Harness training

[cm16600]

Hi, I have a five month old Maxi and we are starting harness training , so far she is able to put her head in the head loop by herself, and I can touch her wings. After a few seconds she starts chewing the harness. When she stops I try to wait a couple of seconds click and reward. I thought I’d teach her that stopping chewing would give the reward but instead I have the feeling iam reinforcing the chewing. Any idea how I can move forward?

Thanks.

 

[ParrotNuts]

@Macawnutz @Hankmacaw ?

 

[Macawnutz]

For my guys, once I got the harness on I just went outside. There is enough simulation outside that it usually distracts them. When they reach down to chew I just told them no and removed the harness from their beak. That happens repeatedly until they are used to it. They do get over it with time.

 

[cm16600]

Thanks for the inputs but the chewing occurs when she has the head looparound her head and it is avoiding me to put the wing loops.

 

[Hankmacaw]

I'm not a good resource. My jasper was such an amenable and gentle bird that I just put the harness on her. She complained a little. but just complained. She would not stop chewing on it, once on, but got better about that. Keep taking the straps out of her mouth and saying "no". That's all I can think of. At least she isn't strong enough to chew through the straps like a macaw is.

 

[cm16600]

Thanks, i will try.

 

[JewellBird]

I am at the same point with my Cockatiel, I can get his head through the loop but can't get it over his wings, and he chews on it too while I'm trying to put it on. So I don't really have a lot of advice on what to do, I just keep trying with mine and trying to get him used to having me touch his wings while putting the harness on. Best of luck though!

 

[Feather]

I made a replica harness for training and switched to the real thing after success. My purpose was just that I didn't want to buy another harness that would never be used, but incidentally it did spare the real thing any extra chewing damage, so I guess it's an option. Rowan, my maxi, still chews on his indoors, but like Sarah said the moment we're outside there's enough to see that he stops.

 

[Macawnutz]

Calm and easy with lots of rewards.