Question on training to Step Up

[sherylb]

Ok, so I am aware of training Finley to step up. I have 2 other birds and they step up fine....i've trained them. So, Finly understands step up....however, he steps up on his own terms....If he really wants a treat he will step up but when I am trying to move him from one place to another and he doesn't want to go, it doesn't matter what kind of treat I have!! lol. He is only 5 months old so is the fact that he is a baby play into this? I've heard BF Amazons are stubborn...he is showing it too! lol. I've heard on other training sites that teaching birds to step up is a request and shouldn't be a demand but I don't agree. When I need to move him then I need him to step up....any advice on getting him to listen to me better and step up when I want him too??

 

[SailBoat]

Have long believed that 'we' tend not to alert our Parrots that we will be wanting them to to step-up far enough in advance.
Just showing up and requesting a step-up with an Amazon can commonly result in a brush-off... More from the reality that they are busy thinking about something else at the moment.

I commonly start as I enter the room, or rise from a chair, or etc.... It can start with a stream of contact calls, or we are going some place communication and keeping an eye on one's Amazon as you approach, you will know if your Amazon is aware of you and its Mental State... As one gets closer, start to pre-position you hand and state Step-up. The most common response will be the raise of the favored claw. When climb on is complete, praise, praise, praise...

Also, if your Amazon is napping, and your only reason for a Step-up is because you are bored, you deserve a brush-off.

The goal of Step-Up, is to assure that when you REALLY NEED to move your Parrot, they respond...

 

[sherylb]

Thanks. I will try this. I don't try to move him if he's napping unless it happens to be a time when I need to leave but that's rare. He steps up when I say lets take a shower and when I say it's bedtime, he steps up right away. When I want to put him in his cage to leave and he knows that is what I am doing he will refuse! lol....I have to put him in first before the other 2 birds so he doesn't really catch on.

 

[SailBoat]

Amazon's are bloody smart!!!