He got it!

[jenseits]

I started clicker training with Stewie and I just love seeing that light bulb go off over his head. After two days of being distrustful of the target stick, he beaked it, I clicked, he got a treat. It only took him twice before he understood the new game (not counting the days he just avoided it). It's like I could see the gears turn in his head: oh, THAT's what she wants! My birdie is so smart!

He already knows "gimme kiss" and "say hello" (which means make a two-syllable noise, usually "aw-wak") -- which he learned before I even thought about "clicker training" -- so I imagine it's only going to get easier.

I was so hung up on trying to teach him to step up because so many people say it should be the first thing a bird learns. Stewie just doesn't want to step up. So I've figured out that it's so much more rewarding just to work on stuff he wants to do (which I suspect are things that allow him to stay in control). We'll work on step-ups after he trusts me more.

Hooray for beaking the target stick!

[KitKappa]

Woohoo!
I know what you mean when they look up at you and it's like "ah ha! I get it now." hehe.
Congrats and keep it up.

[tweet52]

You go Stewie,that is great news and you sound so happy(good job).
Don't we just be too trilled when they get things we want them to do.

[jenseits]

Training is going so well! Today I had him climbing all over his cage to reach the target stick (as opposed to beaking it only when it was somewhat close to him), so there's no doubt in my mind that he gets it and that beaking the stick isn't some sort of fluke.

Stewie is also being a lot nicer to me, or so I imagine. He hasn't bitten as much and he actually wants to come over and hang out with me now. This training stuff has been a really great way for us to play together and get him to trust me! What more could I ask for!

[jenseits]

Stewie has pretty much mastered the "put the ball in the cup" trick. I'm struggling to figure out what to work on next! :)

Here's a picture of Stewie putting a wiffle ball in his cup:
Stewie, Pumpkin and Wiffle Ball on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[saucie]

That's great! And Stewie is so handsome. You and Stewie are inspiring me to start clicker training.

[tielfan]

Clicker training usually does have a beneficial effect on the owner-bird relationship. It provides a new, positive way to interact, and helps the bird overcome any trust issues that he has by making him look forward to getting a treat from you.