basic commands, but the goal is to make them good citizens as dogs. Some of this training may deal with behavioral problems like excessive barking, chewing, or housebreaking. This is a very basic type of training that is appropriate for younger dogs that are just getting started.

Obedience Training
Obedience training is focused on making dogs obedient to their owners through the use of commands like sit, stay, lie down, etc. It is slightly more advanced than the behavioral training, but it will usually include some training to resolve any behavioral problems before they start. This type of training is also appropriate for younger dogs as well.

Agility Training
Agility training is for dogs that will participate in dog sports, like obstacle courses, racing, or jumping. This is definitely a more advanced type of training which already assumes that the dog understands basic commands. The handler is not allowed to touch or reward the dog during the competition, so there will have to be a strong connection between the owner and the dog through voice and physical gestures. Although it is true that any dog can learn these skills, certain breeds are more suited to these tasks than others.

Vocational Training
Dogs are capable of learning a wide variety of skills just like people. There are dogs that learn how to herd, hunt, do search and rescue work, assist the disabled, or even work with law enforcement. These skills are actually like vocational training for dogs because it will mean that they will have a career helping people in some way. In these programs, dogs learn very specific techniques to hone their senses and communicate with people, but the programs are also rigorous and time-consuming. Any type of vocational training for dogs would assume that they have a solid foundation in terms of their basic skills. Also, some of these programs are suited for specific breeds as well.

Horse Training
The different disciplines can be subdivided into two different categories: western or English. The main differences between the two styles is the type of saddle that the horse is ridden in. A western saddle is typically a larger saddle with a prominent horn and large skirts. An English saddle has no horn, no skirts, and a low cantle.

Western disciplines

 * Western pleasure - the horse is ridden "on the rail" at varying gaits consisting of a walk, jog, and lope which are judged on the horse's cadence and collected manner. The horses are very smooth and must look like a "pleasure" to ride. The gaits are usually slow and very collected which requires extensive training and athletic ability to perform.
 * Barrel racing - a timed event which requires that the rider follow a clover leaf pattern around 3 barrels.


 * Team roping - also known as heading and healing is also a timed event which includes two riders and steer. The first rider (header) ropes the steer around the horns (or neck) and the second rider (heeler) ropes the steer's back leg or both legs.
 * Horsemanship - also known as western equitation, is judged on how well the rider and horse work together to complete a pattern.


 * Reining - the horse must complete a pattern which consists of circles, spins, sliding stops, and flying lead changes at a lope and gallop.
 * Cutting - a timed event where a rider must "cut" out a cow/steer out of a small herd of cattle and then the horse must use its "cow sense" to prevent the cow from returning back to the herd.
 * Team penning/ranch sorting - another timed event where a team of 3 riders must select and cut a certain number of cows from a small herd and corral them into a pen.
 * Trail - not a timed event, but the ability to complete a course that can range from simple to complicated. The horse is judged on its ability to complete the course with as little error as possible.


 * Halter/showmanship - although not a discipline where a horse is ridden, halter and showmanship are normally thought of as "western" events anyway. Halter is an in-hand class where a horse is judged on its conformation and movement. Showmanship is also an in-hand class where a horse/handler is judged on a pattern and the ability of the handler to control and handle the horse while performing the pattern.

English disciplines

 * Dressage - the term dressage also means "training" and is both referred to a type of training and a type of competition. The emphasis is on natural training to them perform quietly and calmly with complete obedience.


 * Jumping - a competition that is based on the time it takes to complete a set course of various sized jumps and penalities added to your time score if there are any jumps knocked down.


 * Hunt Seat - a general term that encompasses any type of forward seat riding which inludes on the flat or with jumping involved. Hunters: a competition over fences where the horse is judged on its style and form on the flat as well over fences. Hunter under saddle: no jumping is involved, but the horse is judged based on its movement at all gaits on the rail. Hunter Hack: a pleasure class consisting of a pattern, possibly a few jumps, as well as a hand gallop. Equitation: the rider's ability to control, handle, and ride the horse is judged.


 * Polo - a team sport where the objective is to score goals against the opposing team. Riders score a goal by using their mallets to try and hit a small wooden or plastic ball.


 * Polocrosse - another team sport that is similar to polo but takes some elements from lacrosse. A cane stick with a raquet head and a net is used instead of a mallet (one that is similar to a lacrosse stick) and a sponge rubber ball is used instead. The goal is also to score against the opposing team.


 * Racing - Besides the traditional Thoroughbred racing, other breeds also participate in competitive racing which inlcude 1/4 mile racing for quarter horses and long distance racing for Arabians.


 * Saddle seat - a style of riding that shows off the extravagent movement of certain breeds of horses, particularly at a trot. All saddle seat riding is done on the flat and the breeds most widely shown in this type of discipline are: the American Saddlebred, National Show Horse, Tennessee Walker, Racking horses, Spotted saddle horses, Morgans, and Arabians. Some other breeds that are also shown saddle seat can include: Friesians, Andalusians, Hackneys, Missouri Foxtrotters, RockyMountain horses, and Paso Finos.


 * Eventing - a three-day competition that combines dressage, cross-country jumping, and show jumping.


 * Endurance - although riders can use whatever tack they wish, most competitive endurance riders use some form of an English saddle, or a modified version of one, due to the weight involved in a western saddle. This is a distance riding event that can include natural "trail obstacles" along the way. This can include steep hills, water, logs, etc...