Clicker Training Question

[LyndaM]

For those of you who have been doing clicker training, can you please tell me why one couldn't just start of using their finger as the target stick? Thanks!

[jodeg]

Lynda: I use my finger sometimes too and it works fine for me, as long as you know your bird will only "touch" and not bite down. I started with the target stick that came with my kit. It's a neon orange and I figured she'd be attracted to it, which she was. I've heard of people using a straw or a pencil (eraser end), but yes, I think the finger would work too.

On that "tunnel" trick (going through a piece of PVC pipe) I tried using the target stick placed through the other end of the tunnel, but she quickly figured out that she could run around the pipe real fast and touch the other end of the stick! Too smart! I ended up putting one seed in the tunnel and gradually moving it toward the other end. Now I just hold the seed outside the opposite side of the tunnel and click when she gets to the seed.

For ringing the bell at the top of her play stand, the stick didn't work for me. I ended up tapping the bell and saying "ring bell", then clicking when she hit the bell and giving a seed.

I think starting with the target stick, holding it just by her beak and saying "touch" and then giving treat when she does that, helped her get the idea very quickly. You might try different things and see what works for you and your baby.

By the way, the book mentioned that if your bird is afraid of the "click" sound, try using a ball point pen. The click is much softer. Kiwi didn't mind the click sound at all, but I think the ball point pen is a good idea.

Keep us posted on how you do! :)

[AndreaFahy]

Many people are training birds with hand phobias. Or birds that are not tamed or trained at all. Also, it is useful to allow other people to train them - if another person needs to work with the birds (owner out of town or whatever) their finger may look "weird" or be shaky or something. The target stick is more steady in my opinion. Also, when the target stick comes out, they know it is time for a training session. I wouldn't want them to be confused as to when a training session is starting or not (by seeing my fingers)

[LyndaM]

Good points -- thanks guys!

[jodeg]

I agree! The target stick worked very well for me. Andrea's point about another person's finger looking weird to your bird is a really good one!

I also agree that, after only a few days, Kiwi knows when she sees the target stick that a training session is starting -- and so far, she really enjoys it!

Good luck! Keep us posted!

[AndreaFahy]

I have found with our parrotlets that once they really know a behavior, they will do it for most anyone :)