-=> Quoting Kathy Johnson to Pete Hopping <=-
 PH>But one of the things that was drummed into my head while in college
 PH>training to be a counselor was "find out who owns the problem."
 PH>In this case, is it the conure that is the problem, or is it the
 PH>conure's owner that is the problem? Sounds like both of them own
 PH>the problem and both of their behaviors must be changed in order
 PH>to eradicate the screaming.
 KJ> Exactly. I went over some of this today when Tracey picked up the
 KJ> bird. In the 2 weeks or so Cherry has been at my dad's, she's not been
 KJ> very loud. I explained to Tracey that WHENEVER Cherry screams, she is
 KJ> to LEAVE the room, even if she needed to be in there for some reason.
 KJ> Cherry MUST learn that screaming DOES NOT get Tracey's presence. Since
 KJ> it's imperative that Cherry figures this out FAST or she'll be
 KJ> "evicted" from Tracey's parents' home, I think Tracey will do it this
 KJ> time.
I surely hope so! It would be sad to have to give up a bird simply
because its owner needs training. (G)
 KJ> I believe a better job could be done by someone with a background in
 KJ> both psychology AND parrots. And the need is out there--MANY people
 KJ> have behavior problems with their birds. 
There was a news story on a local TV station about an "animal therapist"
who consults with people who have "problem pets." But she apparently
limits it to dogs and cats, and based on her statements she's not
using behavior mod, but "touchy-feelie" counselling....sheesh.
I can see it now...she's talking to a feather-plucking macaw and
saying, "So tell me, how did you get along with your mother?" 
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