Training Matters

05/29/2026

*** "Just a gentle tap" — equestrian culture conditions children to normalise force and coercion ***

As someone with a background in Educational Psychology and Child Development, I find it deeply concerning that children are routinely instructed to hit another sentient being with a weapon in the name of “communication” and “training”.

Equestrian professionals and organisations need to do better.

There is no excuse when we are faced with growing scientific evidence in both animal welfare and child development.

Normalising the use of whips teaches more than just horse training techniques. It conditions children to believe that using force and coercion is acceptable — as long as it is controlled, socially approved, and performed without visible anger.

Children are told:

“It’s fine if it’s just a gentle tap.”
“It’s okay if you stay calm while doing it.”

But emotional regulation does not make coercion ethical.

Children learn social and emotional norms through observation, repetition, and modelling. When adults repeatedly frame physical coercion as acceptable and necessary, we should not pretend that this learning exists in isolation from wider social development.

This conversation is not just about horses.
It’s about what we teach children about power, consent, control, and the treatment of vulnerable beings.

05/19/2026

05/13/2026

I like this logo designed by Debbie Jacobs that links our sanctuary and training business names. Smiling pup is a bonus.

05/12/2026

"The study creates room for reflection. Ethics appears to play an important role in why people do what they do when training their dogs." ~ recent study linked in comments

This quote is from one of a number of studies that indicate that training choices are as much about trainer ethics as they are about understanding the science. What if understanding the science helps one to make ethical choices?

05/10/2026

Our retreats feature playing the tabletop training game PORTL. From the Behavior Explorer website, PORTL "provides an interactive environment for learning about behavior principles and investigating behavioral phenomena. It is played using a collection of small objects, a clicker to select behavior, and small blocks as reinforcers." Not only is playing PORTL fun, the game helps expand mechanical skills and conceptual understanding, which is why some universities now use it as part of their behavior programs.

At our Animal Trainers' Retreat in September, we will use PORTL play to mirror animal training with the animals of our Lemon's Hope Sanctuary. Hannah McGee, MS, CBCC-KA and Behavior Manager at MSPCA-Angell in Boston, will lead the play. We can't wait!

05/08/2026

I keep seeing posts from folks who I guess are experienced trainers who feel comfortable with their level of understanding of how behavior works. Their posts reflect how much they don’t understand.

Horse trainers who don’t get that “real world” training is part of the generalization process accounted for in positive reinforcement implemented through an applied behavior analytic framework. Horse rescuers who manage their dogs with electric fences and shock collars, and when their dog blows through the fence and ends up hit by a car appear surprised that this happened. That aversive equipment is supposed to guarantee safety, right?

If you have more to learn—I know I do—consider joining us when some of the best in the animal training business dive deep with us at our trainers’ retreats. The first is coming up in June. The second will be in September.

04/30/2026

Happening in June: the Dog Trainers' Retreat with Debbie Jacobs, CPDT-KA, RBT; Dr. Christine Calder DVM Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist; Dr. Sean Will and Maasa Nishimuta, MS, BCBA, of the Constructional Approach to Animal Welfare and Training; and the animals of Lemon's Hope Sanctuary. Ceus available.

Debbie, of Fearfuldogs.com and the Fearful Dogs page, is the author of A Guide to Living With and Training a Fearful Dog. She presented at rescues and shelters across the country and internationally pre-Covid, and now mostly presents at Training Matters in Brattleboro, Vermont.

Among many other things, Maine-based Dr. Calder offers vet-to-vet consultations for behavior cases and behavior consultations for shelter animals. She will join us in person, providing an opportunity to chat with her about topics of interest.

CAAWT supports shelters, adoptions and rescued animals:
"We are a non-profit organization on a mission to get shelter dogs adopted and keep dogs with families together. We aim to remove financial barriers for behavior support and training programs for individuals living with animals or organizations overseeing the care of animals that require these programs with free or specially reduced prices.

Donations and profits from the CAAWT educational programs continue to fund these programs."

Take advantage of the early bird discount that ends today! Or grab a shelter/rescue discount soon!