The click - treat method

[Joolesgreyuk]

In an attempt to train a rather unruly bird I have a couple of question I'd like to put to any training experts that may be lurking on this forum. When attempting to train with the click = treat method:

1. How can you even begin to offer a treat to a bird that will only lunge at you - even when offering treats?

2. Many behavioural therapists suggest training in a virtually empty room, how many houses have a room with so little furniture that it can all be moved elsewhere?

 

I would like to start a training programme with Argyle but the thought of offering him a treat and putting my hand that close to him fills me with dread!

[particle77]

Jooles, it sounds like you have a great first goal. train him to accept a treat without lunging .

 

First, I don't think an empty room is necessary. The main thing is to try to setup a place were you can hold his attention at least briefly. So there shouldn't be all sorts of interesting things for him to be chewing. If you can get him to stay on a cleared off table briefly you are set.

 

Here is how I would approach this. note I've never dealt with a parrot that actually bites, so be prepared to make modifications:

 

Start by setting him on the table and immediatly dropping something he likes in front of him.

 

if he tends to fly of or run away, etc. you'll need to train him to wait patiently.

 

Do this by dropping another treat after a few seconds, but before he moves off.

 

repeat this process over and over, slowly increasing the interval before you drop the treat, but only drop the treat if he doesn't move off(its best to use a stop watch ad slowly increase the time, rather than trying to judge time yourself)

 

Its important that you avoid too many failures in a row. my general rule is that if we fail twice in a row I take a step back to the last point where we were successful.

 

Eventually he should be willing to wait patiently in one place for a treat. Once this is accomplished its time to start working on taking the treat from you.

 

Start by placing your hand on the table, but off to the side enough that he doesn't go after it. then drop the treat in front of him with your other hand.

 

Repeat this step over and over slowly moving your hand closer to where you will be dropping the treat. Only reward him if he does not lung. as before if he lunges twice in a row go back to the last distancce that was working.

 

Eventually you should be able to get to the point were you can put your hand directly in front of him, and drop a treat right nxt to it without him lunging, and finally in the hand without lunging.

 

Once that's happening you can try placing the hand in front of him with the treat already in hand.

 

I do recommend always doing this in the same spot until he's completely learned it, then try a new spot and then another spot, each location should go much faster until you find he will do it anywhere. Stop if he looses interest in the treats. try to alternate different treats during training, this keeps him interested.

 

Anyway, like I said, I've never dealt with a biter, so maybe someone who has will have some additional input.

[pearllyn]

I've often thought about clicker training with Alfie, having used it with the dogs and horses with great success. The doubt in my mind is how effective will it be with a bird who can mimic the sound? Your timing has to be spot on, and what use would it be if the brid your were teaching was praising himself with a click for behaviour you don't want? It would confuse me, if not the bird!!:laugh:

I've been meaning to ask for ages so will watch this thread with interest!

Thanks for starting it Julie - I hope you get the results you're after with the clicker training!

[Joolesgreyuk]

Thanks guys, I'm still waiting for the behaviourist to return my email. I really want advice from an expert before I proceed