by windharper » Wed Dec 30, 2009 12:39 am
As Tamber's greatest talent right now is talking up a storm, I can share what works with me. I know you use clicker training. This is great and works quickly, when you have the clicker. If you always used the same vocalization, like "Good bird!" every time you clicked and rewarded her, she would soon get to know that the words "Good bird" also mean she did good and will get a treat. Then when she does something you want and don't have your clicker, just say, "Good bird" and get over to get her a treat asap. This will be enough to work. I do more vocalization of praise and it does work with Tamber.
I will add though that by identifying something everyday as I or he does it, causes him to remember and say it back to me. The very first thing I taught him was "Good stuff." Every morning I would say, "Good stuff, good stuff," as I was bringing in his morning treat (usually carrot or apple). It didn't take long before he started saying, "Good stuff, good stuff," before I'd bring in the morning treat! I am now working on identifying "Apple is good stuff," etc. in hopes that he will at some time be able to let me know what he wants.
"Hi" might be too abstract for starting...although because Kili is already able to say it, I think verbally praising her will be the best way to catch it soon after it happens and reward her.
In cases where the concept is abstract and the bird has no association with its world, it is harder. I know this also by my experience with Tamber. I read a story about a parrot in China or somewhere who flew away and was able to recite its address. Well, Tamber is smart, I thought I could at least teach him his name, my name and my husband's. Just by saying "My name is Tamber," just seemed impossible. I finally shortened it to "My name's Tamber." It took him 2 months just to say that. Meanwhile, I said, "Weeee" when he got on his swing one day. He got off and stared at me; I was quiet the moment after he left the swing. This happened just 4 times and then he was saying "Eeeeee" every time he got on his swing. (It took about a week to get the "W"
in there!) Context with their world can make it easier!
Deb
a.k.a windharper