Everyone around you is training his or her bird with quick success. So how come your own bird isn't cooperating. Polly would rather chew on your thumb then ring the little bell for a treat. Don't lose hope! Clicker training has a proven track record of success and it will work for you and your bird, too. If you are having a problem training your parrot with clicker training, let's review a few basics.



First, let's look at why clicker training is used rather other approaches.

oIt's a safe method

oIt's relatively easy

oBirds respond to it

oIt truly does work

The positive reinforcement method of clicker training is truly the best way to curb bad behaviors and teach new good behaviors. Punishment as training means actually end in fewer results than people realize. When it seems that clicker training is not working, a bird owner can get frustrated and be tempted to pursue other options. Before you retire your clicker, make sure that basic principles are being followed.

First, what sort of reward are you using? Always use a food reward. There is no better way to communicate with your parrot than with food. Find a treat that your parrot loves. Is it nuts, seeds or fruit? Remember to vary the treat so your pet doesn't get bored. After you've definitely established a loved treat, does your parrot understand what the "click" actually means?

Birds are pretty smart and it won't take long for your parrot to learn that a "click" means treat. Don't attempt too much at first. Your parrot must put the clicking sound and the reward together. After pressing the clicker, quickly hand over a treat. Don't worry about making your parrot work for it. In the beginning, give treats freely and often. A way to make sure that Polly understands that the click leads to a treat is that once you notice the parrot looking at you after you click as if to say "hello, where's my treat?" then you know they've got it.

After the connection between the clicker and treat is made it's time to start with the fun training! Decide on a behavior that you want to work on. Break it down into small steps. Keep your training sessions short and fun. A journal can be a good way to keep track of what you worked on, for how long and what response you got from it.

If you notice in your journal that you keep getting the same unwanted response or behavior, go for help! The Internet has a wealth of information. You'd be surprised what fellow bird enthusiasts are willing to share for free. Don't give up on your goal of a friendly parrot. You'll enjoy him more and he'll be happier.