Empower Not Overpower

Today’s topic is on a quote used often in the industry. “Empower, not overpower.” It’s so well-known because of the truth behind it.

When working with any animal or person, it’s important for us to feel trustworthy by listening and respecting. Letting the animal have the understanding that they are respected and their body language is listened to can push you so much further. Allowing your animal to have choice can be the biggest blessing. Training on a longer T perch so there is clear communication if they are comfortable with engaging, and allows them to create distance for super clear communication. Remembering that a bite is communicating extreme discomfort, not “just a part of having birds” or making you think you need to be more “dominant” (whatever that is).

When we choose to try to overpower our bird, using force, coercion, positive punishers, we can bring along undesirable behaviors. Sure, your bird may have a behavioral change, and maybe the change meets your goals, but why is that change happening? Escape avoidance behaviors are likely the culprit. Learned helplessness?

Using unethical measures can bring about behavior change. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t exist as concepts. But, what are the side effects of using it? Is your animal actually learning, or preforming a behavior because they know if they don’t, something aversive will follow. Just like the reason “trainers” still want to use shock collars on dogs, despite the science stating how unethical and how it’s a less effective method than others used like positive reinforcement.

If we want respect, we have to give respect. If we want our birds to thrive, we have to empower them and not focus on overpowering. We have to remember that behavior is a huge part of communication, and when it’s ignored, it directly affects the relationship and bond we have with our birds.