Even though I was only gone for one full day, Oliver went into full blown Parrot Pout. He was icy in his demeanor with bouts of rage. He was clearly very angry that I left.
So I did what I do when anyone else throws a fit-I ignored him. I let him know that I was glad he was here, I missed him, but I didn't stand by his cage and plead for his forgiveness. And, pretty much like everyone else, when he got it out of his system he returned to his silly self.
I wanted to be very careful not to reward his anger-he learns so quickly that when anything new comes up I really have to sit back and consider what the best action is. He keeps me on my toes.
Poor guy was so distraught he wouldn't even dial his telephone. He just looked at me like "you do it, please, I cannot"...it made me giggle.
This morning all seems to be forgiven.
7 comments:
pretty much like the way we treat children...
not rewarding their anger...
Yeah, bit like me really.
Debs,
I would love to include you in my Denizens of Prozacville list. This would entail me drawing a P'ville avatar for you and putting a link for your blog. Would you allow me to do this?
It would be great if I could actually draw you from a recent picture, but if you don't want to send me one, could you perhaps describe yourself/your pill?
Thanks
Steve
(myheartismadeofgravy at gmail.com)
I'm truly honored Steve. I'll send you an e-mail.
HB-Grays are reputed to be about the intelligence level of a 3 year old....BUT, practice makes perfect. Oliver is 8 years old, and since I've had him he's been learning at an increasingly rapid rate-I've been doing things to help him learn to learn. Some days he scares me a little, he's so quick.
HAHA Parrots can be SOOOO moody but it's important to let him know who's boss ;)
I'm thinking that he would have went well in a rice dish.
oh yes Deb, from all the posts you'd written about Oliver, i had this impression that he is so clever... and you know why he is so quick? because you know the secret of teaching...
teach with a heart brimming with love and a determined mind flexible to the rules...
he feels that love... he feels it with all his cells...
we had cats and they behaved in a way contrary to their nature even without much training... one of them just sat with folded 'arms' in front of my mom cleaning the meat... without meowing... without touching... just watching... because she had trust in our love... she knew she would receive a good share... and she was so patient...
love does miracles...
love to you Debra....
oh man don't you just love all creatures, and that power of teaching them something new, i have it every day of my working life. nice to have you back, miss your posts. give ollie a smoochie pout from his 'auntie joss'.
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