Does the type of pointer matter?

[Titanius]

Okay I have a bit of a dilemma. When I use any pointer stick that looks too large Diamond avoids. She's afraid of it. I tried rewarding her for being near it and then touching it. But eventually I realized I was rewarding her for aggressive behavior because she was really nipping at it. I'm down to a toothpick and she'll come towards the tooth pick and follow it around. If this works can I keep using it. Are there any draw backs of using something so small to target train a bird?

[zazanomore]

If it works, keep using it!

Also, since it's such a short stick, maybe she'll get used to your hands more and training will be that much easier

[JadeW]

I don't think the type of stick you use for targeting matters too much (I use the end of a crochet hook). Consistency is probably the most important factor~ As for the agression, If you don't want Diamond attacking/biting at the target stick, what you can reward is simply moving towards it. It shouldn't be long before she realizes what it is you want