Bored with Training

[Khaiqha]

This isn't about my bird getting bored with training, rather I get bored with it. Ace likes it alot, he can learn new tricks quickly, and I'm glad to see him mentally stimulated...but I just get bored. So far he can turn around, give a kiss, fetch, put coins back up, bat bird, flap on cue, and pull aces out of a deck of cards.

Right now I'm teaching him to find me by the sound of my voice. I hide under a blanket around a corner/under the stairs, and he has to come get me. This is pretty fun for me, and I want to keep his mind active. Does anyone have any suggestions for outside the box tricks? Ace isn't flighted yet, so I can't train him flighted tricks until he molts.

[liz]

Have fun and play.

[CrazzMc]

Well since he likes a deck of cards, Idk if this is too advanced but try making him order them somehow... Like the hearts ace then the spades etc. I think that'd be amazing and Michael did the shapes and colors. Kili learned to put the different colored shapes in the slot. I thought that was cool as well.

Other than that just think of stuff around your house to teach you bird. I'm sure if he still likes to learn then he should be able to learn to the fullest extent.

[Shelby]

Michael did the shapes and colors. Kili learned to put the different colored shapes in the slot. I thought that was cool as well.

Since you say your bird already knows fetch, you could probably teach the puzzle trick. Basically there are several shapes, each a different color, and there are slots that each shape fits into. You scatter the pieces across the table and teach the bird to pick up each one, walk over to the puzzle board, and put the piece in the right slot.

Another trick based on "fetch" is the ring on the post trick. This can also be advanced to colored rings on matching colored posts.

There is also the very cute "put a coin in the piggy bank" trick!

Also, just think about how great training is for your bird and how it is strengthening your relationship. I get bored walking the dog, but I still do it because it's good for both of us. Focus on the positives and look for ways to make training more interesting for both of you. Find different tricks and have a goal of helping your bird to master cool tricks that YOU really like! Also, invite friends over and have your bird perform for them. I bet you will feel really rewarded with your progress when you see the awed and impressed looks on their faces.