training makes her suspicious

[YoshiSwe]

Today Tutti (bfa, female, 13 yo) and me celebrate our first two weeks together. She is an absolute delight but she is also quite demanding.

I find she is very, very smart and I feel most of the time like she is training me rather than the other way around.

I have attempted to do simple training with her, like associate step up with a command. She steps up fine when she feels like it, but does not seem to have been taught a command of any kind for it.

My problem is I can tell she gets suspicious whenever I try to have a training session. Maybe she notices I get nervous or I act differently, I don't know. But she immediately looks at me like "What are you doing? Knock it off."

She steps up once or twice then she is like "this is stupid" and starts ignoring me. Maybe I haven't found the perfect treat or the right time of day.

When I stop she is like "oh good you are normal again lets hang out!"

Any advice? Should I just wait a few more weeks until trust is more solid?

 

[plumsmum2005]

Hi you may find that there is a time of day when she is more receptive to training? Plum always seems to be up for playing before bedtime, goes right into cuddle before bed. You may find that given how intelligent Amazons are that you need to switch the training around faster, goodness I found it tiring when being trained by a young RB2, couldn't keep up with the pace ha ha. Perhaps mix of some tricks and commands may work?

This link of our very own clever Salty may deliver some tips http://www.parrotforums.com/amazons/62937-right-now-salty-11.html

Once you find that healthy treat keep it back for the training sessions so it is sought after. Good luck.

 

[SailBoat]

Excellent advice above!

It seems that you are come to see the meaning for the term: "Owned By An Amazon!" And, the supporting statement, which sits just below the surface: "Trained by an Amazon!"

Amazon's are lighting fast and smart beyond Human measure (belief). Getting an Amazon to simply Step-Up and not have a reason or at least a what's next will get the results you are seeing! Step-Up is a foundation request that you really want at a 99% response! As you prepare to state "Step-Up" and are bring your hand into place, your Amazon (once trained) will begin lifting her foot! By the time Step-up is stated, her foot is fully up and ready to complete the request.

Clarity: Step-up should be followed by a move away or some like action that supports the request. At the very least, ladder with the other hand! (A Step-Up followed by another Step-Up and then a move-away or like action! Once you have moved-away, provide the treat!

At some point 'with hope' far into the future, you will be faced with a Must Move reality and you need to have that 99% in place and responded too! There are any number of Emergencies that could drive this need!

Once you have Step-Up and move-away in place with a treat, work to switch to a verbal reward! The Goal is Step-Up, move-away, and verbal reward!

I am a strong believer in the benefits of Verbal Reward / Praise and lots of Loving connected and supporting what you are doing with her!

Amazon's Have More Fun! - messing with their Human's minds.

 

[wrench13]

True dat. Salty long since has moved to tricks where a treat is required, and Step Up is an always obeyed command. But, I never fail to tell him he's a good boy and say thank you Salty when ever he steps up for me.