clicker training - fetch ball

[rabbit]

Ive got my horse to the point where she will target a soccer ball anywhere I put it and will even chase anyone at a trot if they pick up the ball and run off with it.

If i throw the ball a short distance (1 or 2 metres) then she will chase it and touch it with her nose.

I have bought a soccer ball with rope handles hanging off it in a few places. I would like to teach my horse to fetch the ball.

I would think that my next step is to get her to pick up the ball (well the rope bits) and hold it, to get a click and reward.

I'm thinking that I just wait for her to bite the rope then click ? or do I put it right in front of her nose to try and entice her to bite it?

Then the fetch step - how do I get her to bring it over to me, once she is picking it up ?


Replies much appreciated. I'm having a great time with clicker training.,

[michelle c]

hi rabbit, i have just started doing clicker training so this advice would be just a guess, but my horse can stand on blocks push a gym ball and target things when i point and say target!!! i will be working on throwing the ball and meg running after it soon. as regards to your question i would hold the ball and get her to target just the handles, make it obviouse thats what you want, and then once she is doing this consistently with hold the click untill she bites it, what you could do is coat the handle in something your horse likes mine likes anything strawberry so id use jam, :D and this would tempt her to grab it, when she does click and treat, in the end you wont need the jam (or what ever you use) and she will be picking it up with no problems!!!!! :p
hope this helps