Zeppelin has decided he doesn't really like their black water barrel and because of frozen hoses I can't fill up a new one yet, so I've been carrying warm water out to him four or five times a day. He
loves it!! Spoiled donkey!
Zep is getting so much more confident around us. I walk past him in his stall everyday carrying their hay and he just watches me while he eats. He doesn't bolt out of the barn anymore.
He's even gotten to where he stuffs his head in his bowl while I'm still pouring his feed in. I'm on the other side of the fence (in Chrome's stall) when I pour it in so that gives him confidence. I know that's being a little pushy, but for now I don't mind. I just want him to be more confident.
I've been reading my Clicker Training for Your Horse book by Alexandra Kurland and I'm learning a lot. She explains a lot about horse psychology that is really helpful. It also reminded me to break things into much smaller steps. I had been trying to touch Zep, but she says to reach toward them, click and then walk away before they can flinch or move away as the reward. If they will accept treats you can give one as a reward instead of walking away. With a donkey like Zep walking away is probably just as good as a reinforcer as a treat. :) I can even drop the treat on the ground if he's hesitant to take the treat. He's really good at finding them on the ground. :) As soon as it warms up a bit I'll start working with him.
Zeppelin has decided he doesn't really like their black water barrel and because of frozen hoses I can't fill up a new one yet, so I've been carrying warm water out to him four or five times a day. He loves it!! Spoiled donkey!
Zep is getting so much more confident around us. I walk past him in his stall everyday carrying their hay and he just watches me while he eats. He doesn't bolt out of the barn anymore.
He's even gotten to where he stuffs his head in his bowl while I'm still pouring his feed in. I'm on the other side of the fence (in Chrome's stall) when I pour it in so that gives him confidence. I know that's being a little pushy, but for now I don't mind. I just want him to be more confident.
I've been reading my Clicker Training for Your Horse book by Alexandra Kurland and I'm learning a lot. She explains a lot about horse psychology that is really helpful. It also reminded me to break things into much smaller steps. I had been trying to touch Zep, but she says to reach toward them, click and then walk away before they can flinch or move away as the reward. If they will accept treats you can give one as a reward instead of walking away. With a donkey like Zep walking away is probably just as good as a reinforcer as a treat. :) I can even drop the treat on the ground if he's hesitant to take the treat. He's really good at finding them on the ground. :) As soon as it warms up a bit I'll start working with him.
He is such a cute donkey--He looks so huggable. I hope someday you can give him a big hug and a kiss on the nose.
ReplyDeleteHe's adorable. I swear he's posing for the camera. Great name too! Interesting that you clicker train a donkey because they are stereotyped as being stupid. He seems like a clever boy, though! I'm glad you're so good to him.
ReplyDeleteSeems to me getting warm water in these kind of circumstances must help his understanding of your intentions.
ReplyDeleteZep is precious. I hope he softens up and opens his heart up to you one day soon. He'll realize how lucky he is to have you to take care of him. :)
ReplyDelete~Lisa
Zep is just too adorable. Good luck with your clicker training, I'm sure it will go well. Keep warm.
ReplyDeleteHe is sooo cute! The clicker training sounds like fun. Hope it keeps going well.
ReplyDelete