MULE TRAINING: THE RULES BY CINDY K. (MCKINNON) ROBERTS

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Mule Psychology 101: The Rules
by Cindy K. (McKinnon) Roberts
Mule Psychology 101 will be a series of training articles written specifically about the mule's behavior. I will focus on their instinctive behavior and how this relates to the mule throughout his schooling. This information is valuable to anyone that wishes to train their mule effectively. Like the admired school teacher that can relate to each of her students, you must develop the technique to identify personality traits and use that to the best of your ability in training hybrids, before behavior problems arise.

First, we must adopt some rules that will not be broken. These are rules that I have adopted for myself. They are non-negotiable in mule training and on the domestic front. Repeat after me:

1) No one gets hurt. Not you, or the mule. Because of this rule, risks or short cuts, will not be taken. Weak or ineffective tack will not be used.

2) Have a goal or purpose in mind and shoot for it.

3) Read as much as you can and don't get stuck on one thing. Learn the many different riding disciplines.   Never lose interest in learning, it is a life long process.

4) Train the mule quickly and efficiently to his ability. Why quickly? Simply, because the mule is a "get to the point" kind of animal. And, we don't want to bore him. No focus, no student.

5) Train the mule with the least amount of conflict. Meaning, keep your disagreements to a minimum. Never compromise this.

6) Learn the definitive behavior of the mule, so that you may speak his language and then there will be no disagreements.

7) Give the mule the correct amount of credit for his intelligence. Too much credit to his IQ will get you into trouble, as well as discounting his intelligence will get you into trouble equally as well.

8) Always match the punishment to the crime when correcting your mule's bad behavior. NEVER over reprimand and NEVER lose your temper. You can get mad, just don't lose your temper. Once the proper correction has been quickly and effectively applied, forget it and move on.

9) When you do make a mistake, forgive yourself, then forgive your mule. Move forward. Learn together.

10) Reward your mule for his good behavior, with kind words, caressing his neck, and with treats. Always end your training sessions on a positive note.

11) When behavior problems develop, stand back and find out why. Investigate. Is there pain from ill fitting equipment? Does he need time off from the hectic show schedule? DO YOU NEED TIME OFF? Possibly a change in the routine? You are the professor and you are responsible for finding out what is troubling your student.

12) Respect your mule and let him be himself. That's right, let him be a mule. The unique, bold, calculating, inquisitive, suspicious, independent, athletic, hybrid creature is deserving to being himself. Altering his behavior is one thing, but to try and change him is another. Accept him as he is and you will both learn from each other.

Now that we all know the rules, we can begin.

The most common mistake made regarding the mule's training, is not being able to identify the cause of the less favorable behavior. In other words, the undesirable behavior is the obvious. Generally, training aids are abruptly applied and often times are applied abusively or ineffectively. In addition, the owner is frustrated, as well as the mule.

What if... you received a set of "instructions" that came with your mule? A booklet that explained all of his moods, temperaments, the how and whys to all of his quirks? Would you feel less intimidated by him... if you clearly understood your mule? Would you have more confidence in your schooling techniques if you possessed the knowledge? Would you be able to act or apply when needed and to quickly access each training incident with an open and objective mind? Would you be creative with your training so that you both keep a keen interest? If the mule were not so challenging to train, would you find him just as intriguing? Would you feel more at ease in your training techniques if you knew the rules to the hybrid state of mind? Yes, there are rules. Clearly in black and white....according to the mule. It doesn't matter in the least what you think.....not according to the mule. It does matter however....WHAT YOUR MULE THINKS. We cannot ask nor demand that the mule understand us, as human beings. However, we can learn to understand the hybrid mind. We can adjust his attitude but more intelligently.. we can think on his terms. We can present our methods to him in the manner that he likes, otherwise... personalities will clash. It's not what you say, but how you say it to the mule. The talk that he wants to hear. Because, we know that the mule learns best, when he teaches himself. Not when you or I attempt to apply something to his world. To be successful trainers, we have no choice, but to learn the language of the mule. So that we can keep his mind fresh and willing. We must learn his language, so that we may communicate our wishes to the mule...in hopes to getting a positive, favorable response in his training. This is the key to being a successful trainer.
Welcome to Mule Psychology 101, where learning will be adventurous and never ending. And, the results will be excellent.
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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