The Art of Training Parrots

Abstract

As in most fields, including the companion parrot world, there are truly talented artists who go beyond traditions to discover or create new ways to interpret and deal with behavior. Some of these new strategies are based on longstanding scientific behavioral principles that have only recently been applied to parrot behavior. The most fruitful and productive approaches to companion parrot behavior problems focus on creating relationships based on clear communication and positive experiences rather than on force and dominance, as the old-school parrot-training methods had emphasized. Several long-held beliefs, such as height dominance, are now giving way to more accurate interpretations of behavior that avoid anthropomorphic interpretations and discount situations by ascribing labels to them. Positive reinforcement, accurate interpretation of birds’ body language, and empowering parrots to influence their environment are strategies that help create more meaningful and enjoyable relationships between companion parrots and human caregivers.