Training our DYH Zon

[starr511]

Any tips on training my DYH? Is it possible? He will step up to a dowl, but not our hand or arm. Just bites when we try. If he is out of his room he will step up on our arm or hand. What does this mean?
Thanks

[Tom Lawless]

Barbara Heidenreich has some nice DVDs on training parrots. Check out: Good Bird Inc - Books & DVD's

There are a lot of good books and DVDs out there. I'm sure others may be able to give you some good recommendations too. I've watched her first video and was impressed by her knowledge and approach (and for me, these days, it is easier to watch a video than to read it in books).

[chapala]

Yes, Barbara Heidenreich is a wonderful trainer and has some great training books and dvds out. All positive reinforcement. Are you rewarding your bird for step-up with a favorite treat?

[starr511]

Any suggestions on what a favorite treat could be? Merlin is so fussy for a zon. Josh is a foster we are trying to gain trust with and I've never actually offered him food from my hand outside the bars of his cage. I have been trying to pet Josh with 2 dowls. But it really scares him to the point of him laying on his back. But since I have been doing this he doesn't attack his cage bars when I walk up to him. He would do this when I would sit across the room and talk to him.