[Tyler Fournier]

forecart is sold

[Tyler Fournier]

A trick I used with my Kuvasz of 11 years was that I only offered food reward for the recall. I made sure it was good stuff too, like chunks of steak, cheese, etc. It made her semi-reliable, as she was very food-motivated. That being said, her hardheadedness would often respond with “keep your damn treat, I’m busy”. One hell of a dog.

[Tyler Fournier]

@Carl Russell 27996 wrote:

Also when I work my horses, I plan on ways that I can stop them in safe and secure way, so that I can address any unintended problems.

I don’t mean to hijack this thread, but could you elaborate on this point specifically? What are some examples of situations you are looking out for, anticipating, etc., and what are your planned responses to them?

Tyler

[Tyler Fournier]

I had zero horse experience up until 3-4 months ago, when we began looking for a horse. My wife has a decent amount of experience, so we had that going for us. For a while we considered a Percheron yearling. He was for sale right across town, and both he and his parents seemed like great horses. We ended up with an 8 year old Percheron mare, trained to ride and drive. We made the right decision for us. Even with my wife’s experience, combined with the help of other experienced folks, I have my hands full learning about horses even while dealing with a trained horse. If both the horse and I were in the beginning stages of learning, it would be extremely difficult, and downright dangerous, for us both. Take this with a grain of salt, as I am still very new to all of this, but I am a firm believer that the best match for an inexperienced person is the most well trained horse that you can find.

Tyler

[Tyler Fournier]

Great reinforcements. I don’t think you’ve read too much into anything, I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. It’s encouraging to read. I couldn’t agree more that I am in no position to consider hooking to anything, or doing any “real work”. That would be a recipe for disaster. I think the place for Coconut and I right now is an open field that’s familiar to us both. So, that’s the plan. The knowledge that Mike and you other folks here on DAP (and those Lynn Miller books didn’t hurt!) have shared with me has gotten me off to a great start, but I do realize that I need to be smart, and not “propel myself further ahead than I am prepared for”, as you wrote. In other words, I don’t plan to bring Coconut into the woods and hook her to a tree any time soon. My immediate goals are to cut out the mixed signals, and to spend lots of time and energy just understanding Coconut and what makes her tick. She is no doubt a great teacher. We’ll focus on what we can do, and when that’s second nature, we’ll move on. And, eventually, we’ll be driving in a straight line! Thanks for all the help, I’ll need plenty more.

Tyler

[Tyler Fournier]

I should have mentioned that overall, I am off to a great start with Coconut, and that is thanks to Mike’s help. Considering I knew nothing about horses 3 months ago, let alone driving, the fact that I can harness Coconut and drive her through our field is quite an accomplishment in itself. So, thanks Mike, for an awesome horse and a willingness to help. I’m having lots of fun with the whole process.

Tyler

[Author]

Posts