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Mule Psychology 101:  Survival Behavior In Your Mule By Cindy K. (McKinnon) Roberts Older or spoiled mules that have experienced negative incidents will exhibit survival behavior to the fullest.  Their response to a similar situation is not favorable and usually, the handler will get hurt in the process.  Just remember, this type of behavior is usually brought on by the hander, himself.  In other words, if at any time during your training session, things didn't go according to plan, then that is chalked up as a negative experience.  No to mention, a dangerous habit has been developed.  I believe that at any given time, in any given situation, the mule is capable to respond as he sees fit.  This is due to the mule's strong self preserving attitude that came from his sire.  Any new introduction that seems life threatening to the mule, can only make him fearful and respond to the situation, and that is....to survive.   To address this behavior, we are going to re-program  the mule's brain as much as mother nature will allow us.  The goal during this training session is to recognize that you are the dominant factor in the equine pecking order.  Not easy to do.  That is why we must influence his mind.  Before I move on, I must reemphasize that this article is specifically focused on older or spoiled mules.  Older being  6 years of age and on up.  Younger mules cannot mentally  handle harsh or abrupt training techniques.  They are at that impressionable age, where they need to learn trust in humans.  So, just how is it that a young mule can learn trust if we apply corrective training techniques to him?  He can't.  Do your homework with your young mule and don't cut corners.  Cut cows, not corners.  Build on your relationship with him and you'll have a friend for life.  Therefore, I am not recommending this technique to be used on a young mule.   Further, I encourage that you learn round pen training and use the round pen in with your training program.  Running a mule to exhaustion is not correct round pen training. Learning equine communication has been the most rewarding language that I have studied.  And, no one can teach it better than Monty Roberts.  "From My Hand To Yours" is an excellent book that will open your eyes so that you can see into your horse's mind.  Do yourself and your mule a favor.  If you are having respect issues, learn round pen training and apply it. Influencing the mule's mind will create a better understanding between the mule and rider.  This is where the psychology part kicks in.  We will be direct as possible, get to the point and be prepared to establish results.  If you run into a conflict and you're not prepared to handle it, then you lose.  Remember The Rules?  Go back and read them again.  It will help to  keep you in focus with your schooling.  If I am having a bad day, I read them over to remind myself what should be.  And, I must admit, it works on people too!   READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE AND MORE IN ANSWERS TO YOUR MULE QUESTIONS. Warning!  Under Missouri law, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities pursuant to the Revised Statutes of Missouri. Your participation in training your own mule or horse by following the advice given in this column and throughout Every Cowgirl's Dream web site is a risk that may result in permanent disability and even death to you and/or your animal.  Advice in this column is given through 20 plus years of professional and private mule training experience.  The unique personality of your animal and the individual reader's skill level will vary greatly.  This column is not a substitute for a qualified mule trainer in your area.  Always utilize a professional and knowledgeable trainer to assist you.  The author asks each reader to evaluate his or her skill level, athletic ability and mule sense prior to attempting any training technique.

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