Clicker Training
by Bonnie Jay & Anne Eilers
Spring 2003
1. Please explain the basics of Clicker Training
Clicker Training is a term for 'positive reinforcement' training, which uses a clicker as a conditioned reinforcer to instantly "mark" a behavior, which will be rewarded, increasing the likelihood of the behavior being repeated. We first condition the clicker by pairing it with the reinforcer, which can be food treats, petting--whatever will motivate the animal. We click and deliver the reinforcer, and repeat this for a short session. It usually doesn't take long for an animal, especially a bird to understand that click = reinforcer. Then we click and treat each small progression in our training, until our student has learned the behavior. We have no need for force or punishment with clicker training. |
You "condition the clicker" by using a favorite morsel as the reinforcer; you "click" and then hand the favorite morsel to the bird thereby teaching the bird that the "click" = favorite morsel. Once the bird knows that "click" = favorite morsel, you can progress with your desired training. |
2. Clicker Training was developed for dogs, Now I don't have anything against dogs, but no dog I have ever known is anywhere near as smart as a parrot. How can clicker training be used to address the added intelligence of Parrots?
It is a great way to exercise their minds as well as their bodies. We give them problems to solve, choices to make and reinforcements to be earned. We challenge them in a positive, rewarding manner. We can teach them color, size or shape discrimination or we can teach them to hold a foot up for toenail trimming.
3. Can Clicker Training be adapted to the particularly nervous bird that tends to spook at sharp noises? For instance, the bird that has been abused and panics easily. Or do you suggest first giving the bird a period of time to settle into its surroundings?
We can always substitute the sound of a clicker for another sound or even sight, such as a clicking of a ball point pen, flashing a light or a verbal word. The method is still the same regardless of what we use as the conditioned reinforcer.
As far as a bird that first comes to live with us, I observe how he reacts to his new surroundings and make my training plan accordingly. Desensitizing can be a part of clicker training and is a great tool for working with a nervous bird.
4. My Grey, Frankie, uses 'clicker training' on me; if she intends to bite she will click first as a warning, and if I am silly enough to continue I get bitten. How would one Clicker Train a bird who views 'clicking' as a warning? And is there another sound that can be used instead of the click sound?
We don't want to send "mixed signals" to our birds, so I would use another conditioned reinforcer in this type of situation. I have two greys and have not encountered this problem, but would not hesitate to use another sound if it were a problem.
5. Can you envision any circumstance where a bird simply does not succeed with Clicker Training?
If we are not communicating in a clear and simple way, then clicker training might fail. We have to find a good motivator, make a training plan, and proceed at the bird's pace. A person has to give it an honest shot in order for it to work. I would never say that the bird is not succeeding; instead, it is the trainer who is not communicating clearly.
6. How would you recommend a novice get started with clicker training? Is there any system for back-up, and questions?
Online training lists such as clickbirds@yahoo groups is a great place to start. We have several professional trainers, PhDs, and pet bird human companions who have had great success and fun with training. Also, my website, http://www.clickingwithbirds.com will give a novice a good background in training and instructions for getting started.
7. How old should a bird be before starting Clicker Training?
As far as clicker training goes, I don't like to start with it until the bird is completely weaned and eating, hopefully, a nice variety of foods. I still work on husbandry behaviors and communication, just no clicker, lots of positive reinforcement!
8. Can you teach an older bird ‘”new tricks”?
Many people want to know if you can teach an older bird and the answer to that is yes, older birds can be taught as well as young birds. I don't think a bird could be too old to train.
9. Do you have any further points you would like to make about Clicker Training?
Clicker training should be fun. It is great quality time with your bird and one of the best ways to learn as well as teach. When your bird "gets it", it is exciting. The more your bird learns the easier it becomes for him/her to learn. It has been my experience that my birds have become very creative in offering behaviors, and have made my "job" all that much more fun and rewarding.
10. I understand that you have written an excellent book about how to clicker train and work with parrots. Where can we purchase your book?
Thank you. You can find it online at
http://www.avi-train.com/manual.html
or at several Pet Supplies Plus Stores in SE Michigan.