Reinforcement as a mediator of the perception of humans by horses (Equus caballus)
- 21 May 2010
- journal article
- Published by Springer Science and Business Media LLC in Animal Cognition
- Vol. 13 (5), 753-764
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-010-0326-9
Abstract
A central question in the interspecific human/animal relationship is how domestic animals perceive humans as a significant element of their environment. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the use of positive or negative reinforcement in horse training may have consequences on the animals’ perception of humans, as a positive, negative or neutral element. Two groups of ponies were trained to walk backwards in response to a vocal order using either positive or negative reinforcement. Heart rate monitors and behavioural observations were used to assess the animals’ perception of humans on the short (just after training) and long (5 months later) terms. The results showed that the type of reinforcement had a major effect on the subsequent animals’ perception of familiar and unfamiliar humans. Negative reinforcement was rapidly associated with an increased emotional state, as revealed by heart rate measurements and behavioural observations (head movements and ears laid back position). Its use led the ponies to seek less contact with humans. On the contrary, ponies trained with positive reinforcement showed an increased interest in humans and sought contact after training. This is especially remarkable as it was reached in a maximum of 5 sessions of 1 to 3 min (i.e. 5 to 15 min) and had lasting effects (visible after 5 months). Even learning was positively influenced by positive reinforcement. Overall, horses seem capable of associating humans to particular experiences and display extended long-term memory abilities.Keywords
This publication has 54 references indexed in Scilit:
- Long-term memory for categories and concepts in horses (Equus caballus)Animal Cognition, 2009
- Evaluating the Addition of Positive Reinforcement for Learning a Frightening Task: A Pilot Study With HorsesJournal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 2008
- Laterality and emotions: Visual laterality in the domestic horse (Equus caballus) differs with objects' emotional valuePhysiology & Behavior, 2008
- Comprehension of human pointing gestures in horses (Equus caballus)Animal Cognition, 2008
- Operant‐conditioning programme for White rhinoceros, Black rhinoceros and Indian or Greater one‐horned Asian rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum, Diceros bi cornis and Rhinoceros unicornis at Whipsnade Wild Animal Park, Dunstable, UKInternational Zoo Yearbook, 2006
- Training Common Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) to Cooperate During Routine Laboratory Procedures: Ease of Training and Time InvestmentJournal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 2003
- The Use of Positive Reinforcement Training Techniques to Enhance the Care, Management, and Welfare of Primates in the LaboratoryJournal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 2003
- Heart rate and heart rate variability during a novel object test and a handling test in young horsesPhysiology & Behavior, 2002
- Use of human-given cues by domestic dogs ( Canis familiaris ) and horses ( Equus caballus )Animal Cognition, 2000
- Performing under pressure: stress and cognitive functionApplied Animal Behaviour Science, 1999