I'm new and need help training a macaw!

[SoCalWendy]

Definitely sounds like you are one the right track. Here is an article I found helpful. Maybe you will too.

Parrot Forum ? View topic - How to Teach Parrot to Step Up and to Come Out of Cage

 

[Chesphoto]

There have already been some great posts on positive training methods.

The one trainer that has helped me the most is at goodbirdinc.com. Barbara trains from the perspective that she doesn't want to be bitten. I volunteer at a shelter and interact with a lot of birds that I have no idea about their history and her approach works great. I started using her techniques after an Amazon locked on my knuckle and wouldn't let go. No scares, but it took over six weeks before finger felt good again.

I figure that if macaws can live to 80+ years, there is no need to force them to comply with my wishes. Building a trustful relationship is my main goal.