Parrot Clicker Training

Parrot Clicker Training is a highly effective way to train your parrot. In this article we will take you through some of the most effective uses of parrot clicker training and how to get the best results using the method.

Parrot Clicker Training – Introduction

“Clicker training” is a process used to train parrot based on scientific knowledge we know of how parrots learn.

Scientists have known for a long time that any animal – whether horse, rat, mouse, fish, dolphin or parrot – is highly likely to learn and repeat actions that result in desirable outcomes. The click training program encourages parrots to perform certain behaviours in return for favourable actions or outcomes for the bird.

Clicker training is known as a “positive-reinforcement based system of training as it rewards certain parrot behaviours with rewards.

Why is parrot clicker training successful?

“Operant Conditioning” is a mode of learning where parrots perform certain behaviours in order to bring about a desired outcome. Training parrots using clicker training is a method of operant conditioning.

Another mode of learning is “classical conditioning”. This is where a parrot (or any other animal) associates actions, places, people, events or objects with consequences, whether positive or negative. Where a parrot finds more certainty in the link between the event or environment and the consequence, the association is stronger. This type of learning is known as “reflexive” or automatic and is less intentional that operant conditioning.

When training your parrot employing the clicker training method, initially the mode of learning will be classical conditioning. However, very quickly the parrot will start to purposefully repeat the desired behaviour in order to earn the reward, Operant conditioning results in the parrot displaying purposeful behaviour, whereas training through classical conditioning results in habitual behaviour.

Clicker training or operant conditioning is useful for us in training our parrots as:
• The difference in behaviour between a parrot that behaves with purpose rather than by habit is huge
• Parrots trained using clicker training will go out of their way to learn new behaviours (so they can get more rewards)
• As a result of having more control over its environment and the consequences of its behaviour your parrot will develop more confidence
• Your parrotwill be happier and enthusiastic about training because of its expectations for desirable outcomes.

Why Use a Clicker?

The benefit of using a clicker to train your parrot over other methods is that your parrot will know exactly which behaviour earned it the reward. Through a distinctive click this information is communicated at exactly the same time as the behaviour occurred. The reward for your parrot ensues.

If your parrot does not hear the click whilst performing a certain action your parrot may not connect the reward with that action. Worse still, your parrot may associate the reward with another, undesirable behaviour. Using a clicker, this problem is overcome by “marking” precisely the behaviour that is to be rewarded. Many trainers call the click the “event marker”, others call it the “bridging signal” as it connects the behaviour to the reward.

Wouldn’t using a word achieve the same goal as a clicker?

The sound that your clicker makes is a very unique sound. Your parrot is very unlikely to hear the unique click in any other circumstances. When your parrot does hear the click your parrot knows that it can only mean one thing: a reward is coming because of what you did when you heard the click. Using a clicker you can produce the sound instantly and at the precise moment at which the behaviour occurred. The clicker can even be used to mark very slight movements and actions which is great if you are training your parrots to perform tricks.

Even highly trained singers have difficulties in keeping their voices constant. When we say a word we can say it in a multitude of different ways, each conveying a slightly different emotion or meaning. For example frustration or anger can show very easily. The clicker mitigates this problem by produces the same distinctive click every time. This makes the learning process much easier for parrots to understand. They have difficulty in picking out single words from sentences which they hear us use every day. However the meaning of the click is always the same, always clear and is always directed at your parrot. Your parrot always knows that it means good news.

The clicker allows you to communicate very easily with your parrot and will give you an extra level of communication with your parrot. This will add extra depth to you relationship with your parrot and your training skills will strengthen further.

How does Clicker Training Work?

The precise moment that your parrot performs the desired behaviour you will click. Think of this as taking a picture of the behaviour that you wish to reinforce. Shortly after marking the behaviour you will reward your parrot with a treat, this may be food, a toy or petting.

Within a very short period (sometimes as little as 2 or 3 clicks) your parrot will associate the unique sound of the click with the reward that you give it. Given operant conditioning, your parrot will repeat the behaviour it performed when it heard the click that resulted in the reward that it received.

Basically parrot clicker training follows the following three simple steps:
1. Get the Behaviour
2. Mark the Behaviour
3. Reinforce the Behaviour

How do clicker trainers ask for behaviours?

During clicker training you will wait until the behaviour is understood by your parrot before using a command or ‘cue’. A cue is how we refer to the name of the behaviour, such as saying “step up”, or making a hand motion. During clicker training you will wait until your parrot understands the behaviour before assigning a name or cue to it.

After your parrot has had the behaviour marked with the clicker and has repeated the behaviour a number of times, demonstrating that it clearly understands which behaviour is earning it the reward, you will be ready to train your parrot to learn the name of the behaviour. This is referred to as “introducing the cue”.

In order to train your parrot to perform the behaviour on cue you must say or signal the cue immediately before your parrot repeats the behaviour. After a few repetitions you should click and reward when your parrot performs the behaviour, but only if the cue has been given. If no cue has been given to your parrot you must not click or reward your parrot. It will not take long for your parrot to listen or watch for the cue which it knows means: If you perform the behaviour now, you will get a click and a reward.

What if my parrot does not obey the cue I am giving it?

A parrot that you have click trained will want to perform behaviours which they know will earn them rewards. As long as they understand the meaning of the cue and desire the reward they will perform the behaviour. If your parrot does not respond to your cues you should not consider your parrot to be disobeying you. Instead consider the following three factors:
1. Does your parrot understand the meaning of the cue?
2. Does your parrot understand the meaning of the cue in the environment in which it was first taught, but not in the environment in which it was given?
3. Does your parrot desire the reward enough to perform the behaviour?
When you have looked at these three questions you can revise your training process to reflect your new insights. It is essential that your parrot understands the meaning of the cue in all environments, regardless of distractions, and desires the reward offered.

Why shouldn’t I use punishment as well as rewards?

It is logical that the outcome of any behaviour can be pleasant in addition to unpleasant. Therefore surely it makes sense to follow undesirable behaviours with punishments.

However, scientists have discovered that although using punishments can reduce the frequency of unwanted behaviours, ther often result in producing other, unanticipated unwanted behaviours. Because of this, using punishment as a training method can backfire and have unforeseen, undesirable consequences.

Futhermore, unlike positive reinforcement using clicker training, bad behaviour is very rarely marked. Punishment comes after the bad behaviour and is not clearly attributed to a specific behaviour. This often means that the punishment seems like a random event to your parrot, which can lead to many other behavioural problems. Punishment is a far less effective form of improving parrots behaviour than using clicker training, event marking and positive reinforcement.

In addition using positive reinforcement and clicker training helps develop a rewarding relationship with your parrot, that training using punishment is unlikely to achieve.

How can clicker training help stop my parrot performing unwanted behaviours?

With a parrot that is behaving badly, you can allow the behaviour to disappear through lack of positive reinforcement. If the behaviour is not gaining your parrot anything desirable it will stop. If your parrot continues to perform the unwanted behaviour you should look to see why or how it is being reinforced. Occasionally the behaviour reinforces itself, for example a parrot that is screaming may be bored. The screaming gets it attention and it becomes less bored. Here you can provide your parrot with an alternate behaviour which will replace the unwanted behaviour.

Do I need to use the clicker and treats for every behaviour, forever?

No! As soon as your parrot has learnt the behaviour and cue you will not need to click as your parrot already understands the behaviour. You can maintain the behaviour using less intensive treats such as pats or praise. Learned cues and behaviours are also maintained by real-life rewards: for example sitting quietly will be rewarded by patting or stroking.

Is clicker training a training method or philosophy?

Once fully understand the principles behind clicker training and positive reinforcement which you will learn over time and with practice, you will see the benefits and will become very enthusiastic about the method of training. Many people who have used this method have realized that the underlying principles can be applied to other parts of their lives. Focusing on the positive and moving away from the negative can have a profound effect on one’s life.

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