What are the “step up” and “step down” commands? What are they good for?
“Step up” is for when the bird steps up onto someone’s finger, and “step down” for when the birds steps off someones finger. These are simple, easy commands that serve first and foremost as a means of communication between you and your bird. If you ask him to step up, he knows what you’re talking about and he knows what you expect of him. This seems like a simple thing, but it can mean a lot. For aggressive birds, a step up command properly carried through can let the bird know that you’re still in control of things. For shy or nervous birds, the step up command can be something that they are familiar with, something they are comfortable with, and something they know they can do. Even for the most well-adjusted bird, the step up command is just a good thing for both you and your bird. Dog owners will appreciate this: you don’t teach a dog to sit or stay just because you want the dog to sit or stay.
