Train birds to reinforce bonds

Just like you teach a puppy commands to ?come?, ?sit?, or ?stay?, there's a first command you need to teach pet birds.

Just like you teach a young puppy commands to “come”, “sit”, or “stay”, there is a first command you need to teach all pet birds as well. That first command is "step up." It is fairly easy to teach this command since it is something birds end up doing naturally themselves.

By teaching your bird this command, you will decrease any fear the bird may have of you, reinforce the bond between you and the bird, establish your authority, have better control over the bird, and decrease the chance the bird will become territorial.

After the bird begins to learn the command, he will relate it to good things happening, such as attention from you, treats, and eventually rewards such as going to the "play gym."

How to “step up”

Gently push on the bird's breast right above his legs with your finger or dowel. Either one needs to be placed ABOVE whatever the bird is currently perching on. You want the bird to literally step up.

When the bird starts to step onto your finger, say "Step up" or "up." Either command is fine, but choose only one and say it each time the bird steps up. Consistency is the key - all family members, and you, need to do it the same way every time.

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When the bird steps up, praise him and give him a very small treat - something he really likes, but only gets when he obeys a command.

Larger birds may use their beaks to help them step up. Do not pull away if the bird uses his beak on your finger or appears he will bite. This is true for smaller birds as well. He may soon learn you are afraid of that, and then he has you right where he wants you. Do not let the bird think you are afraid of him. Also, he will not want to obey a command to "step up" if he thinks the finger or dowel may be pulled out from underneath him.

As the bird becomes comfortable, take him out of the cage and continue the training in other quiet environments. When away from his cage or territory, he may feel more vulnerable, and pay more attention to you.

"Step down"

When you wish to have the bird step off of your finger or dowel, place whatever you want him to step onto, e.g.; a perch in the bird's cage against his breast above his legs. You will need to use the same technique you use for a "step up"; gently push the bird's breast against the object you want him to step onto. Have the bird face you and step onto the object while you give the command "step down" or "down." Again, either command is fine, just be consistent. When moving from your finger to the object, the bird may actually have to step upwards, but the command should still be "step down," which really means, "move from my finger to what I am showing you."

"Laddering"

When the bird has learned "step up," it is time to teach the bird to "ladder." This means having the bird step up from the finger of one hand to a finger on the other hand, which is held higher. Each step should be accompanied by the "step up" command. The bird should become accustomed to doing this repeatedly. This is a command which should be repeated on a daily basis.