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Journal of applied behavior analysis2002; 34(4); 409-423; doi: 10.1901/jaba.2001.34-409

Loading the problem loader: the effects of target training and shaping on trailer-loading behavior of horses.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to develop an effective method for trailer loading horses based on principles of positive reinforcement. Target training and shaping were used to teach trailer-loading behavior to 5 quarter horse mares in a natural setting. All 5 had been trailer loaded before through the use of aversive stimulation. Successive approximations to loading and inappropriate behaviors were the dependent variables. After training a horse to approach a target, the target was moved to various locations inside the trailer. Horses started training on the left side of a two-horse trailer. After a horse was loading on the left side, she was moved to the right side, then to loading half on the right and half on the left. A limited-hold procedure and the presence of a companion horse seemed to facilitate training for 1 horse. Inappropriate behaviors fell to zero immediately after target training, and all the horses successfully completed the shaping sequence. Finally, these effects were observed to generalize to novel conditions (a different trainer and a different trailer).
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Publication Date: 2002-01-22 PubMed ID: 11800182PubMed Central: PMC1284337DOI: 10.1901/jaba.2001.34-409Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research paper studied the effectiveness of positive reinforcement methods, specifically target training and shaping, in teaching horses how to load onto a trailer. The study found these methods to be successful in reducing inappropriate behaviors and enhancing trailer-loading ability, with these effects generalizing to new situations.

Overview of the Study

  • The study aimed to devise an effective method for getting horses to load into trailers using principles of positive reinforcement.
  • The study involved 5 quarter horse mares that had previously been loaded onto trailers through aversive stimulation methods. Their initial response to loading and any inappropriate behaviors were taken into account.

Methods Used

  • The techniques of target training and shaping were used to teach the horses how to load onto the trailer.
  • Each horse was initially trained to approach a target. Following this, the target was moved to different locations inside the trailer to teach the horse how to load.
  • The horses began their training on the left side of a two-horse trailer. Once a horse successfully loaded on the left side, the training moved to the right side, and then to loading half on the right and half on the left.
  • A limited-hold procedure and the presence of a companion horse were used as additional measures to facilitate training for one particular horse.

Findings and Conclusion

  • After the introduction of target training, inappropriate behaviors in the horses fell to zero.
  • All the horses successfully completed the shaping sequence, which had a positive impact on their trailer-loading ability.
  • The study results showed that these techniques not only worked in the original training environment but also under novel conditions with different trailers and trainers. This suggests that the learned behaviors were not just specific to a particular context but were instead more globally applicable.
  • The findings of this research show the potential of target training and shaping as practical and effective techniques for training horses to load onto a trailer.

Cite This Article

APA
Ferguson DL, Rosales-Ruiz J. (2002). Loading the problem loader: the effects of target training and shaping on trailer-loading behavior of horses. J Appl Behav Anal, 34(4), 409-423. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2001.34-409

Publication

Journal of applied behavior analysis
ISSN: 0021-8855
NlmUniqueID: 0174763
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 34
Issue: 4
Pages: 409-423

Researcher Affiliations

Ferguson, D L
  • University of North Texas, Denton 76203, USA.
Rosales-Ruiz, J

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Conditioning, Operant
    • Escape Reaction
    • Female
    • Horses / psychology
    • Reinforcement, Psychology
    • Transportation

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    This article includes 2 references
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    Citations

    This article has been cited 19 times.
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