Title says it all really!

I was reading a popular book on horse training where the author states that a method they use within their starting/breaking process is flooding.

I have to admit to some surprise at reading this as I had already argued this in my coursework but hadn't expected the author to agree. I guess I hadn't expected anyone to fess up this was what they used.

Anyone care to comment?

I haven't used flooding personally,(at least not intentionally!) but my mare I believe she was backed in two hours as atwo year old. She was worked until you could walk, trot and canter her around.

I can't be certain but I think this may be a reason why she freezes as opposed to taking flight when when in a frightening situation.

Everything that I've read/learnt about flooding suggests that it can be a highly traumatic form of learning.

There is only a 50% chance of sucess.

So to be used with caution, if at all!

Lucy.

Flooding is a training process where an animal is forced to remain in the proximity of something it fears, and is given no opportunity to escape. This would seem a highly unethical way to treat an animal.
Dogs subjected to flooding often become so traumatised that they lose control of their bowels and bladder. This traumatic experience can also result in the animal forever associating the trainer with the negative experience.
Uncontrollable stressors carry a high risk of provoking psychological depression. When animals are subjected to severe and uncontrollable stressors they can develop a mental state known as learned helplessness. An animal that has been pushed over the brink into learned helplessness becomes very passive. It stops trying to escape and acts as if there is nothing that it can do to evade the stressor. Horses have been known to lie down and not react to any stimuli. Definantly not acceptable for me! I can't think of any instance where it would be useful to use as a training method but I do know that people still use it.

Thanks Sue. Couldn't remember the full definition that's why my response was so guarded! Didn't want to start going off on one with out any justification!

Flooding is bad! GRRRRR!