Getting Cleo in the carrier....

12-24-2007, 09:11 PM

Today, I got Cleo in her carrier...FROM MY HAND!!!

First, I took the bottom half of the carrier, and set it on our bed in a neutral room. I had already put a perch in there. It is a manzanita perch and I am gonna replace it with something not as slick.
But, I took her from her tree stand on my hand (what a wonderful feeling) to the carrier bottom. I had placed a peanut and a cheese piece on the carrier bottom in plain view. I let her play around with all of that for awhile and sit on the perch. She was ok with it, but wanted off. I bragged and really made a big deal of it.
Then, I took the carrier out and put the top on without the door. This was more of a challenge. But after a few times I got her to ride my hand into the carrier and sit on the perch. She wanted out, but I continued to praise her and let her out. We played a bit but rehearsed this awhile.
Next I put the door on, and since she was grabbing the top going in, I held my other hand over that and made a QUICK ride into the carrier and set her on the perch.
*I'm cuing her with "go in" anytime we get past the door.
Once she was in and ok, not happy mind you, but ok, I closed the door and she stuck to the door like one of those garfield toys stuck to the window on a minivan. I kept reassuring her and making a big deal of it, then I carried her around the house in the carrier so that she could see she was safe. After about 5 minutes of that, I let her out in her room, then got her back on my hand and she went "home". (inside her cage)
So, it was successful and I was happy! I plan on drilling her with this as it is paramount now that she be able to be transported. Also, it should increase her trust in me and herself. Knowing she has safely returned from an adventure in the carrier.
Actually, I'm excited about maybe taking her out for a ride in the truck! Not OUT of the carrier, but still down the road in the truck.
haha, Cleo on wheels!
Just thought ya'll would want to know.
Mark