Step Up Training

[gopack041]

I am training my new GCC to "step up" and "step down" right now, but I might have a problem. He is comfortable with me and willingly steps up. He also loves the treats I give him.

But, he seems to only respond to me extending my finger and not the command "step up." Is this what I should expect? Or should he only step up when I say "step up."

For example, if I extend my finger to him, he is already on my finger before I can say "step up." Should I reward this behavior or ignore it?

Thanks!

 

[antoinette]

Before extending your finger, say step up first then extend your finger

When he steps up, give him his favourite treat and praise him

Good luck, let us know how it goes

 

[Von1983]

I don't know whether it's a "conure thing" but another question similar to this got me to realise that every day communications like "step up" "step down" "sit on this part of me here" have become non verbal between me and Cal lol.

It's as if she knows what's expected of her.....I don't know! It works for us because when I need her to listen, she does...she's almost scarily "obedient"....if I walk into a room and wave, she'll lift a foot up in response....I never taught her this lol.

Habit we've slipped into! I don't really feel the need to correct it, but maybe that's just us!

 

[Auggie's Dad]

I'd second Antoinette's recommendation if you feel a need to do anything.

If he'll step up reliably when asked without a verbal command, why do you need a verbal command?

I suppose if he KNOWS to step up on a finger, and you associate that with the command, then when you present him with something new (a perch, or a new person's finger) you can tell him to step up so he knows what's expected. But in general verbal commands are a bit overrated.

Animals do not use vocal communication the way we do. They primarily use body language for nearby 'interpersonal' communication. Learn to speak bird.

 

[Colorguarder08]

Halloween doesn't do it on command either but typicaly will step up when I want her too. and I don't always reach my hand out to her the same way either sometimes it's an open hand palm up, sometimes the palm is down, sometimes I just give her an extended finger, and sometimes my hand is almost in a fist no matter how my hand is offered 9 times out of 10 she'll step up on it. I don't really feel the need to tell her.

 

[SharonC]

I hardly ever use verbal commands with Levi. He steps up reliably when I put my hand out. I speak to Fred as I would a child, and extend my arm. ...Wanna come? Come on Fred...it varies. I think it's the physical cue that he's watching. It doesn't really matter, IMO. As long as the bird knows what you want, it's all good...I just assume that my guys are so smart, they know what I want before I actually have to say anything! LOL!

 

[Von1983]

I'm glad I'm not the only one with some non verbal communication going on there!!

 

[antoinette]

I'm glad I'm not the only one with some non verbal communication going on there!!

Just the same as with our kids........ action speak louder than words
When they were smaller and did something I did not like, I pointed my finger
With Mishka when I point, he lowers his head knowing he is doing something I do not approve of.

 

[Von1983]

LOL ANT!!!!

Cally does this too!!!! She reads my facial expressions also! When I frown, she looks everywhere but at my face! I use this instead of "gentle" a lot of the time now

 

[Spiritbird]

Can't get used to referring to Mishka as a he.