Clicker training Stewie: stop biting, tricks, increasing trust.

[parrotntn]

jenseits


When Stewie first came home with me, he was barely tame, so "all kinds of stuff" is pretty relative

6 months ago he wouldn't have anything to do with hands, bit me if I didn't pay attention, and tried several times to fly out the (closed, sliding glass) door when he thought I wasn't looking.

Using clicker training, I've built a good, solid relationship with him where he knows that he can communicate with me without biting. He also steps up now (sometimes), targets, gives kisses, retrieves (i.e. brings me small objects), puts a ball in a cup, and puts rings on a peg. He does these very well now.

Stewie really enjoys doing his "stupid parlor tricks" for treats, and I enjoy having a tame bird who likes interacting with me.

Here are some pics of him doing tricks: More Bird Trick Training (with props) « Best in Flock - Blog About My Conure Parrot

I haven't done any training (new tricks) with him in a long time -- I've been lazy -- but I now want to start on a couple of non-prop tricks. Yesterday he's pretty much figured out that "wings up" means he should lift his wings. And this weekend I'll start working on getting him to wave on cue.