Ridecamp: Re: [RC] They all kick. (and some bite)

you said:
> "Now, now, Trigger, none of that" is an exercise in futility.

Thanks for bringing this up. This concept needs to be permenantly engraved
in something! This applies to horses AND dogs (and kids, I daresay): don't
tell them anything in a soothing voice when they're acting bad. The animal
is being rewarded for being bad! The animal doesn't have to be punished if
the handler doesn't like to (unless, like you said, a biter or a kicker).
Try to give them a job if ignoring them doesn't work.

The only time I can think of to talk soothingly to a horse is if they're
scared or you're trying to get their pulse down and they're being good
otherwise. Is an dancing horse scared? No. Is one that is pawing while tied
scared? No. Is a horse that won't load (or unload) scared? Maybe, maybe not
but the handler needs to know the difference. If in doubt, don't reward the
undesired behavior, ignore it. Don't tell 'em "it's OK". It's not OK.


you said:
>Ever notice how the same people whose animals bite and kick also find it
>amusing when their children bite or punch other kids or even adults?
>There's a parallel to be drawn methinks....bratty children typically mean
>bratty pets/livestock....

Actually I know of 2 instances of people who have impeccably behaved
children but who tend to baby their animals too much. Wierd. But I can
provide many more examples of what you describe. (One lives next door to
me!)

Deanna


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