Positive Reinforcement for Parrots

 

Positive reinforcement is a bird training technique used to communicate and mold the behavior of parrots. This technique has been deemed a secret weapon in training birds, and more parrot owners are discovering the benefits of this training method. This technique is used not only for birds, but it is also used by professional animal trainers as it yields extraordinary results. Many trainers use this training technique on animals such as dolphins, elephants, and dogs. Most animals that start with positive reinforcement training tend to enhance their behavior; whereas, those that don’t have this type of training may not improve so readily. The amazing thing about using this training technique with birds is that all birds seem to respond; old, young, budgies, macaws, untamed to tamed parrots, etc.

So how does positive reinforcement work? It’s simple. The parrot gets rewarded for behaviors the owner likes. This is done through a simple communication process established by the owner. Eventually the parrot will begin to understand what is expected and will perform accordingly. This communication system is built through the use of a clicker conveying what the owner expects; thereby, the parrot works towards ensuring that he meets the owner’s expectations. As soon as the parrot tries a new behavior, the owner immediately clicks the clicker and gives the parrot a treat. This is done until a desired behavior is mastered and the bird performs without hesitation. If practiced daily, the bird will continue to perform as long as treats are given to reward the behavior.

To begin training the parrot, the bird must be conditioned before the first behavior can be learned. It is not very difficult to achieve and most parrots will be conditioned with little effort. Once the parrot has been successfully conditioned for positive reinforcement training, many communication positives will occur. For example, the parrot can be taught how to wave, turn around, talk on command, or even ride a bird-toy bike. In fact, this training method is so effective that it has helped to successfully minimize unwanted behaviors and strengthen the bond between the parrot and its owner.

Owners which incorporate this training method when working with their parrots can quickly reap the benefits of this process. Birds are very complex and smart creatures that need to be stimulated mentally to remain happy and healthy. Positive reinforcement training is a fun game for the parrot and gives it an outlet to also learn when outside its cage. It has been proven that birds that are given attention and positive reinforcement training make much better pets than those birds that occasionally receive this interaction with its owner. With daily interaction, the owner continues to learn about their bird’s personality and how to work more effectively during these training sessions.

The overall effects of positive reinforcement are astounding. If the bird is rewarded for behaviors the owner likes, most parrots will quickly adapt their behavior accordingly. Overtime, this will change the bird and it will become a better communicator and will perform more tricks. It is up to the owners to be creative when training and to continue building on new behaviors. The owner should always let the parrot set the pace and stop when the bird wishes to do so. If this bird training technique is practiced daily, the relationship between bird and owner can be greatly enriched.