Leash Training Question

[stephend]

I want to let Bob be a free flying bird (he came clipped), and I want to take him for walk and so I feel that I need to leash train Bob. The leash I got for him has a harnes that has a loop that goes around Bob's neck and another loop that goes under his wings. Bob seems to think that the leash is made of children's tears and refueses to have anything to do with it unless he has to.

I am trying to get him used to the harnes by putting the collar part over his head and letting him walk through it. Once he is used to that I plan to try to attach the harnes properly.

Does anyone think this is a bad plan, or have better one?

I would also like to know if it would be acceptable to know how long it would be reasonable to leave the harnes on Bob. At present I plan to only leave it on while he is outside, but given the difficulty of getting it on I hope that it would be acceptable to leave it on for extended periods of time.

 

[Bongo]

We made sure that Bongo got used just to seeing the harness first. This gave him a chance to get used to it before he had to go near it. Maybe hang it beside the cage? We would also lift his wings a bit and tell him he was a goodbird when he didn't give us a hard time. Birds don't seem to like having things on their backs, so it needs to be taken slow. Eventually he should be more comfotable with it.

If the harness is only used for positive things, like walks then he will likely enjoy it more. Treats and praise always seem to help too! Good luck!

 

[Atwee921]

Actually, I just got Bird Talk August 2011 and there is a whole article on how to harness train! She says this is how you should do it, but the harness over the head, then slowly (very slowly) putting it on his wing. Once its on, slowly tighten it to the right tightness. Then, do the same with the second wing. After any wing touching you should give a treat one the wing is in the harness. Let him fly around in it a little while then you can take him outside!

 

[stephend]

Thanks for the info. I will hang the harness outside Bob's cage before I leave for work today.

 

[stephend]

Still working on it. Bob is getting better about walking through the harnes, and I have started to try to play with his wings.

 

[suebee]

aww let me know how things are goin

 

[Parabuteo]

The Aviator harness comes with an exellent traning dvd on how to introduce it to a bird etc

 

[LoveMauiGus]

I have the Aviator harness for medium birds to use with my yc macaw. They do have a great training dvd. It takes baby steps! I spent countless days having the harness in my hand while I was playing with him and let him rub his beak on it. Eventually I got to the point where I could put the harness over his head and take it off with no fussing. However, the one time I put it all the way on, Gus panicked and froze and was not moving, which made me panic so I took it off. I've been too scared to try again, but I would love to have him wear it so we can go outside. I think the key is taking one baby step at a time, gradually until you get to the point where they are comfortable having it secured on their body. Good luck!