clicker training success!

[Kiwi08]

I have been working with Marvin on clicker training for about 2 1/2 weeks now, and it is going GREAT! He is soooo smart, he knows the "touch" command with the target stick and will go wherever I position it, even if he has to climb around a bit. And just tonight he learned to pick up a ball and put it in a cup! Its amazing how quickly he understood what I wanted him to do. And its really cool to see his mind working trying to figure it out. He is such a good boy.

I'm really excited about clicker training and think it is an awesome training technique. I can tell Marvin loves the mental stimulation our sessions give him. He has also drastically stopped screaming as often as he was. (And on a side note, he has not bitten even once in a month, but I think that is unrelated to the clicker)

Does anyone have some cool tricks/activities they taught their bird using the clicker method?

[New Ekkie Mom]

Have you checked out Bird_Click? It's a Yahoo group dedicated to clicker training birds. It is absolutely fantastic! They can give you tons of info, help, and trick suggestions. If you haven't already signed up, you should try it! A couple more trick ideas they suggest to start off with (besides retrieve, like you are already doing) are climb a ladder and ring a bell. Good luck and Happy Training!

[Midori0413]

Thats great, i'm going to start clicker training with my conure. What did you use as a reward treat?

[Kiwi08]

Thanks for the bird_click yahoo group info! I was not aware of it and cant wait to go check it out!

And I use sunflower seeds (without oil and salt) cut up into about thirds. Marvin loves them. The trick is to only give a little bite, so he doesn't loose interest in the training while munching on a treat for 5 min.

[New Ekkie Mom]

Originally Posted by Kiwi08

And I use sunflower seeds (without oil and salt) cut up into about thirds. Marvin loves them. The trick is to only give a little bite, so he doesn't loose interest in the training while munching on a treat for 5 min.

PERFECT!!! The smaller they are, the quicker he can eat them...AND the more you can give him in a session! :) I am so excited for you! I can't wait to look for you on Bird_Click.

[Kiwi08]

I just joined!! Wow, there are so many tips and how-tos. I'm excited, I'm going to be reading all night :)

[jenseits]

Way to go Marvin!! Great job!

[Chico's Mom]

I'm so excited to read that! I ordered the birdtricks.com set and can't wait for it to come! I checked out a free video on birdtricks.com and used it on my Quaker who was only in my home for a week, and still nervous, and it was amazing how quickly she learned that my click meant millet, and stopped running away from me! Now she's so lovey, and I can't wait to get the set so I can start training her! Thanks for sharing your success!

[New Ekkie Mom]

Yep, most of the techniques the birdtricks.com guys use come from other trainers. The lady that owns the Bird_Click group is the original bird clicker trainer. The unbelievable thing about the Bird_Click group is that you have as much personal help and support as you need FOR FREE! :)