Getting started Clicker Training for Birds

You'll gain an appreciation for how the wide range of parrot-related species differ, and why they need different nutrition and care. You'll learn how to use the clicker to teach your bird to be quiet, to enjoy being handled, and to be friendly to everyone in your household, not just one person. You'll learn how to teach the bird to enjoy bathing, toys, and petting—so you can train with many reinforcers, not just food. Author Melinda Johnson explains how to click your bird into cooperating with nail and beak trims and wing clipping; and you'll learn how to do those things safely and correctly. You'll find out how targeting and shaping can be used to safely defuse aggression and fear. With Melinda's tactful techniques you can even turn previously neglected or mishandled birds into loving pets. The author makes clear the reasons why punishing or trying to ‘dominate' a bird are inappropriate techniques. Clicker Training for Birds also includes step-by-step instructions for training dozens of tricks and games, including vocal mimicry. While the focus is on the popular parrot family, this book is also a useful resource for learning how to clicker train any bird species, from canaries and other small cage birds to poultry, exotic species, and birds of prey.

ChapterPage Chapter 1Clicker Training Is for the Birds!1 Chapter 2Birdie Basics9 Chapter 3Getting Ready15 Chapter 4How Learning Takes Place29 Chapter 5Treats45 Chapter 6All About the Clicker53 Chapter 7Clicker Training Basics61 Chapter 8Prop Behaviors77 Chapter 9Non-Prop Behaviors93 Chapter 10Star-Spangled Manners101 Chapter 11Screaming: The Call of the Wild119 Chapter 12To Chomp, Or Not to Chomp129 Chapter 13'Fraidy Birds145 Chapter 14The Sky's the Limit: Resources153 Glossary of Bird Names155 About the Author156