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32 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Clicker training birds, September 26, 2003
This review is from: Clicker Training for Birds (Getting Started) (Paperback)
In her book, Clicker Training for Birds, Melinda Johnson introduces the art of "clicker training" to the bird world, including all types of birds such as tiny Budgies and Cockatiels, mid-size birds such as Senegals and Conures, larger African Greys, Cockatoos and Macaws. Birds of all ages (after weaning through adulthood) can be taught under this method. From the first page of her book, Johnson captivates the reader by identifying the common joys and challenges posed by pet birds. Her training explanations and anecdotes allow the reader to appreciate birds' personalities and their sense of humor, while balancing against the common challenges of bird care. In this book, the trainer will learn how to preserve desired behaviors and to extinguish the less desirable ones in a kind and gentle manner. Through "easy to follow" instructions, Melinda Johnson offers a user-friendly and bird-friendly training approach designed to gain and foster a bird's trust, manage its day-to day care, and to improve the quality of life for pet owners and birds alike. She also provides a life-vest to those frazzled owners who have become discouraged after being bitten or who have resigned themselves to their fate of being forced to wear earplugs for the rest of their lives. One look at the glowing testimonials by bird owners will illustrate the success and heartwarming accomplishments achieved through even five-minute sessions of clicker training. Far more than a collection of how-to recipes for training, Ms. Johnson introduces the trainer to the scientific methodology behind positive operant conditioning -- enough for them to understand the thought process needed to communicate effectively with their feathered friends and to design their own training exercises. She also throws in some enjoyable tricks that allow birds to show off their skills to friends while playing games with props. Bird owners will readily identify with Johnson's book. It is a quick-read that provides trainers with the solid knowledge and tools that they will need to make their bird a lifelong friend.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastically Surprising, March 19, 2007
This review is from: Clicker Training for Birds (Getting Started) (Paperback)
All I was wanting or expecting was to teach my parrots a few tricks, like waving, shaking head yes, ringing a bell.. I thought this would be entertaining to friends and family, to show them how smart my parrots is.
Funny thing is I that is why I bought the book, but what I have gotten out of the book has been so much more.
What I got instead was a better understanding of my parrot's intelligence.
I now understand my parrots so much better, it has helped me tremendously with my Umbrella Cockatoo's biting and screaming, I haven't been bit since I got this book, and the screaming is almost nothing now, I do realize he is a U2 and he is going to scream a little.
My African Grey who is the most timid little guy and a feather plucker, who never comes out of his cage. I began using the clicker to win his trust and to finally get him to come out of his cage on his own, and WOW what a difference in this sweet little guy, he comes out on his own every day, and he explores the entire room, his whole world is opening up to him, And something I never expected but he is growing some new feathers for the first time in 20 years, because with the help of this book, he is exploring and is a much happier boy.
All I know is you will LOVE THIS BOOK, and I wish everyone would buy this book, before getting a parrot. I am so Pleased I found it.
It's a must have, if you're a new parrot owner, or if you have been owned by parrots for years.
Thanks Melinda
Michael M.
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Training Your Birds... Enriching Their Lives, October 7, 2005
This review is from: Clicker Training for Birds (Getting Started) (Paperback)
It's great that clicker training has finally gone to the birds! Clicker training, indeed any training with positive reinforcement techniques, is rewarding for both you and your bird. This book is a great place to get started with training, and building a positive relationship with your bird.
What many people realize after they start working with their bird is that training tricks/new behaviors offers up a whole new world of behavior for them. For you, it creates an entirely new way of interacting with and appreciating your feathered companion.
You are also likely to experience a reduction in problem behavior frequency (biting, screaming, feather destruction, etc) when your bird learns new behaviors (like they can with clicker training). While this book of priceless information offers much more, a reduction in problem behaviors alone is WELL worth the investment.
This book is a great guide for both beginners and experienced teacher/trainers alike.
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