Ferguson, D. L., & Rosales-Ruiz, J. (2001).
Loading the problem loader: The effects of target training and shaping on trailer- loading behavior of horses.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
34, 409-424.
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).
DESCRIPTORS: _targeting, shaping, trailer loading, horses