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Mary Hunter and her horse Apollo


On this site I share stories of my animal training adventures, information about the science of animal training and behavior, and tips and advice to help you improve your training.

Join me as we explore the best training strategies for creating fast learning, effective communication, and enthusiastic, willing animals.

If you’re new to Stale Cheerios, I recommend that you start by visiting this page to learn more about Stale Cheerios and that you visit my Top Posts page.

~Mary Hunter

Recent posts from the StaleCheerios blog

Blog-behavior-multiplies

Behavior multiplies (video)

By on March 14, 2023 in Concepts and Terms

Behavior multiplies. Let me explain what this means.  When you have a well-designed shaping program that is appropriate for your learner, behavior change can happen exponentially.  Imagine you are teaching your horse (or dog or other critter) to walk next to you without a leash or lead rope.  On the first day, you may start […]

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behavior-makes-sense

Bizarre behavior makes sense!

By on February 28, 2023 in Science and Learning

Sometimes, our animals engage in behaviors that just seem really odd. You may find yourself shaking your head and thinking, “Why would my dog (or horse or parrot or other pet) ever do that??” (Alternatively, you may find yourself thinking the same thing when you are looking at a behavior that your co-worker, spouse, child, […]

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Improve your timing by clarifying your criteria for reinforcement

By on February 14, 2023 in Concepts and Terms

You’ve just started a training session with your animal learner.  Your animal does several great reps of the behavior you’re teaching. Click and treat! Then, your animal does something you hadn’t anticipated.  The behavior isn’t quite the same as your goal behavior… However, it’s pretty darn close to the behavior you want…  You freeze! Should […]

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Training fundamentals: What is good timing?

By on February 7, 2023 in Concepts and Terms

Clicker training seems easy. You just click when the desired behavior occurs.  However, it’s important that you click at precisely the right time.  Experienced animal trainers understand the importance of good timing. If your clicks are often too early (or too late), you may accidentally reinforce the wrong behavior.  If your timing is inconsistent, you […]

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