Target Training - First Steps
Parrots can make incredible companions, but they also require extensive mental and physical stimulation to thrive in captivity. One exceptional method that not only enriches their lives but also strengthens the bond between parrot and owner is target training. In this blog article, we'll delve into the wonders of target training, exploring its benefits, and providing a step-by-step guide to embark on this rewarding journey with your feathered friend. Get ready to take the first steps to better communication with your bird and unlock the full potential of your parrot's intelligence.
This guide is built to get you started on your target training journey, not be the end of it. There are many nuances to training and your situation and bird are unique, so changes or alternative approached may be needed. For specific questions or problems we recommend working with an avian trainer or avian veterinarian to find a solution that works best for you. Check back here often for updates, as animal training is a science and we are always learning more to improve our communication with our birds.
Target Training Toucan.
Credit: Avian Behavior International.
What is Target Training?
Target training is a positive reinforcement-based training technique that involves teaching a parrot to touch a specific object, typically a small stick or colorful target, with its beak or foot on command. The target serves as a guiding tool to direct the parrot to perform desired behaviors and follow cues. This method relies on rewarding the bird with treats, praise, or other rewards each time it successfully touches the target, reinforcing the desired behavior.
Benefits of Target Training for Parrots
Mental Stimulation: Parrots are intelligent creatures that thrive on mental challenges. Target training stimulates their minds and keeps them engaged, preventing boredom and its associated behavioral issues. This can also be the first step to teaching your bird more complex skills.
Bonding and Trust: Training sessions are excellent opportunities for bonding between the parrot and its owner. The positive reinforcement used in target training builds trust and fosters a stronger relationship.
Physical Exercise: While parrots need mental stimulation, they also require physical exercise. Target training encourages movement and activity, promoting a healthier and happier parrot.
Communication Skills: Through target training, parrots learn to understand cues and commands. This improves their communication skills and overall responsiveness to their owners.
Getting Started with Target Training
Choose the Right Target: Select a target stick that is easy for the parrot to see and you to hold, such as a plastic target stick or a chopstick. Make sure the target is clean, brightly colored, and non-toxic. Depending on your bird species a target should be 8-14 inches long depending on the size of your bird and the environment you're working around.
Make it stand out
Experience the magic of the target stick – a valuable and adaptable training tool! Our Lollipop Targets, with their irresistible large, colorful ball on the tip, make training your parrot both enjoyable and easy to communicate.
Credit: Karen Pryor Clicker Training
Create a Positive Environment: Choose a quiet and distraction-free area for training sessions. Remove any potential hazards and ensure the parrot feels comfortable and relaxed.
This includes having a solid perch or surface for them to move across. Having a wobbly branch or slick surface can make training difficult for your bird and make them uncomfortable while they're trying to focus.
Target training is also something you can do while your bird is in their cage. If they’re more comfortable there, then you can meet them where they may feel more at ease.
Introduce the Target: Initially, allow the parrot to investigate the target stick on its own without any pressure. Place the target stick near the bird and let it explore at its own pace.
If your bird is afraid or uncertain about the target see how far away you need to place the target before they start to lean away. It's important to not pressure them to running or flying away as that means their threshold for the new object has been exceeded. We want to have the new targeting stick as close as comfortably possible.
Once you determine the distance you can start then reward your bird for not leaning away or even looking in the same direction as the target. This can start a positive association with this new and potentially scary object. It's important to go slow and progress at the speed your bird is comfortable with.
Use Treats as Rewards: Once the parrot becomes familiar with the target, entice it to touch or move towards the stick by offering its favorite treat as a reward. As soon as the bird touches the target, reward it immediately clicking with your clicker (Make sure to read more about Clicker Training for Parrots), offering a treat, and enthusiastic praise.
If your bird is nervous about the new targeting stick, leaning, looking, or moving towards the stick at all can be great progress and should be rewarded. You may have to work up to fully touching the stick with more cautious birds.
You may have to figure out what your bird's favorite treats are before this step. It's important to save their favorite treats for training instead of freely offering them with their meals, this way it’s a special snack for participating in training.
Offering very small treats ensures that your bird does not fill up on treats too early in training and that they are still eager to earn these special snacks.
Repeat and Gradually Mold Behavior: Practice short training sessions multiple times a day if possible. Gradually move the target stick farther away to encourage the parrot to move towards it. As the parrot becomes proficient, shape more complex behaviors such as following the target along a branch or rope farther. This can include climbing up or flying to a target to earn a treat.
Offering the target when your bird has a reasonable opportunity of earning the treat is crucial. If your ultimate objective is to have your bird fly across a room and touch the target, start by having it move across one branch, then progress to moving from one branch to another. Gradually introduce short flights into the training, and continue building up from there. We want to make sure your bird always feels like they can do what is being asked to earn a treat they want, otherwise they may become frustrated and not want to participate.
Be Patient and Consistent: Target training requires patience and consistency. Avoid punishments or scolding, as this can harm the trust-building process. Focus on positive reinforcement and celebrate every success, no matter how small.
Short and positive sessions is key for any training journey. Even 5 minutes can be a great session with a great deal of progress with your bird. Ending sessions on a positive note is encouraged to leave your bird with a good impression of the session, then they will hopefully be eager next time you start training sessions.
Resources!
Elle and The Birds
Discover the magic of target training with Elle and The Birds' captivating video! Watch as Elle guides her colorful feathered friends through positive reinforcement techniques and clicker training, building a strong bond along the way. Check out the video here: Bird Training Tutorial | Target Training & Spin Trick!
Lafeber Company
Learn the art of stick training your bird with Lafaber's insightful article! Discover step-by-step instructions and expert tips on positive reinforcement to enhance communication and bond with your feathered companion. Unlock your bird's potential and enrich their life with this rewarding technique. Read the full article here: Lafeber - Stick Training Your Bird
Bird Tricks
Watch as Jamie from Bird Tricks demonstrates the versatility of target training, using positive reinforcement to teach parrots a range of useful skills and behaviors. From stepping onto a scale to going into a carrier, your feathered friend will learn valuable tasks that not only enrich their lives but also strengthen your bond. Don't miss out on this enlightening experience - check out the video here: 10 Practical Uses For Target Training Your Parrot
Conclusion
Target training is a rewarding and effective way to engage with your parrot and provide it with the mental and physical stimulation it craves. The process may take time, but the bond you develop with your feathered friend through this training is priceless. Remember, every parrot is unique, so adapt your approach to suit your pet's personality and preferences. With time, effort, and a lot of love, target training will undoubtedly be a joyful and fulfilling experience for both you and your parrot.
