WHY DOES THAT UNDESIRED BEHAVIOR EXIST, is the latest contribution of our bird behavior and training expert Lara Joseph. We are truly thrilled and honored that the world renowned authority contribute to our “FYI” every month.
Does your bird exhibit an undesired behavior such as screaming, chasing, or lunging at certain people? If so, that it is because it is serving a purpose for your bird. The undesired behaviors are being reinforced. Reinforcement is the process of something happening after the behavior that causes that behavior to maintain or increase. All three of the above behaviors are very common in the companion parrot community.
If a bird is screaming because it can’t see you or wants your attention and you walk in the room and tell it to be quiet, you have just reinforced the behavior of the bird screaming. If the bird wanted your attention, it received it when you walked in and when you told it to be quiet. The screaming was reinforced. The screaming serves a purpose for the bird; therefore it exists and is highly likely it will continue. You can change or modify behaviors such as the ones listed above. If the bird wants your attention, give it the attention when it is doing something desirable and easy to live with such as whistling. At the same time ignore the undesired behavior such as screaming. Using these two tactics together can quickly change behavior. Before you use this tactic, make sure you have properly identified the reinforcer for the undesired behavior, such as attention. This way you can withhold that while it is screaming and deliver it when it is doing something else, such as whistling. For more information and articles on changing behaviors, visit my website at larajoseph.com.
SANTA-PET PICTURES There are still time slots available for our annual Santa-Pet pictures! Professional photographers Bridgette and Joseph will provide a new and exciting back drop for their studio quality digital photos. The basic package includes a 5X7 color print and 4 wallet sized photos. The cost for each sitting in the basic package is $22.00. A donation of $5 per sitting will be made to the Memories Live on Animal Foundation. Call the office to reserve a time slot, 419-885-4421.
BEST OF TOLEDO 2011 The annual Best of Toledo contest is well underway. Please vote for your favorites in the Toledo City Paper’s Best of Toledo 2011. This link will take you directly to the ballot. We are rallying to receive the Best Veterinarian award for the fifth consecutive year!
- Best Veterinarian = SylvaniaVET
- Best Doggie Daycare = SylvaniaVET
- Best Local Facebook Page = Help Save Lola!
Have a safe and happy holiday season. Please remember we are will be closed for appointments Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but Dr. Hart will be on call, and the hospital is always staffed 24/7.
Sincerely,
SylvaniaVET
