Advanced Parrot Trick Training: Discover The BRING Trick In 10 Easy Steps! [Part 4]
You probably thought only a dog could bring an object to you on command, as in the FETCH command, right? Well, parrots can learn this trick quite easily if you follow these 10 simple step-by-step instructions.
10 Steps For Performing The “BRING” Trick
First, I’ll list the steps needed to accomplish this training and then I will expand on each step. Here are the steps in a quick-view format:
Step 1: Identify the object to be retrieved
Step 2: Pick up the object
Step 3: Speak the bridge word
Step 4: Select a retrieve command
Step 5: Let the parrot come and pick up the object with no treat
Step 6: Repeat the bridge word
Step 7: Place your hand under object
Step 8: Praise and reward
Step 9: Repeat until the parrot gets the idea
Step 10: Move farther away
In this trick, we want to introduce a new concept: the “bridge”. A bridge is simply a word which is used to let the parrot know it is doing exactly what you desire. “Good” or “excellent” or whatever choice you use for a bridge word should be consistent so the parrot understands you are happy. Say the bridge word with a smile so your body language also says you are pleased. Now, let’s look at each of these steps in more detail.
Step 1: Identify the object to be retrieved
Later, you will teach your parrot to bring anything you wish, but for initial training you must choose an object which is easy to pick up and carry for the bird and show it to the bird. Cuddle the object a bit, place it near your mouth. These actions show your parrot that the object is safe and will not bite or harm it in any way; they indicate you trust the object.
Let the parrot touch the object and become familiar with it. You could also choose to use a toy you know the bird likes already if you wish but it can be more difficult to teach this trick because your bird may want to play with the object instead of bringing it to you.
Step 2: Pick up the object
Next, you want to get your parrot to pick up the object you wish to have retrieved. Place the object near the parrot. Place the object in the training area and place a treat next to it. Be sure your bird sees you put the treat beside the object and let the parrot go get the treat. Next time, place the treat on the other side of the object so he or she has to seek the treat.
After the bird gets the idea that a treat will be associated with the object, hide the treat underneath the object and be sure your bird sees you do this. Now, let the parrot move the object to get the treat. In order to do this, the bird will have to pick the object up.
Step 3: Speak the bridge word
As soon as the bird moves the object to get to the treat, speak the bridge word so the bird knows it is doing well. It will catch on really fast that you are pleased and be willing to get a treat from under the object readily after a few attempts.
Step 4: Select a retrieve command
Choose the words you will use for the RETRIEVE command. You may want to use a long series of words instead of a single word so it will be new to your parrot. I like to use something like “Bring me the (name of object here)” because it is specific. When you say this command, you will also place your hand flat on the training area, at first very near the object, so your parrot can see where you want the object placed when it obeys your command.
No matter what command you choose, be sure to use the hand signal with this trick because parrots are visual creatures by nature. Previously, there have been no hand signals but this is a more advanced trick and not based 100% on your parrot’s instincts.
Step 5: Let the parrot come and pick up the object with no treat:
Now, place the object on the table but place no treat under the object. Say the chosen command. Your parrot will go look for the seed but find nothing. Once it picks up the object to look for the treat, immediately give it a treat. Repeat a few times, each time waiting longer to give the treat but allowing the parrot to recognize that it will get a treat if it picks up the object every time.
Step 6: Repeat the bridge word
Repeat your bridge word so you parrot knows it is doing well.
Step 7: Place your hand under object
Say the chosen command. As the bird picks up the object next time, move your hand under the object as that the object falls on your hand.
Step 8: Praise and reward
The very first time the object falls into your hand, say the bridge word and immediately give a nice reward and lots of praise. This lets your parrot know it has done something special.
Step 9: Repeat until the parrot gets the idea
Repeat Steps Five through Eight until your parrot is quite comfortable with the trick so far.
Step 10: Move farther away
As you practice the trick, slowly move your hand farther away from the object so that the parrot must move its head to drop the object in your hand in order to earn a reward. Then move your hand so it must take one single step to place the object in your hand.
As it learns each new progression, move a little farther away until the bird must take several steps to place the object in your hand. Always remember to say the bridge word, reward and praise, praise, praise.
In Closing
With practice, your parrot will willingly bring an object several feet to place it in your hand. Over time, you can even ask it to bring it across the room. Be sure to keep training sessions short enough your bird doesn’t get bored and become contrary. And always, always give lots of love and praise as well as treats at the end of every session so your parrot will look forward to trick training with you.
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About the Author: Nora Caterino, known as the Mississippi Bird Lady, or just Bird Lady for short, has trained, raised, and lived with birds for over 30 years. You can subscribe to access news, articles, videos, forums, and receive unlimited one-on-one advice and coaching for one full year. For one-on-one coaching and advice, simply join the Elite Parrots Club at
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