Training confession

I've gotten a little lax in the training department lately. I'm hoping that by posting this here, and making my issues public, I'll be accountable and more motivated. I used to train the parrots every day, without fail. That has turned into 2-3 times per week at most. Also, instead of teaching new tricks, we've just been reviewing stuff they've had down pat for years.

Yesterday, after an e-mail conversation with a friend who's also ramping up her training, I realized I needed to get my act together. The birds love it and it's such an amazing bonding experience.

Why did I stop? I've been thinking a lot about that, and I think it's partly because of my parrots' reactions when I'm training someone else. They all love training so much that when I'm training someone else and they're out of their cage, they show their displeasure.

Rocky screams. Max buzzes the other bird and sometimes me. Stella flies down and pecks at my feet. Beeps comes over, starts doing the tricks I'm asking the other bird to do, and then threatens to attack me when I don't acquiesce and give him treats instead.

The madness must stop! I will take the birds out one at a time and train them at least 5 days a week. I really want Max to learn how to retrieve. I've worked on this with her in the past but have gotten frustrated when she doesn't get it quickly. I need to be more patient and persistent with her.

And now that I've written it down here, I'll have to follow through!