ABC'S: ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
CONCERNS & SOLUTIONS
A Question & Answer Forum For Animal Professionals
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Welcome to the ABC's! Animal Behavior Concerns & Solutions is an animal behavior column written by animal behaviorist and animal trainer, Diana L. Guerrero. This page is dedicated to clarifying an animal training question. This animal training column appears in two parts. This is part one of two. For pet training please visit the pet section, see our pet behavior booklets in the shop, or click here for enrollment information for classes and teleseminars.
Animal Training 101: Training is Training (Part One of Two)
Question
I have been a canine trainer and have recently started working with
equines. Can you tell me if they have the same type of drives useful
for training as outlined for canines?
Answer
You are referring to a term used commonly within the domestic animal
realm and a belief that I don't subscribe too. First, the term is
archaic. In the past this term was used to describe a type of motivation
in animals. The Oxford Dictionary of Zoology defines drive as the
psychological "force" that is supposed to lead to physical
action. The text explains that the term was abandoned because "physical
energy" plays no direct part in the psychological processes.
The other reason the term is no longer used is that attempts to
attribute a drive to each aspect of behavior led to a proliferation
of drives-and difficulties explaining the concept.
Unfortunately every animal realm appears to establish terminology and popular acronyms specific to their industry. Early in this column series ("Limbo Lingo") I discussed and listed a few examples. Different terms are often assigned to the same behavior-which can create confusion when you cross industries. This creates difficulty for novice trainers. Many do not understand that training concepts are the same regardless of what they are called, and whether or not the species is domestic or exotic.
Training concepts remain the same whether you are working a highly intelligent animal or a creature with less complex mental processes. Training differences stem from the aptitude of the trainer and his or her ability to identify the best strategies to address a situation or challenge. Successful trainers assess each specific environment, the animal's individual needs, and the species specific trends to develop the optimal approach.
The environment, health, diet, socializing or lack of, and desensitization of the animal are some training influences. Naive animals behave and learn differently from veteran animals in the training sense. Domestic animals tend to be easier to work with since they have been selectively bred to work amiably with man.
Although most equines share similar patterns, there are nuances between each group. For instance, an Arabian horse is higher strung than an Appaloosa, and a Grevy's zebra tends to be more aggressive than their other zebra cousins--however they all share equine consistencies that remain true from within the equine realm. An example? Every breed will understand threat postures exhibited from others within the group regardless of other differences.
To understand animals you must read up on the species and the specific breed(s) you are working with. Then observe the animal. Invest time watching solitary individuals and examining animals within a group setting. Observe wild mustangs, either by visiting their range or via filmed footage for more revealing insights. Learn the body language of equines and obtain the resources to assist you--books and tapes are great tools.
What you should observe about the animal are the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, body, and tail. Watch the animal's breathing, movement, and coat, too. Different postures/positions combine with behavior to paint a clear picture of what the animal is communicating. The animal will reveal mood and nuances for you to read and to use to train successfully.
Next you need to define the animal's motivators to properly tackle the issue or to train the animal. Animals under stress from hierarchal challenges will not always respond as the trainer desires--unless the situation is addressed first. Many will not work from food motivation either.
Horse training techniques have only changed fairly recently. To obtain success you have to define your goals first. Are you training an animal for husbandry care? Carting? Dressage or Western riding? Trick behaviors? Jumping? Or are you simply attempting to deal with phobic or destructive behavior? Define your challenge so your question can be addressed completely and so you can develop a strong game plan.
Finally, you should also learn how to identify animal social styles. In my recently released book (written for the general public), I reveal these social styles along with additional techniques for working successfully with animals. You'll find a good bibliography for training and behavior within the book or from this web site.
Thanks for your question-and good luck!
About the columnist: Since 1978 Diana L. Guerrero has worked professionally with both wild and domestic animals. Guerrero has been affiliated with, and certified by, a variety of animal programs in the USA and Europe. Based in California, she writes, consults, and speaks. Information on her animal career programs, training courses, and her books {What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality (SkyLight Paths, 2003), Blessing of the Animals (Sterling, 2007), Help! My Pet is Driving Me Crazy (Guerrero Ink, 2007), Animal Disaster Preparedness for Pet Owners & Pet Professionals (Guerrero Ink, 2007)} can be found in this web site and in the shop. Questions for Guerrero should be submitted via the blog comments or membership forum.
