Clicker Shaping

Sophia and I have been doing shaping exercises with the clicker and her tunnel.  I saved a couple cardboard Pringles containers, cleaned them well, and cut off the closed end.  The first tunnel we used was only 3 inches long.  I wanted to make the tunnel inviting for her to investigate and easy for her to go through.  With it being so short, by the time she had poked her head through, her body was most of the way through.  I didn't want her to get inside and then feel trapped.  If she did, she wouldn't want to go back inside.

 

In the very beginning, we just played together with the tunnel.  I didn't really use the clicker at all.  I just wanted her to get used to it and see that it was a fun thing to play with.  I let her try different behaviors with it, like picking it up and tossing it, rolling it, etc.  I helped her go through it a few times.  But I wasn't trying to get her to do anything in particular with it. 

 

Then I moved to a slightly longer tunnel, about 6 inches long this time, and I taped it to a cardboard base so when she was walking inside it, the tube would not roll around.  This is the tunnel we use for training.  When she's really good at the trick, I will use a full size Pringles can and decorate it so it looks more fancy. 

 

 

 

I clicker train with UNSALTED de-shelled sunflower seeds that I break into two or three pieces.  I started with the seeds in their shell, but it took too long for her to break it open and eat the seed.  You don't want there to be too much time lapse between repetitions.  Plus, one seed is equal to 2-3 treats, so I was letting her get filled up on sunflower seeds, and I was missing out on opportunities to reward her.

 

In order for shaping to work, you need to do some advanced planning.  I enjoy using props for shaping exercises, because there are so many behaviors that a bird will offer you just with one prop.  You can pick what you want to reward.  Shaping with a prop also take the bird's attention off of me and the idea that I have the treat.  I don't want her to constantly be looking at me.  She needs to be interacting with the prop. 

 

Make sure your prop is already in place in the training area and reduce any distractions in the area.  Have the clicker and rewards handy and already broken into pieces.  Your bird should already know what the click noise means - that a reward is coming.

 

Be ready!  When you bring your bird to the area, have your clicker in your hand and ready.  As soon as you put your bird down, she is likely to want to go investigate the prop.  At first, you will click and treat for anything your bird does with the prop.  I do mean anything!  Don't let there be a lot of down time between clicks.  You want to keep your bird's interest in the prop, so keep those clicks and treats coming! 

 

Always end the session before your bird loses interest.  It's tempting to keep going when you're on a roll and your bird is making progress.  But always end on a good note, click the behavior, feed the bird and quickly remove the prop while your bird is eating.  Then you can remove your bird from the training area.