More than one bridge for bird training?(clicker+verbal)

[Crimson_Falcon]

Hello!

I was wondering the other day, is it possible to train a parrot to accept two forms of bridging before a reward?

I was considering having my Hahns clicker trained, but could I still use a verbal bridge, such as 'good bird' if I have the clicker too?

I was wondering as the clicker appeals to me but I don't want to have to need to keep it on me all the time whilst around my parrot and rely on that solely for training. The issue is that I have a tendency to say 'good boy/bird' out of training context without quite realizing, and when my bird has done something really good I repeat the words as extra praise but would my bird expect more treats because I have repeated similar words?

I think that the clicker will provide a quick, clear bridge that is the same every time and for training it seems like a good choice but I don't want to be stuck just using that, like I mentioned. I like how quick it is especially when stringing a line of tricks together.

Any views on this would be great! ~Thanks!

[Michael]

Sure, why not?

[GlassOnion]

I use both a clicker and 'good bird'. It seems to work well for me

[bmsweb]

I still using the Clicker with my Cockatiel. With my Green Cheek Conure I used a different approach! I never used a clicker with her as I started her training from 5-6 weeks of age. She performs all her tricks with either verbal or signals and in place of the clicker I simply say Good Girl and reward. I like using verbal when we only have a few people at our home, but when its too noisy the signals work great. For example I have a finger signal for wave. Now when visitors say good bye to her or hello, I do the signal with my finger and she waves goodbye to them. The kids and adults really love this! Its funny because no one has actually worked out what's going on because I don't say anything.

I will upload a video showing both verbal only and hand signals when I get a chance.

[Crimson_Falcon]

Thanks for the replies. I wasn't sure if it'd be okay or not so I thought i'd check first Started to train him on the clicker today and its working out just fine so far.

[Mr.Darcy]

I have a Hahns too he is 9months old and I used the clicker to start with verbal and hand cues all together. I only use the clicker now for new tricks or if I see he is trying to anticipate me then I use the clicker to sharpen up the cue/trick.....

He does all of his tricks with either verbal, hand or clicker and I dont always reward with a food treat sometimes it is just kisses and scritches.

I am trying to train him to rollover when I shoot him and I am using all the techniques, so far so good. Once it is perfected I will post it....

Here he is doing some tricks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUoyaXZf ... re=related