A big thank you to Marty , and to Julie for hosting a great clinic. We had a very European ( sorry , cant say that - Switzerland is not in the European union , though England, France, Netherlands, Belgium and Sweden are ( I think!). Adding in positive reinforcement training to the camelidynamics handling was a great mix, both with the use of Tagteach , a little clicker training, and all of us looking out for each other to reward anything "good". Tagteach really helped one with all the separate components of behaviour. ( For anyone in England there is a TAgteach certification course in March of next year). My biggest learning points were to actually use the skills I know when getting home.( as opposed to using midline catch and making do!) Adding in a neck wrap, as well as reviewing catching skills has already made a great difference to my more difficult boy. This week, we have progressed to a walk down the lane ( with my 10 year old assistant doing a great job of leading my other yearling). I also have a real plan on how to teach Kate(10) to halter - a combination of Tagteach, and backchaining, so she learns the halter bit before the wand and catch rope, so ends the process with a more familiar task. I have already started a little liberty leading with the 2 ( following a target) using c/t so hope to progress a little bit more with that (I already use c/t with my horses ) It was great to be at Julie T-B's lovely place, as well as a great visit to Llamaland. The evening after the clinic four of us also visited Chy Lowen Alpacas - and met Mary and Mike. Mary uses her alpacas for animal-assisted interventions - I am in awe of the work they are doing. A great B and B, and some fab conversations over breakfast ( probably not so for the 2 train spotters ( for those not familiar people who go round looking at trains) at the table next door - as we were discussing problem births! And the last thanks to everyone on the course - a great bunch.
