The Most Important Tool in Training

[@vogelvrouw]

Your dog is adorable! I have a parrot who does the clicker sound whenever i do something he likes or give him a treat, it so funny, hes trying to train me

[@TheFox517]

That's simply amazing.

[@beatmoder]

Ikr

[@lottatroublemaker6130]

The best thing is that he probably succeeds with his training of you too... 🤣

[@vsb000]

Lol when Smokey grabbed the red container!

[@vsb000]

and yes, positive reinforcement is a great tool in training!

[@TattooedGranny]

This is all solid advice. I have never used target training but I am considering this to build confidence in my very phobic new DYH rescue. High value treats have been helpful to get him to explore parts of his cage that he fears and to step up. He still sometimes looks at my hands with fear so it has been a slow process. I have had him for a month. He loves head scratches and his freedom. His cage door is always open now. I was told he was kept in a cage for 36 years with no toys. Previous to this I have raised and trained hand fed babies which were soooo easy. My new guy progresses every day but slowly. Thank you for your videos.

[@4and20blackbirdsbakedinapi6]

I don't have any winged pet or friend, but I love watching your videos and how you teach about the care of birds with your beloved Smokey. Simply uplifting to know that there are those out there who love their little pets, and you're a joy to listen to, with how calm and astoundingly patient you are when you teach, and not at all condescending or making poor attempts at being a comedian. You're an inspiration, and are selfless, to boot. Well done on being such a pillar, and a solid role model.

[@michellestrauss4293]

Your videos are so insightful and I'm really really glad that you take the time to document and share your experiences and techniques with Smokey. It's inspired me to take on a different, more patient approach with animals, and while your relationship with Smokey has made me more drawn towards owning a bird of my own, your explanations have directed me into first gaining proper knowledge and into volunteering to understand the breadth of responsibilities and commitments there are. In the meantime it's very cool to see the relationship you share with your bird. Cheers

[@katieclark5621]

I’m so glad I found your videos. I recently got a Senegal and I am going to tr your techniques:-) excited to try. Thank you!!!

[@gospeltractslove]

That's an awesome looking congo, love the light grey silver color.

[@jenniferdonth8759]

You have an amazing human being. I absolutely love watching your videos. The work your doing by informing people is so important. You are so relatable and make such amazing points with clear directions. I really hope more people catch on and see the benefits for them and their pets to have such a happier, healthier relationship. People don't always see or understand it's a shared respect between animal and human,every animal is their own unique individuall as is the human.

[@BirdFlow]

The clicker is a must have + knowing how behavior works. Thanks for the video.

[@cindykhademi4707]

Hi, I’m adopting a African Grey Parrot. I am learning so much from your videos. I have also done some research on these birds as you recommended on one of your videos. It’s so wonderful to see how much you love Smoking especially knowing how birds are being neglected and abused. I’m not sure if you made a video of how you make your foraging wood toys. Do you think that sometime in the future that you can show how you make your foraging toys for Smoky? Thank you so much for sharing your videos. I’m enjoying them.

[@janedoe4471]

This is the best video I’ve seen on positive reinforcement training. I did want to point out though that negative reinforcement training should never include pain either. Positive reinforcement is adding a stimulus after the desired behaviour, negative reinforcement training is removing a stimulus after the desired behaviour. Example I train horses, when teaching them a forward cue, I’ll tickle their side (where a riders foot would rest) and they try to answer this stimulus in a variety of ways, the second they offer forward, the tickle stops, thus they learn they can stop the tickle by moving forward, the tickle is not in anyway painful or uncomfortable, it is just a question to be answered. Choosing a training method depends heavily on an animals comprehension abilities and how they would educate each other in the wild. From studies I’ve read, parrots and dogs have more intricate communication structures than equines, so positive is far more appropriate for their needs. Cats tend to be, much like horses more reactive to their environments, but due to their independent hunt drive also unresponsive to negative reinforcement. Horses on the other hand as prey animals with a more limited communication range thrive in negative reinforcement training.

[@emmaurban2274]

Such a great video. It's always good to review the basics. I've been training my pet dogs for 20 years and still don't have the timing down. What I wish you had covered was how you "charge" the clicker. I never liked using the clicker because it was one more thing to hold onto, so I always used words. But, I see how the clicker can be right ON TIME. That is the BIGGEST part (marking the behavior) and where we often fail. I also like how you point out that the treat shouldn't be given at the same time as the click. I am not sure that I got that before.

[@lottatroublemaker6130]

If you just click your tongue, your timing problem is gone. Click (followed by + treat) a few times, and your dog will get it. With my first dog, who was an adult rescue, it took 10 minutes before she got it. In a short time she started «throwing behaviors» at me, to test if what she did, would be something I liked, which would cause me to click+treat...

[@jennibentley9261]

I have A African gray and I’ve had him 10 years and Blue front Amazon. We wanted to let you know how inspiring your videos are! Thank you.

[@atharshk6419]

i found so many channels but yours is true and realistic

[@atharshk6419]

and helpful

[@diannesarasin5186]

Thank you so much for your very interesting and informative videos. I enjoy them all and shortly I will be bringing home a white cap baby Pionus.

[@RandallClark]

Great vid as always. I rescue unwanted parrots (currently have seven total, 3 quakers, 2 sun conures, 1 cockatiel, and 1 eclectus.) They all came from various levels of horror, from clueless owners, to straight up abuse and abandonment. I was wondering if you could do a video giving parrot rescues a shoutout, not small guys like me, but the big ones that have hundreds of parrots from similar backgrounds. These guys all desperately need loving homes, and can be a good alternative to buying a parrot from a pet shop. Not only are you helping out a desperate situation that is often overlooked, but you can be rescuing a parrot from what could be described as a literal hell on earth. Again, great content, it has been very helpful to me!

[@CVersailles]

i agree WHOLEHEARTEDLY! I also have 7 (very small) rescue birds (1 canary, 4 Indian silverbill finches, 2 budgies), and I am a foster home for rescues waiting for adoption. We cannot say it often enough: we must ADOPT, and NOT buy from pet shops or breeders.

[@RandallClark]

Sadly breeders and pet stores usually only care about making money, and not their clients, and if they can handle the responsibility. My first parrot came from a PetSmart, in 2002, and at the time I was completely clueless. I rescued my first bird in 2010, and haven't stopped since. It was a conure that was stuck in a dark closet to live because it was 'noisy' and all but forgotten. The emotional damage he suffered haunts him to this day, I am the only person he will trust. I've seen so much horrible crap, and seen first hand the effects of greed and ignorance to birds. We gotta keep fighting the good fight, sadly there isn't enough of us to go around for everybody.

[@CVersailles]

We must keep the faith. We shall overcome. Slowly but surely. In Montreal, we have founded a co-op dedicated to the plight of parrots. We are working on LAWS. Laws are the key to educating and changing the ways of humans. Municipal legislation can bring many advances without relying on provincial (state) and federal initiatives. And cities and municipalities are closer to their citizens than larger governmental entities. A municipality in Montreal, called "Beaconsfield", has recently received an award from PETA, as it has completely banned the sale of animals on its territory. These are the kind of initiatives we need, enabling us to go forward where animal welfare is concerned.

[@fortunateadventures3664]

Randall Clark I love this🌈💖 I was Fortunate while traveling in my van for the first time around Arizona and meeting this couple who asked me if I liked BIG birds,I answered I liked ALL birds🌈Next thing I know Im working a Holiday job carrying for 7 Rescue Macaws 1 Yellow Headed Amazon And 2 Rescue 🐾🐾A few bites later and what was supposed to be a Holiday job turned into 1 Month.I MISS THE BIRDS🌈

[@StormInfrastructurePvtLtd]

Good idea

[@1018trickster]

That was the best explanation of using a clicker I’ve ever seen!

[@Angel-iq7ou]

I have a green lilac crowned amazon that was neglected in the past. He is 13 years old and I've managed to take him out of the cage. He explores my room and hss been happier since because he has had oppertunities to fly and he hasn't flew in over 10 years. He was really happy butbjust yeasterday he was wanting to fly to me and so he did and clawed my had and got scared so bit me. I ressisted the urge to react and so i stayed silent and it flew back to the top of his cage. He is very scared of sudden movements and noises.

[@maribertaglia]

You are so amazing!!! Your caring and love for animals it is really fascinating! Thank you for videos like this!

[@doctoroclock7732]

Unfortunately my 3 birds all started to expect a treat when they heard the clicker. When they didn’t get their treat (because it’s impossible to treat 3 birds at once when you’re training one in a different room,) they lost their faith in the clicker. I even have one bird who actively seems angry when he hears the click, flies off to the furthest corner & starts screaming now

[@alitabattleangel9403]

Your bird needs an exorcism not a clicker

[@oneworld3719]

amazing! you can train just anything I think :) LOVE your video. I am thinking about getting one Grey, but I need to learn more ..a lot more. Thanks again for your training advised.

[@LindaLuxable]

Your love for your pets just warms my heart.

[@breezyg7652]

Dude ever since I watched your videos my grey has been much happier You are the best keep up the good work :D

[@agapeall2007]

Always love your videos. But this one is really good. Thanks for sharing

[@angelofraietta3156]

This is fantastic. Just what I need to see

[@cockatielnation5425]

I am inspired to start target training my grey... I have given up too easily in the past... excellent video .

[@wingsNpaws]

Thanks! Definitely try it. Let me know how it goes!

[@angelshaven8920]

AWESOME! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

[@wingsNpaws]

Thank you!

[@rachelg.2593]

I heart you! Your videos are awesome training tools! Excited to try it out my pterodactyl grey 😆

[@wingsNpaws]

LOL! Let me know how it goes!

[@Meganopteryx]

Most of these training tips are good game design principles as well.

[@StormInfrastructurePvtLtd]

The best information as ever..

[@ainationaldiscovery]

thats just awesome

[@Kurdnves]

🙏 thank you. Great video!

[@homeyv]

HI! been using your videos to learn how to train my lovebird! They work quite well! thanks! The biggest problem I have is harness training.

[@mikathealphawolf4401]

I have a lovebird too how do you train it?

[@davisdiscipline]

yo this channel is AMAZINGLY useful for help with TRAINING

[@tatoopukis]

You are a very good teacher!!! your explanations are clear and to the point!, Very interesting video!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE TIPS!

[@shivabhatt2260]

Thanks a ton finally now I can try to make them friendly I have pair with me

[@FiveMinutesEntrepreneur]

Cutest dog ever

[@snikrdoodls14]

I’d love to have a pet bird when I’m older. I spend the majority of my time at home or not in a work environment for medical problems. And I don’t think that will change over time. So the bird would definitely spend most of their time with me. Also their a life long companion which I would love to have. Hopefully in the future, I will consider it. Thanks for your informative videos. Very helpful to a future bird owner.

[@frances623]

I love your videos. I am preparing for an African Grey adoption 2019 or the end of 2018. I love your ideas and concepts. Thank you.

[@OlWolf1011]

I really enjoy your concepts! Personally, I think education is good for ANY brain - humans, dogs, birds, etc. And giving them tasks, jobs, tends to keep them out of trouble - boredom has caused many a critter-caused disaster. One has to also gear education to each individual - example: my first homeschooled service dog was easy to educate by repeating names of items - then showing tasks with the names - and saying "Thank you!" instead of using the clicker as the bridge to a food-crumb reward... my second service dog, however, was SO food-oriented that just the smell of crumbs in my pocket distracted her from what I was trying to show her - Items or Tasks - instead, just the "Thank you!" worked to acknowledge success - and she got a food reward AFTER the whole session. She knew the treat was coming, but AFTER working... "Pay Attention to this NOW - and get treat when you're done."

[@sweetypie9711]

What a gorgeous dog :) You are so clever with animals, you are amazing!

[@c.a.greene8395]

I am thinking about taking in an indian ringneck that needs a foster home. I have a 3 bedroom, not working long hrs ( I run a couple charities from home) I have trained numerous jack Russell's, ( very difficult for some to train ) a baby brown bear ( orphaned, raised by the hatchery I worked for) raised 20 aussie tree frogs from tadpoles through entire life cycle, many cats, dogs, rats, hamsters throughout my years raising my son's...so I do have some skills, however I am open to sugestions and I am watching all your videos!

[@frances623]

Hi Jon, I am a new subscriber. As you mentioned in a previous video, you asked to know a littler about your subscribers. I am a senior. Many years ago I had an African Grey that I loved. Love was returned much like your Smokey. I am planing to adopt an older Grey and was wondering If you have done a video on that subject? Thank you for doing your videos, I have been searching the internet and feel your information is the best. Thank you again, jok5678

[@jannasaj1527]

My African grey as u can see in my profile learned a lot because of u thanks a lot

[@aisharabiuusman3434]

Is this your first bird

[@vanessafarber3043]

Love your folding table, what is it please? Im slowly watching all you videos. Thank you x

[@korinajohnson4114]

can you do a video on the types of birds and there characteristics? thank you.Great video

[@bayareababe]

Yea I would like that also. I’m trying to figure out some of my CAG’s body language. He’s so weird lol

[@KS51ABCAN]

You have an excellent training video. Thanks.

[@kiwisroad]

I may not have seen it, but where did you get the colored jars and balls? This is a useful training tool. Thanks for sharing,

[@stephaniebarrett8057]

Excellent training technique. Thank you!!

[@mubariz334]

Your videos are helpful

[@those_eyes]

You're the best!!!

[@carolhartley4448]

Oh i have a pinapple color green cheek conure, i realize that he is a gcc regardless of color

[@monicacampana3295]

Thank for teaching.

[@ahmedalameen7187]

great video, I like the technique of using the clicker, my bird doesn't need it, she knows what it means when I say, good girl. but still, I didn't get it how you make Smokey turn around and wave?

[@wingsNpaws]

I have a video on training the turn around. You can watch it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3StYaitf6aSoac

[@ssj2matt]

I was wondering yesterday what the importance of a clicker was. You read my mind lol

[@wingsNpaws]

Your welcome! haha

[@moogmanxandersmotovlogs29]

Heh @ 8:00 "when youre clicking saying good girl right at the same time...." kinda gave me a laugh because you motioned your hand near Smokey, and she reached for a treat, didnt get it then looked right at you as if to say "heyyyy! What the heck was that? Wheres my treat man?"

[@cadenhostetler5505]

Does Smokey free fly outside ? or what is your opinion or stance on freeflight outside ?

[@CVersailles]

I prefer to bridge by voicing a sound, as I cannot stand the sound of the clicker...

[@gingerjam2192]

Horrible...

[@lottatroublemaker6130]

Me too, clicking the tongue works great, and does not scare the bejeezuz out of pets... ☺️

[@kaylynhandley1920]

@@lottatroublemaker6130 They also sell quiet clickers. That's what I use for my dog because he is pretty sensitive to sound and it works great for him

[@vitthalgharpure9258]

Very nice programme.

[@liefjorgen]

Could positive praise language work instead of the clicker to bridge the gap? Like a high pitched "good boy"? Not saying I would replace, just curious. Edit; Nevermind - just reached 8:00.

[@lottatroublemaker6130]

Don’t forget that you do NOT have to use a clicker, often it is much easier and more presise (time wise) to use your tongue to make a clicking sound as long as you are close to the pet you are training... One of the best things with clicker training, is that you can reinforce (click + treat) when the pet does something naturally - which is why it often takes time to click, with your clicker in your pocket or around your wrist... Then just click your tongue and reach for the treat in your pocket. Many pets are also scared of the sharp clicker sound, which the tongue click remedies... 😊 With one of my dogs, she could do something when we were outside, and I had forgot to bring treats. I clicked, then we went inside and she got the treat. It worked, she started «giving» me that behavior, which is one of the fun things with clicker training, you know when it works.. They also tend to try doing different things they think you may like to see if you will click (+ treat), which I love with CT, the pet often ends out taking initiative.... So much fun, for both human and pet❣️☺️👏🙌👍

[@stellarae9048]

I hope you're still active on this account. Love your work. Do you have a video purely on how to redirect aggression in a bird. I just got a 6yr old African grey who was never handled & only ever been in his cage. He is very cage territorial. Hard to get him out of it without him biting. But he opens the cage himself & when he sits on top of it hes easier to get. Still stand off-ish & you're unable to pet him. A strange behavior he always does in his cage is his whines, spreads out his wings to each side & like dances up & down shaking them, is this him saying he's lonely looking for a mate, do I need to get him a friend ? Or is it a dominant thing ?

[@parishiltonASMR]

Please post update

[@maaizmohamed8322]

what do you give for treats ?

[@relaxforest-realmiraclesan8644]

What is the treat that you keep giving Smokey?

[@salmauricehenry4283]

This is amazing. How did you start training her to put the ball in the container?.

[@Drmaheenkamran]

marvellous

[@Peoples_Architect]

I hope smokey is doing great , may Allah always keep her health. I wont bring Yafur home, until you reply to my comment . After spending 6 months with my african grey, and after loosing him 15 months now. I am trying to gather some guts to get another African grey. Being an architect I hv setted up an indoor forest aviary of about 4ftx3.5ft and10ft ht. With all medicated and eatable vegetation like lemon grass, devil's ivy. Plants to climb around and to hide as well. My greatest concern is, How to avoid respiratory issues in your African grey ? And what all body checkup are required ? please let us know. I won't get a grey until and unless i get a reply from you

[@cyrussataravalla6731]

Ma786dua Absolutely Divine straight from your heart is your link connect and bond with Smokey. I’m Cyrus from India and only yesterday acquired a lovely hand tamed 4 and a half month Congo Gray. That I love this beautiful creature is natural but that within 24 hours this bird takes a sun flower seed from me and when out of the cage (doors and fan closed) plays like a child, scuttling about playing with my feet is a complete Delight. Somehow this bird loves sunflower seeds and bigger Brazilian seeds lots. Can I give seeds twice a day, along with the fruit and veg? Are TWO feeds a day morning and evening good? Or are 3 required. God bless u. Cyrus

[@sundaypelcha5905]

I don't have a large parrot. I have a cockatiel. I didn't raise him and I'm thinking he's about 4 or 5 yrs old. I'm trying to get him to stop biting. His previous owner kept his wings cut and he had a fuzzy hut which I don't think is a good idea. Is there a method to stop the bird from biting? Thank you and I do enjoy your video s they are really inspiring.

[@micmd5875]

I don't have a bird, looking into what it takes to train a bird. If I get a bird will adopt from a rescue.

[@deborahjones5630]

Question- can I hire sorry to training my bird?

[@titantanic7255]

I was wondering if I can use my mouth to make the click sound? Would it work like a clicker?

[@sharrell5185]

When using the clicker to train your bird or a stick does that mean you will always have to use those things since that is what they are expecting at the end of the scale? Just asking because if you're using that to teach them todo daily things such as stand on your finger or step down off your finger or come here you're not always going to have that around such as away from home.

[@kushraleighprice4490]

Hi, I love your channel, your videos are so informative. I have a CAG who is about 6 months, we are currently training him regarding toilet training using a clicker and praise and head scratches. We try giving him treats from our hands but he doesn't want to know anything about that. He gets annoyed and tries to bite our fingers, this happens when we put the treats flat on our palm too. He seems to prefer just the treat and clicker, we don't force the treats and have just focused on the clicker and head scratches. Do you have any advice for our parrot to accept the treats or should we leave it since he's happy without them? Thanks

[@jasondc8984]

i’m planning on getting a parrot soon and one of my concerns is that natural predators of birds like snakes, hawks and cats may break into my soon to come outdoor aviary and try to kill my soon to come precious love. my main concern is snakes, they could possibly slip between the aviary’s bars and harm my parrot. have you ever had a incident where something dangerous managed to sneak it’s way into Smokey’s aviary? and do you know of any ways to prevent predators from getting into an outdoor aviary? I love your videos, keep it up! and hope to hear from you soon

[@CenturianEagle]

I love smokey!!

[@meenanaicker8999]

I have an African Grey.. He is very close to us. You should have asked smokey to put the ball in the green cup. Just to see if he knew what was expected of him.. Or you should have removed the red cup. Just a thought.. I'm not trying to be critical.. Lots of love

[@alexjenkins2574]

I'm getting a pet grey and I was wondering what treats you are rewarding with. Thx!

[@kayyoung3967]

I have a 7 year old cockatiel that was hatched here at home and has never been clipped.

[@rozan9]

Great ..thank you

[@those_eyes]

What treats are you giving Smokey?

[@grindchannel7932]

Your room looks like a doctor office

[@annonym8936]

How did you train your dog to live with the bird? Can you let both in the same room or would this not be safe for smokey?

[@tarinvernon7007]

i need more hands for clicker, treat, pointer and parrot. xD She never wants to get off my hand.

[@angelofraietta3156]

What treats are you using. I have an eclectus parrot and I don’t want to give her too many things that may be unhealthy

[@angieeeM]

Grate vid❣👍💕

[@carolhartley4448]

Love ur bird

[@zen_mindset1]

I love birds😍

[@user-np5ov8rd4u]

Nice video, first!

[@fortunateadventures3664]

Omg Snuggles🐾 💕💖 I’m just wondering where you got your training was it from working with Smokey?👍🏻

[@wingsNpaws]

The methods of training, as much as I would like to claim credit for, is actually not new. It is based on studies on positive reinforcement and behavior analysis (fun stuff). Unfortunately, not many people take time to learn about it. But, there are trainers who use these methods and are very successful. The way I train Smokey is the same way I train Snuggles :)

[@rainbow_blacklight]

What treats do you use for your bird? Is it just regular food / seed? I have a 6/7 month old cockatiel, and i love her to bits, but shes stubborn! she seems to only want her seed, and isnt really interested in anything else i try, like bird targeted treats...

[@alisonsosa78]

Hi. I heard you say in one of your videos that you were going to get Smokey a companion. Did you ever do that?

[@urlilgamer5324]

Please make a video when u explain how to feed ur parrot even if he/she loves u cuz mine loves me but dosent love to train with treats he just lives treats when he is in the cage 😫

[@birgittechristensen4208]

Is there another tool I can use beside a clicker? I hate the sound, but another sound would be OK. Do you know what to buy ?

[@bayareababe]

Yea but you’re pointing at which cup is the right one.

[@davidgallegos9860]

What do you give them as treats? What do greys prefer?

[@11shakeelb]

I have a 6 month old african Grey but i am so confused with what material cage is best for my African Grey.Please help! Stainless steel or wrought iron or it doesnt matter?

[@cindycrites4918]

Hi y"all, I love to watch your videos. I have a baby grey and I"ve been searching youtube for guidance and answers that I can trust to some questions I have. My first question to you is " Please Help! Would you be our tutor"? My baby is STAR as in LONE STAR (yep, we're from TEXAS!) is now 61/2 mo old. She was hatched 9/2/17. the person I bought her from, a lady who owns a pet store and the parent birds belong to a friend of hers so she takes the babies at 3 weeks and hand feeds them then puts them up for sale at 8 weeks. So I had to start right out of the gate feeding her formula. It took her longer than most greys for her to take interest in any other food such as fresh veg, fruit, seed mix. She is so cool, she likes to cuddle in her blanket and she puts her beak on my cheek and naps for a bit. Please let me know if you'd be willing to help with the mountain of questions I have. I've been all over youtube and I love your channel the best. BTW, I get some of the best info when you go off topic for a sec. Thank you so much and keep posting those great videos, Cindy [e-mail]

[@cindycrites4918]

OMG!! Thats not my name! My grandson changed it!