Megan R. LaFollette
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Human-Equine Interactions

Traditional horse training relies heavily on negative reinforcement and punishment which can be aversive and cause poor welfare. Food-based positive reinforcement is a promising alternative training method, but "common knowledge" in the horse world claims that it increases mugging for treats. Trainers are also concerned about having to carry a mechanical clicker and if positive reinforcement is actually better than current techniques. I completed two studies to address these concerns. The first study evaluated the effects of using food-based positive reinforcement on horse-human interactions and the efficacy of using a clicker vs mouth click vs no marker. We found no significant difference between marker types. The second study compared using positive reinforcement versus negative reinforcement when training a novel frightening task. Either technique required a similar amount of time. Positive reinforcement, however, led to less conflict behaviors such rearing and startling.

This research was conducted at Truman State University with Dr. Kelly Walter.

Using food-based positive reinforcement to decrease "mugging" for treats.

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Before training
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During training
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After training

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  • Home
  • Teaching
    • Human-Animal Interaction Careers
    • Student Work
  • Research
    • Publications
    • Rat >
      • How to Tickle a Rat
    • Compassion Fatigue
    • Canine
    • Equine
    • Feline
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Contact Me