by Maggie- » Wed Apr 25, 2007 8:46 pm
Hi Nelson,
If Lilo is afraid of the stick, stop using it.
As we discussed by phone, let Lilo climb to the top of his cage and then roll his playpen perch over for him to climb onto. Then move it away, slowly and then pick him up. He may be afraid of the moving motion when you move it away from the cage, so do it slowly AND with assurances. "It's okay, Lilo. Lilo safe!" If he is afraid, move it at a snail's pace or leave it alone for awhile and then move it slowly later. It all depends on his temperment and reactions.
Congrats on not chasing him on the floor. He will easily get on your hand from the floor. That is very good. You may want to use the floor to help you work with Lilo. When you can set some time for this, sit with Lilo on the floor (away from the cage) and practice having him get onto..stay on...and getting off your hand. This will help him develop more trust towards your hand.
Whenever you want Lilo to come out of something and he won't, get his favorite treat and put it where you want him to go. This may make him move his booty.
As a matter of fact, and if you haven't, you need to identify Lilo's FAVORITE TREAT. Whatever it is, do NOT serve it in his bowl or cage or play area. Save it to be given by your hand only. Break it into bits: ie...break a cashew into pieces or bits...or peanuts...or use one sunflowewr seed at a time. When he is good or when you want him to get onto your hand, use the treat. For example, when you are with him by the playpen or on the floor, offer a treat bit. Put the back of your hand out there for him to get on. Then hold a treat bit in your left hand closer to your body. Lilo will have to "climb onto" your hand to get the treat bit.
Once you have him trained, knowing he will get a treat bit when he politely gets on your hand, you are ready to use it for the cage. When you want him to get onto your hand from the cage, let him climb up to top of cage. Then put your right hand out, say UP and hold your left hand (with bit in it) closer to your body so he can see it. Give him the treat the MOMENT he gets onto your hand. "Good boy!!!"
When you are not trying to get him off the cage, spend time sitting on the floor, below the cage. Keep your eyes downcast and talk to him. Tell how wonderful he is and so on, and give him a treat bit every once in a while so he gets comfortable with your hands again.
Most importantly, do NOT give up. Call me any time.
GREY'T Blessings,
Maggie-