In the July 2008 issue, we worked on teaching your bird Dance Move #1: the “Turn Around.” Now your bird will learn to lift its feet to music as if it were dancing. This is similar to teaching a bird “Step up.” It might confuse your bird at first, but it will catch on, especially if taught only when you play music. This trick is best taught on a training stand.
Offer your right hand in front of your bird’s left foot for it to step up onto, but don’t let it. As soon as it lifts its foot to step up, withdraw your hand. Timing is important, as you don’t want your bird’s foot to touch your hand. As soon as it lifts its foot, praise and reward [P&R] your bird with its favorite treat and stop the music. This is similar with the way the wave is taught, the difference is that you are playing music during the training session.
**For the full article, pick up the August 2008 issue of BIRD TALK**
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