Stubborn Lukah refuses to step up!

kellie

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May 11, 2013
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Lukah- Sun Conure, 10 months old!
So I took all the right steps and touch trained Lukah and he started stepping up on command and was doing so with or without reward for about two weeks. Now, all of a sudden, I can't get him to do it for anything. Avout two weeks ago he stopped stepping up. He won't do it for pets, almonds, walnuts, apples, millet... Anything! Nothing significant happened during that time... Do I have to start training all over again?

Has this happened to anyone else or does anyone have any idea why it could have happened?
 

legal_eagle

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Feb 28, 2013
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Green Cheek Conure Pee-Wee
What if you gently press your finger against the lower part of his chest ... he would have to step up to avoid being pushed backward ... that might work for you.
 
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kellie

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Lukah- Sun Conure, 10 months old!
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Doesn't work at all! haha I read that pushing like that is like punishing them and it's bad to do but... being desperate.... I tried it anyway.... he'd rather fall then step up!
 

legal_eagle

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Doesn't work at all! haha I read that pushing like that is like punishing them and it's bad to do but... being desperate.... I tried it anyway.... he'd rather fall then step up!

I don't think it "punishes" them, but then again I'm quite skeptical of projecting human traits onto parrots or the notion that bribery is the basis for a sound relationship with your pet. I hope you can find something that works for you!
 

antoinette

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Jul 6, 2009
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I am sure it's a phase Lukah is going through just being stubborn

If Lukah does not want to step up into your hand try using a stick until he returns to normal.

I went thought exactly the same thing with my AG Mishka
Only Mishka has never wanted treats when training.
I persisted and carried on eventually he came around.

Keep on doing exactly what you are doing, be patient and you will be rewarded.
 
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kellie

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Lukah- Sun Conure, 10 months old!
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Thanks! He actually stepped up yesterday for the first time in two weeks but then wouldn't do it again this morning when I was trying to get him from his sleep cage to his big one! So fickle! Haha
 

RioJPMP

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Jun 11, 2013
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Ft. Myers, FL
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These birds all have a mind of their own...some days rio says his name, some days I cant get him to stop screaming for attention...sighs.
 

MonicaMc

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Sep 12, 2012
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Good Bird Inc Parrot Training Talk: Help! My Parrot Wont Step Up!


You might just have to find some new rewards/reinforcers and go back to square one if you have to.



Training is not something you do once and the animal remembers... it's something that occurs every day with every interaction between you and your animal. If you change something, and that changes a behavior, was it for the good? Or was it not?



Don't forget that training is an ongoing process that can change and evolve through the years with your companions!
 

MeganMango

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Mango was refusing to step up for Dave for some time, but would step up for me. One day Dave asked him and he picked up one foot like he was going to do it, and then scratched his head instead. I back out a bit to try to help the situation, and Dave asked again. Mango just looked at him and fluffed a bit, so Dave gently picked him up and put him on his finger. Mango lets us pick him up and flip him over on his back when we are playing so its not like he isnt use to this. He now steps up for Dave when asked. Im not suggesting you do this if you think your bird will be uncomfortable with it though. Mango is pretty relaxed with us and doesnt mind our hands. If you dont think he would be scared and bite you, it might be worth a try.
 

BoomBoom

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May 2, 2012
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Just keep trying. The second he steps up, reward him with a treat. You can also try to take him someplace away from his cage. He might be a bit more cooperative.

Good luck! :)
 

antoinette

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Jul 6, 2009
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Thanks! He actually stepped up yesterday for the first time in two weeks but then wouldn't do it again this morning when I was trying to get him from his sleep cage to his big one! So fickle! Haha


Birds have a mind if their own just like us humans.
There are days we feel like doing something and other days not.
Guess the same goes for our birds.
:grey:
 

Pajarita

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Jul 11, 2013
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When a bird refuses to step up, the best thing to do is stop asking. No step-up means no one-on-one and, sooner or later, he will want the interaction so don't ask and wait for him to ask you
 

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