TARGET TRAINING
Definition of target training
Target training for animals involves teaching them to touch a specific object or body part to a predetermined target This skill is considered one of the building blocks of animal training and can lead to shaping other behaviors.
It builds a baseline with that animal. By this I mean, it begins teaching the animal that each time it gives me a small approximation toward the behavior I am looking for, it will receive something of value in return. Target training is a great way to introduce a new form of communication with the animal. Many animals I work with come to be with a history. The animals are usually a few years old and with those years, they have learned that not all interactions with humans bring desired consequences. By teaching them to target to a stick, I am building a direct line of communication with them. I am teaching them each time they interact with me, awesome consequences happen for them.
The sight of the target stick becomes a cue to them that awesomeness is getting ready to happen. After I teach people how to target train their animals, I tell them to put the stick away after their training sessions and only bring it out when they intent to teach their animal to touch it. This helps teach contingencies to both the animal and the person. When the animal and person understand contingencies, they both begin understanding “When I do this, THIS happens!” It teaches both animal and person that their behavior has the ability to bring desired consequences. It helps build strong relationships with the animal.
Target training for animals involves teaching them to touch a specific object or body part to a predetermined target This skill is considered one of the building blocks of animal training and can lead to shaping other behaviors.
It builds a baseline with that animal. By this I mean, it begins teaching the animal that each time it gives me a small approximation toward the behavior I am looking for, it will receive something of value in return. Target training is a great way to introduce a new form of communication with the animal. Many animals I work with come to be with a history. The animals are usually a few years old and with those years, they have learned that not all interactions with humans bring desired consequences. By teaching them to target to a stick, I am building a direct line of communication with them. I am teaching them each time they interact with me, awesome consequences happen for them.
The sight of the target stick becomes a cue to them that awesomeness is getting ready to happen. After I teach people how to target train their animals, I tell them to put the stick away after their training sessions and only bring it out when they intent to teach their animal to touch it. This helps teach contingencies to both the animal and the person. When the animal and person understand contingencies, they both begin understanding “When I do this, THIS happens!” It teaches both animal and person that their behavior has the ability to bring desired consequences. It helps build strong relationships with the animal.
"Gandalf The Grey" an African Grey Parrot at Nancy Foresters Secret Garden, Accepted by Nancy for behavior modification. Reported to be a biting cage bound parrot. .Definition of Cage-bound behavior
It is a type of anxiety disorder in parrots, often the result of neglect and the lack of socialization. Parrots develop this issue when they are not let out of the cage frequently or not provided with much needed social interaction. These birds may become afraid of the world outside the cage. They learn that the cage is a safe sanctuary and can refuse to leave it. This may lead to aggression and attacking anyone attempting to remove them from the cage. This behavior is common among rescue birds. It is very likely that Gandalf suffered this kind of neglect by previous owners. Birds don’t become cage-bound overnight, it results from long periods of neglect.
It is a type of anxiety disorder in parrots, often the result of neglect and the lack of socialization. Parrots develop this issue when they are not let out of the cage frequently or not provided with much needed social interaction. These birds may become afraid of the world outside the cage. They learn that the cage is a safe sanctuary and can refuse to leave it. This may lead to aggression and attacking anyone attempting to remove them from the cage. This behavior is common among rescue birds. It is very likely that Gandalf suffered this kind of neglect by previous owners. Birds don’t become cage-bound overnight, it results from long periods of neglect.