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... 🤣

[@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

[@vsb000]

Lol when Smokey grabbed the red container!

[@vsb000]

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

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@gospeltractslove]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@breezyg7652]

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

[@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...

[@LindaLuxable]

Your love for your pets just warms my heart.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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."

[@maribertaglia]

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

[@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.

[@vanessafarber3043]

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

[@1018trickster]

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

[@agapeall2007]

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

[@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.

[@angelofraietta3156]

This is fantastic. Just what I need to see

[@atharshk6419]

i found so many channels but yours is true and realistic

[@atharshk6419]

and helpful

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@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,

[@Meganopteryx]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@sweetypie9711]

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

[@StormInfrastructurePvtLtd]

The best information as ever..

[@titantanic7255]

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

[@angelshaven8920]

AWESOME! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

[@wingsNpaws]

Thank you!

[@shivabhatt2260]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@salmauricehenry4283]

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

[@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❣️☺️👏🙌👍

[@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?

[@carolhartley4448]

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

[@cadenhostetler5505]

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

[@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 ?

[@alexjenkins2574]

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

[@wittesr]

What is the best types of treats for training sessions?

[@davidgallegos9860]

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

[@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?"

[@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

[@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...

[@relaxforest-realmiraclesan8644]

What is the treat that you keep giving Smokey?

[@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

[@deborahjones5630]

Question- can I hire sorry to training my bird?

[@vitthalgharpure9258]

Very nice programme.

[@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

[@markoglisic6722]

Hi i have a question. Are african greys loud and if so can they be trained to be quieter?

[@AamirShahzad-v4i]

Can you please tell us what about the used food

[@stephaniebarrett8057]

Excellent training technique. Thank you!!

[@parishiltonASMR]

Please post update

[@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

[@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

[@amberbroomhead6210]

What do you use as training treats please?

[@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?

[@Kurdnves]

🙏 thank you. Great video!

[@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

[@kookooee3826]

hi I have a African grey and I would like to know that should I keep him in my room or In the living room with 5 kid or in my room by him self but I will be there most of the time and even he sometime tries to bite me but not hard how do I stop this, please answer me

[@KS51ABCAN]

You have an excellent training video. Thanks.

[@FiveMinutesEntrepreneur]

Cutest dog ever

[@paulfranssen1279]

Question, Wath do you give as a treat

[@ainationaldiscovery]

thats just awesome

[@frankinkon123mendez5]

Were can I buy one somebody can help me please..

[@monicacampana3295]

Thank for teaching.

[@theonr4667]

What do you use as a treat

[@Drmaheenkamran]

whats the age i can start training my parrot? my baby is 4 months plus.

[@louislagarto5441]

What do you use for a treat

[@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 ?

[@enilorac7018]

My green cheek conure is scared of the chopstick and clicker. Any suggestions on how to train him to get over his fear of this?

[@jannasaj1527]

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

[@rekangoran49]

I made 2 stands for my african parrot But he always fly away and scare of new things i cant show hin it is not dangerous he always fly,,is every parrot scare!?

[@mubariz334]

Your videos are helpful

[@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

[@maybeiam3367]

Have you considered to train them to do free flight?

[@carolhartley4448]

How do i start? Again he is 4 months old

[@those_eyes]

What treats are you giving Smokey?

[@kessler5902]

How did you get Smokey comfortable with being on her back? I know it' not a natural thing for greys. Do they normally enjoy cuddling?

[@creamtureonly]

I own a green cheeked but he tends to bite me whenever I try to place him down. He is fine with stepping up but he tends to climb up my arm and onto my shoulder where he bites ears/lips and trying to step him up to the opposite hand doesn’t work as he bites. I don’t move my finger when he bites and just take it cause I think he’s trying to test if it’s sturdy but instead he just keeps on doing it. Tips?

[@sweettooth7089]

Use negative reinforcement. When he bites you, say ow loudly and leave the room . If that doesn't works idk what you can do

[@those_eyes]

You're the best!!!

[@rcblazer2458]

ok can you send the link of the clicker cause i have a 5 month old african grey

[@muazzamkumandan]

What do you give smokey as a treat when training?

[@naimanadir2032]

Do you still do videos. All seem a few yrs old

[@MichelleMorehouse]

What do you give her for a treat?

[@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

[@MM-gu3rg]

I bought all these toys like stacking the donut things on the stick and I have no clue how to teach my grey to do it😂😂 help