Difference between “Positive Reinforcement” and “Clicker” training

Are you confused about these terms? Do you not use clicker training, but you do use positive reinforcement?

What is Clicker Training for Horses

The term “clicker” training stems from the hand-held device that makes a click sound when pressed. Trainers use it to mark a desired behaviour of their horse. The click is then followed by an appetitive reinforcer. Appetitive is per definitions something the learner values and wants to have (and is willing to work for).

The “clicker” is often made out of plastic with a metal plate in it that makes the “click” sound when pressed and pops back into shape.

What is Positive Reinforcement (R+) training for horses?

Positive reinforcement is giving the learner an appetitive when (or shortly after) a desired behaviour is offered.

Positive reinforcement means “strengthening a behaviour by adding an appetitive”. The way positive reinforcement training is used best is to use a “marker” signal that pinpoints the exact desired behaviour. It gives the animal more clarity and he learns quickly to pay attention to the marker signal.

Appetitives don’t have to be food, but food is the easiest to work with and horses eat 16 hours and day and therefor almost always interested in eating.

If your horse likes scratches or something else, you absolutely can use that in training, too. As long as it strengthens the desired behaviour.

Marker signal pinpoints the desired behaviour

The marker does *not have to be* a click, it can be a word, a light signal, a tactile signal, even a body language cue (which happens if people “pre load” and are taking a treat in their hand before they mark desired behaviour. Whenever the hand is in the pocket, horses anticipate on it and now expect a treat. This mistake can cause mugging and frustration due to unclear communication).

As long as it’s clear, always the same and a unique short sound so the horse doesn’t have to reason ”was this a marker or not”?. A word can sound different according to your emotions (very happy or barely satisfied with the result). A clicker always sounds the same. I find that an advantage. Another advantage is that it can communicate over great distances!

Clicker training is Positive Reinforcement, but not necessarily the other way around

Clicker Training IS Positive Reinforcement training in my (personal) ‘book’, but Positive Reinforcement doesn’t necessarily have to involve a clicker. I used these terms interchangeably. I like the way “clicker training” sounds and it has a happy colour!.

Using a marker signal does creates clarity for the learner and enhances two-way communication in training, which leads to faster results. Therefor I recommend using a marker when training a new behaviour!

Sandra Poppema, BSc
Founder of HippoLogic
Enhancing Horse-Human connections through clicker training

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