Are you seriously interested in parrot training? Do you have parrot behaviour problems that are driving you crazy? Are you are a pet owner, veterinarian, zoo professional, pet industry professional, researcher, psychology student, behaviour consultant, professional trainer or just simply want to learn more about how to train parrots and solve behaviour problems? If this describes you, then you don't want to miss these seminars featuring animal trainer Barbara Heidenreich and parrot behaviour consultant Pamela Clark, CVT.
Enjoy 2 days of lectures, games, training demos and problem solving. Topics include but are not limited to the following:
- Learning theory
- Reinforcers and motivation
- Reading and interpreting animal body language
- Problem solving
- Overcoming fear responses
- Skill building activities
- Extensive video examples
- Live training demonstrations
- Tips to fine tune training skills
- Games and activities
- Training controversies
- Species specific training techniques
- Creation of an optimal environment for problem prevention
- Addressing screaming and unwanted noise
- Biting and aggression in companion parrots
- Addressing feather destructive behaviour
TIMETABLE
Both days will start at 9am and finish at 5pm consisting of 4 x 1.5hr presentations with half hour refreshment breaks. All meals and snacks are provided.
8.30am Registration (tea and coffee available)
9.00am Session 1 – Barbara Heidenreich
10.30am Morning Break (catered)
11.00am Session 2 – Pamela Clark, CVT
12.30pm Lunch (catered)
1.00pm Session 3 – Barbara Heidenreich
2.30pm Afternoon Break (catered)
3.00pm Session 4 – Pamela Clark, CVT
4.30pm Conclusion
PROGRAMME
DAY 1 – Saturday
Barbara’s two sessions will include an introduction to the basics of training and problem solving:
- Learn the basics of how to train parrots
- Get an understanding of the scientific principles used to influence behaviour
- Learn about reinforcers and creating motivation
- Practice reading and interpreting parrot body language
- Discover how to train new behaviours
And see the process in action with live parrot training demonstrations.
Pamela’s two presentations will be:
- Creation of an Optimal Environment (including diet and social relationships) for Problem Prevention
- Screaming and Unwanted Noise
DAY 2 – Sunday
Barbara’s sessions will focus on advanced training skills and addressing difficult problems demonstrating that training is a mechanical skill. The better your technique the faster your parrot can learn. Topics covered
- Heighten your observational skills
- Build awareness on how your actions affect parrot behaviour
- Perfect your timing
- Practice manipulating and presenting reinforcers and training props effectively
- Learn about feeding for position
- Elevate your sensitivity to body language
- Discover special techniques that apply specifically to parrot training
Day two’s training portion will focus on practical application and fine tuning your training skills.
Pamela’s two presentations will be:
- Biting and Aggression in Companion Parrots
- Feather Destructive Behaviour
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS
Barbara Heidenreich – Animal Trainer
Barbara Heidenreich http://www.goodbirdinc.com/barbaraheidenreich-bio.html
Barbara Heidenreich has been a professional in the field of animal training since 1990. She is the President of Good Bird Inc (www.goodbirdinc.com), a company that provides parrot behaviour and training products to the companion parrot community. These products include Good Bird Magazine, numerous books, DVD titles, and parrot training workshops. Barbara has been a featured speaker on animal training on six continents and has been published in nine different languages. She is a former president of the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (www.iaate.org) and served on the Board of Directors from 1997-2009.
Barbara also consults on animal training in zoos, nature centers and other animal related facilities. She has been a part of the development and production of more than 15 different free flight education programs and has worked with over 20 different animal facilities. In her career, she has trained animals, trained staff, and/or presented shows at facilities around the world.
Barbara has presented at our ‘Parrots’ convention as well as the inaugural Step Up Workshop in 2009. She is a long time friend of the Parrot Society of Australia and it is always a pleasure hosting her.
Pamela Clark - Parrot Behaviour Consultant
Pamela Clark, CVT http://www.pamelaclarkonline.com/
Pamela Clark, CVT is a well-known author, international speaker and parrot behaviour consultant whose experience with parrots dates back 40 years to the purchase of her first pair of Lovebirds. Her knowledge extends to a wide range of parrot species, and has been gained through experiences as diverse as breeding to rescue and rehabilitation. Pam has also trained parrots in behaviour as complex as that of free flight outdoors.
As a behaviour consultant, Pam’s approach is uniquely comprehensive, coupling improvements in husbandry and nutrition with the most positive and most effective behaviour modification strategies. She consults with clients throughout the United States, and as far away as Canada, Europe, India, Japan and Australia. Pam also works as a veterinary technician for an avian specialist, Dr. Richard Hillmer of Oak Hills Veterinary Clinic & Bird Hospital in Salem, Oregon. In addition, she serves as co-instructor, along with Susan Friedman, Ph.D., teaching parrot behaviour consulting for the Companion Animal Sciences Institute (www.casinstitute.com).
Pam lives in Dallas, Oregon at Cockatoo Downs (www.cockatoodowns.com) with a mixed flock of 10 companion parrots, a dog and two cats. Her articles have appeared in the Grey Play Round Table,Companion Parrot Quarterly, Bird Talk magazine, Birds USA, Parrots magazine,Good Bird magazine, the Holistic Bird Newsletter and the Parrot Society of Australia News, and have been translated into several foreign languages.
