What is the purpose of antecedent arrangement in training?

The purpose of antecedent arrangement in training is to make it easier for the bird to perform desired behaviors. This involves structuring the environment to encourage positive behavior and increase the likelihood that the bird will succeed in executing the desired action. By arranging the antecedents—such as cues, prompts, or conditions that lead to a behavior—the trainer sets the stage for success.

For example, if a trainer wants a bird to learn to step up, positioning the bird in a safe and comfortable area or using visual cues can facilitate this learning process. By enhancing the situation to favor good responses, the bird is more likely to engage in desired behaviors, which contributes to a smoother training experience and reinforces positive outcomes.

This concept applies to a wide range of species and is beneficial regardless of a bird's food motivation or species type. Effective training methods utilize antecedent arrangements alongside positive reinforcement to foster a more productive and less stressful situation for the bird.