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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

Chewie’s Diary Week 82: Markers as cues (video)

By on September 4, 2026 in Chewie’s Diary

Last week, I did a webinar for Animal Training Academy about the topic of multiple markers. (The webinar replay is available for ATA members on the Animal Training Academy website.) Positive reinforcement trainers often use a clicker as a marker. However, many other types of auditory and visual signals can also be used effectively as […]

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Chewie’s Diary Week 80: Scary hoses

By on August 21, 2026 in Chewie’s Diary

This picture may not look like much, but it’s a bit of progress! Chewie drinks from the water trough Chewie and I worked a lot last summer on sponge baths. However, Chewie still doesn’t like to be hosed off. She thinks the hose is pretty scary. So, for now, I don’t give her baths with […]

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