Finally!

[cosmolove]

I am proud to announce that I think Dexter has finally grown out of his nippy attack phase!!


About a month ago I would get bit by him almost daily, usually him latching on which was never fun and I have some nice battle wounds from him.


We took a lot of time working on us being reasonable together. I tried many things and it seems the one that worked the best was me asking "step up?" and if he picked up his foot I would pick him up if not I would leave him alone.

I use to also have huge problems getting him to go back to his cage and finally he's being reasonable with that as well.


I don't think I'm 100% out of the woods since he's a greenie and they are just "opinionated" but I'm really happy that I haven't been bitten by him in almost a month.

 

[tozie12]

its always nice to NOT get bitten. congrats on the progress. I am always excited when we manage to get over a behavioral 'hump'.
I'm currently dealing with my cockatoo being reluctant to step up and step down when requested. We have gone back to basics with small treats. I have started using two different ques based on the situation. If he has a choice about coming to me, i ask "wanna come to me?" if its a demand that i cant allow him to refuse like i HAVE to move him for his safety i use 'step up, please'. and the reverse for getting off me "wanna step off?" v/s "step down, please." not sure on the results yet, its too early to tell.

 

[Anne & Gang]

wow..that is fabulous news..!!!

 

[Milo]

Congrats!!! Josie and I haven't gotten to the non-biting phase yet... but we're taking strides. Maybe if I tell her about Dexter's progress she may get competitive!

 

[VictoriaVague]

Congrats! and you've given me hope. Titus lives to bite me at the moment (he's really knows how to use that beak now!) and hates going to bed.

 

[cosmolove]

Dexter has still been doing good since I posted this. He's still a little grumpy in the mornings but I just try to watch for the signs so I don't get chomped on lol.