Confident or acclimatized birds may not require a cage for training. If the bird is nervous or unaccustomed to your home, keeping the bird in the cage as you train it may be necessary. [4] X Research source [5] X Research source
Make sure that you are calm and gentle when training your bird; if you are frustrated, angry or nervous the bird will likely become agitated. [6] X Research source [7] X Research source
Smaller, quickly edible rewards can be given to your bird to calm and encourage it as you teach the command. Saying soothing words and being generous in praise will calm and encourage your bird. [8] X Research source
Stand just above the bird’s eye level in order to establish dominance. Standing too tall can frighten the bird, and crouching too low may display submission on your part. [9] X Research source
If the bird is nervous or bites, you may have to begin training with a wood dowel until it becomes more comfortable. A bird may use its beak to steady itself, or even bite your finger or hand. If this occurs do not suddenly pull away or show fear, as the bird may be frightened or read this as a sign of submission. Once the bird steps on your hand gently lift him or her up and say up, when your lower the bird say down. [11] X Research source [12] X Research source [13] X Research source
When your bird steps-up, praise it and give it a special treat you prepared before beginning. Even if the bird only raises one foot to your hand you should praise and reward it. With repetition and encouragement the bird will learn to associate the command “step up” with perching on your hand or arm. [14] X Research source [15] X Research source
As your bird becomes comfortable, you can begin taking it out of the cage before repeating the step-up training. [17] X Research source
Once the bird steps up on to the dowel, move on to the “laddering” technique. Place your finger beside and slightly higher than the perched bird and encourage it to move to the new perch. Accompany each step with the “step up” command, and be generous with praise when the bird follows your command. Have the bird continue moving from dowel to finger and finger to dowel until the training session is over. [18] X Research source [19] X Research source
Make a routine of the training sessions. Your bird will learn to anticipate your training sessions together. Reward even small amounts of progress with praise and treats. Encouragement is the best way to make your bird comfortable and teach it to follow your commands. [20] X Research source
