How We Train Apollo
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- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
- Alex & Me book: www.amazon.com...
The Alex Studies: www.amazon.com...
The Alex Foundation: alexfoundation...
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Sorry it took so long to put out a video I did this one all by myself 😭
Had to brush-up on my old notes and do some rereading. Thanks for your patience!
Training a Talking Parrot, Parrot Training Tutorial, how to Train an African Grey Parrot
I worked at the lab with Alex as an undergrad, and this video is spot on. It was a lot of fun doing these games with the three Greys. The youngest (Wart) was like one of those impulse-control-challenged kids and would blurt out random answers to things and then ask for his pasta haha. Stellar breakdown of this gentle educational method.
That is so cool 😎! Keep up the good work. Would Alex correct Wart or did Wart come along after Alex passed?
@@gloworm6387 Wart, Griffin, and Alex all lived together at the time I was there. Wart was very young, only 6 I think, I don't know how long he'd been there. Alex would not correct, just get a very annoyed look on his face and occasionally "beak" in Wart's direction, aka the "OMG you're so annoying" body language in a parrot. Alex was honestly so well educated at that point that he almost never got anything wrong unless he was grumpy and didn't want to play.
@@liabobiafirst of all, that's awesome! Second of all, does that mean they didn't do the M/R technique using Alex as the model/rival?
@@alexnelson7258 when I was there, the flock were never used as models/rivals with each other. Only humans played those parts. There were always two humans to run the games with one bird at a time, while the other two greys played or just kinda messed with us.
Could I ask at what age should I grey be started at M/R training?
Apollo giving Dalton a lil smooch at 3.24 is very cute lol
lmao "If Tori is me... Dalton is Dalton... so I'm Tori?"
Thank you for your comment because I missed that! So precious 😊
So precious!
funny enough mouth touching is a form of affection for birds, just for different reasons, it's an ingrained habit to give or receive regurgitation lol. Only for birds or creatures they have a bond with
1:07 This point of trainer and rival switching actually reminded me of the clip where Apollo asks what the kitchen tile is made of and after Dalton says that it's rock Apollo doubles down and says "it's glass" and actually corrects the rival/trainer, another way the social interactions can be "shared between anyone at anytime". Great video!
I saw this the other day and that came to my mind immediately.
IIRC, Apollo actually called the tile "glask" - a mix of "glass" and "rock". It was hard, translucent and shiny like glass, but did _not_ make a "ting" sound when he hit it with his beak. Thus, his little brain decided to make a word that combined both, since it had the properties of both.
Alex did something similar, albeit with phrases. After tasting cake for the first time, he referred to it as "yummy bread".
I remember that and thought it was amazing. Proof that it isn't rote memorization of objects. Apollo and his family are a never ending source of amazement and entertainment.
@@CorwinFound
When animals can combine the meanings of words to describe something, it’s almost proof that they understand the meanings and aren’t just learning what to say.
Some primate (I think an orangutan) was being taught sign language, and he wanted a banana, but didn’t know the word for it, so he put together “yellow” and “fruit” to convey it.
@@JanusHoW I don't think Apollo combined glass and rock. If you listen very carefully when Dalton is training with Apollo on the word, "glass," Dalton will say "yes, it's glass--good bird, apollo!" When Dalton says "glass--good," the end of "glass" and the beginning of "good" sounds like "glass-g." And that sounds exactly like "glassk."
I realized it when watching a video of Apollo saying "glassk." Once you hear Dalton saying it, you can't unhear it. The video I heard it in is here. You can clearly hear Dalton say "glassk" at 1:27 in that video.
ua-cam.com/video/B8-ZmuJixIg/v-deo.htmlsi=akW--aJR-XRCThdB
Apollo will also drop his "g" on the end of a word in that video, which is something all of us do at times. Apollo picked that up from Dalton or Tori as well. That isn't to say I don't believe Apollo understands the words he says, but I don't think he combines words to make new words that he's never heard.
I like how Dalton grabs the sock with his mouth like Apollo does 😂
After he peaked with the chair and pot hats nothing surprises me anymore
He just keeps us guessing
Why do you think apollo does it
Why do you reply with this on my comment?
@@XDarkGreyXI don't know, man. I was pretty surprised when he did "hat" with a ladder.
As a kid who grew up with an african grey parrot, the rival method is exactly how he learned so much. Parent/trainer yells at us to get down for school, and we respond 'ok'. Bird picked it up and would later either yell at us to get down for school, or he would reply 'ok' when my parents yelled it. Us kids being loud and playing got the parents attention, so the bird would make the same noises to get the same attention. It's almost shocking how fast he could learn using this method.
What an unexpectedly different but incredibly useful video! Thank you for taking the time to produce this for those of us with parrots and other feathered/furry friends!
Just realised Apollo was on the news a year ago!
I know this sounds weird, but I had a chicken who was interacted with since hatching, and really thought she was some weird form of human (or a cat--she and the cat were best buddies). She knew her name and came when called and seemed to understand a number of concepts (like "off the bed!"). She was treated like a housepet. I really think birds in general are underestimated.
One of my chickens figured out how to move both kinds of doors in their little house and the other somewhat learned to sit for a treat :)
@@chickenosaurus7474I just stopped in to say that I adore your UA-cam handle.
And to think Corvids are even smarter than parrots...
Nope sounds perfectly normal I have 19 myself the roosters seem more receptive to it but it’s likely because once I learn they’re a rooster I interact with them more to get them to trust me ever since one of my bantam roos lost their eye he’s gone full cat I think I’m his emotional support
My chickens, pullets actually, not even 6 months old, absolutely 100% know their names. They are spoiled. Especially the buff orps.
It's so sweet to see how you managed to train Dalton, Apollo seems like a great apprentice after all.
It's extremely exciting to see Apollo's progress in the granularity we get on UA-cam. His inquisition, and your patience and dedication... It's just amazing to see really. One of my absolute favourite things is how gentle he is when he taps Ophelia or Soleil (sorry if I spelt it wrong) after being asked, he's SO careful compared to when he smacks objects.
I go around and ping glass now just for fun too.
It's funny, I kept hearing you say words that Apollo also uses like "book" or "snack" and finally realizing where he gets those pronunciations from, it's uncanny
Couldn’t agree more 😊❤
Do I own a parrot? No.
Do I have plans on ever owning a parrot? No.
Am I watching this anyways?
...
Absolutely.
Did Apollo give Dalton a kiss? It was adorable
Would genuinely love to hear you and Dalton chat about language acquisition for hours
Same here
I love how Apollo has got your voices down so well. He's got your specific tones and everything! You are amazing to watch. Parrot really are like lifelong toddlers!
Fun Fact:
The technique in this video can also be used to teach children...all the way down to the pishash as a reward. ;)
I would also improve my behaviour for a pistash or a chocolate
It works on me, at 63 yoa when a coworker provides Extra Mile service to callers or the team and receives recognition for what she did (stayed on queue and went to break late to help calm down an out-of-control holding time) which is admirable.
The call out from a supervisor 1) brought it to notice and 2) made me think about MY level of White Glove Service. And it’s a change I’ve already made in my work day, although we don’t have the same tasks.
tori wants a S N A C C...
but seriously, what a cool vid! thank you for this one! hearing the way these doctors outlined the meaning and purpose of words as being important is not only related to psychology, but is also an important aspect of how we as humans learn language from a linguistics aspect!
....so if I try the lessons in this video, do I earn a pistach?
🎯♥️🔥🥰🤣
@@thomasboys7216 only if rival b rewards you with one
Tori saying "want a pisnack" killed me.
I’m an ESL teacher (English as a second language) and I’m surprised how much of what you’ve mentioned could be also applied to teaching humans😄 Incredible job with Apollo by the way!
If I remember correctly, the original method was first described as a way to teach children in school, though I don't know if it was ever actually used in Germany. And I think the method was derived from observations of how infant and toddler humans learn. That's part of what made Dr. Pepperberg's use of it in animal cognition so controversial - at the time, it was still thought that other animals couldn't formally learn from teachers (especially since attempts to teach English to chimpanzees and dolphins were complete failures, and efforts to teach ASL to chimps and gorillas was barely successful). Now we know that it's difficult to formally teach other humans using many of our current pedagogical techniques, and most childhood learning (especially language learning) still seems to work best using the model/rival method.
I mean humans are social animals ...
So it probably does work out that way
‘Time for some cringe role play’ I laughed at this. Great video guys, it’s important to understand the information behind the trainings
the how to train your dragon spin off we all needed
I missed these long length videos, glad there is a new one!
1:52 *this is a book*
I could hear you talk anout what you care about for hours! Wonderful people. And wonderful birds.
This is the first video I've watched with you leading the conversation and it not just being Apollo and the regular dude (Dalton?). It's so cool to hear so much of your inflection in Apollo's voice, and additionally cool to have a breakdown in your approach.
My family had an Alexandrine parrot growing up and I truly miss having a bird around the house. They're such jovial little creatures when they aren't having a meltdown.
Tori's curls are 🔥
Took me the whole video to adapt. I’m still not over it, tbh. 😮
I mean: technically she is as nerdy as ever, giving us an introductory lecture. It’s just her looks that seem out of character. But she really is in there, as the funny side eyes towards the fighting siblings confirm.
(From looking at the thumbnail, I originally had the impulse to shake her and yell:”What have you done to the real Tori!” - Looked like an evil twin scenario; hated it almost as much as I hated Lore when he pretended to be Data in Star Trek TNG. 😢 - On the other hand: made me click; but I’m pretty sure I would have clicked on “regular Tori” even faster.)
I definitely need a followup. 😊
Edit: if her transformation had also affected her glasses, I would have run away screaming 😂. - Now I wonder if any of the birds “Noped out”…
Edit 2: Man, I’m playful like an 8 year old with my Smiley use today. Now that’s OOC as well. Something’s in the air.
I know! I wonder how she keeps her hair so beautiful! ❤😊
Most enjoyable video Tori, you're incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated. I love the world you've opened up not only for Apollo but any bird owner who follows your channel. Knowing that birds have emotional needs makes them extra special to me and perhaps you could talk about that in one of your episodes. Good job!! 😃xx
3:23
This little kiss Apollo gives Dalton...
In the late 90 I used Dr Pepperberg's method to train my little girl (female African grey) Tanya. She was very good. Smart as a whip. Got context rather well. Unfortunately at nearly four years we discovered she had inoperable cancer. We kept her as comfortable as long as we could but finally the time came and 6 months later she passed.
Sorry about ur baby😢big hug.Lost my Conjure after 21yrs rescued her at 8. Do u know they story about Alex? BTW lost Burney 2 yrs ago in December n still swear I her hear at times???
@@Darla-p8v sorry for your loss. They become such a part of our lives. I have since stuck to dogs. A little easier to tell if there's something wrong with them medically, but unfortunately the trade-off is they are short-lived anyway. So that's a heartbreak every 13 years on average. Yes, I've read the story of Alex and Dr Pepperberg.
i like this; i have watched enough of y'all's videos and read a bit of Dr Pepperberg's stuff to have a baseline understanding, but i think it's great to make this sort of content along with the regular vids and shorts. bravo.
What a wonderful and different video, I had a few laughs and enjoyed it very much, thank you! Very quirky and very interesting and informative at the same time! Those bomb curls, I did not expect, very beautiful.
Although I don’t have a parrot, Im watching anyways to see Apollo and frens
So in a way training your bird will also train you and those around you? My dad can now identify GLASS and BEER
Excellent video tutorial, Tori! I don’t have a bird or animal to train, but I’ve been interested in Dr. Pepperberg’s work from TV shows, “Alex and Me”, and attending a small seminar led by her at Virginia Tech in 1999 (I think.) Bird behavior and ability and potential is fascinating to me. I really admire what you and Dalton are doing.
Great tutorial! It's motivated me to reread Alex & Me. I work with Huskies, chickens, rabbits, and cats, but am considering a parrot again... 🙏🏼
Great job Tori! Well explained.
give her another pistash!
This was very interesting! Whilst I’ll never train a parrot, I love learning about psychology so this was very fun
How do you know if not in actuality the parrot is training his both humans for his own PHD research.
I can't believe this series isn't called "Behind the Pistash'"
this is a really cool video and i believe that it could be used with more than just birds, keep making fun and enjoyable videos!
Don’t have a parrot but do have wild corvid friends that show up for snacks every day. Wonder if I could apply M/R somehow.
Thanks for the vid!
First you'll need to have them on a routine as to know when they expect snacks.
Get a friend to act as a crow. Be sure the real crows are watching.
Have the fake crow bring something desirable to a designated snack-exchange spot, and leave. Then you "discover" that this "crow" left you something. Trade the offering for food. More desirable offerings = better food.
Trust me, we did this ourselves with our backyard crows.
@@ApolloandFrensthat is so cool! I've been giving our neighborhood crows peanuts and they have started to follow us at a safe distance. We'll have to try some of these tips!
@@ApolloandFrens Oh this is interesting! I was very familiar with the crows that hang out at our local graveyard around a year ago, i bet i could've done something like this then if i really tried. I have since switched the routine of visiting them at the graveyard with feeding our local pigeons every day, though.
The pigeons do learn from each other too ofc, so they could probably be trained with m/r, even though there are less actions a human can do that you want your birds to do. Most notably they learn good behaviours from each other when they see that they will get rewarded with food if they fly up to my hands (or even shoulders/head), it's always exciting when a new one lands on me for the first time. :)
As roles are interchangeable, at a certain point Apollo will train you
As a psychology graduate who's interested in the underpinnings of consciousness in general (so not necessarily exclusive to humans), I do enjoy myself an animal video or two. This just shows how ingenious Mother nature's invention of the brain and the psyche are, as the level of variability in terms functionality seems huge. In either case, it should go without saying I therefore truly appreciate the underlying theory you present here! And I'm sure others do too, because don't we all wonder what goes on inside the head of the bird who touches purple?? More of these please!
I cant tell you how much I appreciate the time and dedication you both take to truly understand these birds. You assure these birds are recieving the best care and attention through studying material on their natural development and behavior. Birds arent easy pets and need a lot, you guys are just awesome to share this passion with us. Its been a treat to watch him progress in addition to the beautiful sisters. You two are also adorable to boot. A couple with a shared passion is always to beautiful thing to see!
I love watching your guy's videos! Your birds are stunning, and you guys are so fun to watch. Also, Tori, your hair is absolutely beautiful! I'm so jealous of those curls!
Alex was a special angel amongst us, and I love seeing you work with Apollo - he's awesome, and your patience w him is G O A L S !!!
Can u tell me where 2 find Alex's story?? I'm trying but nothing. THANK YOU ♥️ 😊 🙏 ♥️
@@Darla-p8v Just google "Alex the African Grey Parrot." He has his own Wikipedia page.
For those who don't know, Alex the Parrot is one of the smartest animals ever. Researchers working with Alex were able to demonstrate his understanding of words. One example is asking him "How many red circle blocks are there?" and showing him a table with an assortment of objects. The objects would have different colors, shapes, materials, and so on, including stuff like random coffee cups or food. Alex would count the number of red circle blocks and give the correct answer. If you asked him "How many red objects are there in total?" Alex could actually count the total, even after being asked about specific shapes/colors/whatever.
Alex is the only non-human to ever ask an existential question, which demonstrated self-awareness and an understanding of language. Alex once asked "What color am I?" This shows not only did he have curiosity, but that he knew other people existed with separate thoughts and also had self-awareness.
Sadly, we lost Alex too soon. He was only 31 when he died. His last known words were "I love you. You be good. See you tomorrow." which he said to his trainer when she left for the evening.
I wouldn't consider it cringe, it's quite interesting how you act as if you are a parrot being trained.
You guys are a buncha nerds...bird nerds...and I freaking love it!!! *I cohabitate with feathered friends currently, and since I was a kid.. it's a thing, I dont know, they just end up here rent free. But I admit, it wasn't until watching your channel that I even learned about dr. Pepperberg and I am incredibly fascinated by her work!! And really your work! You guys put a lot of effort and time to share how incredible birds are and I appreciate it! Also my husband loves when I show him videos of apollo!
I'm guessing Dalton is the student and Tori is Dr. Pepperberg. Tori is reading the literature, Tori is cooking the memes, I guess Dalton does the bird wrangling as part of his Master's thesis.
1:32 you can literally hear where Apollos voice comes from when Tori says book😂😂😂
Great video, thanks for explaining and teaching.
You can really hear that it’s Tori’s voice Apollo mimics most.
Irene, pepperberg used the same model with great success
I’d love to see more videos like this of the methods you guy use to train Apollo. Or just videos of training session recordings. The other one you posted a while back is so funny and it’s just super cool to see how you train him!
The modelling makes sense, but at first I was confused about why you'd want the model to give wrong answers sometimes
I guess it's important for Appolo to see that a particular word might be the right answer to some questions, and the wrong answer to other questions. Like with the plant: sometimes the answer is "plant" and sometimes the answer is "green". If he wasn't listening closely to the question then he might think that both words are interchangable. If he sees that they're not interchangable, then that's a prompt for to start to figuring out what he needs to do
Man, Apollo was the goat back in ‘nam. The shrocks were closing in on us and we were out of glask, but then a loud crash was heard… Apollo and all the warios touched purple and saved our lives,i cant thank Apollo enough
i remember reading about this experiment in high school!! it’s so cool to see it applied
As I suspected, Tori is the brains of this operation. Dalton is the eye candy.😂😂😂😂
ay, both seem like eye candy to me
tori is the eye candy. Dalton is some dude. @@bababooei
@@bababooeiAgreed. Defo a person of culture.
M/R training Dalton how to communicate emotional affect thru vocal inflection
(as a person who struggles with that myself, it is genuinely good to remember this is a skill I can practice and improve)
The Dalton impression was FLAWLESS
off topic but I really like your hair.
cool way to teach your parrots. seems to be the right way. they look very happy.
I only say “glass” and “mehhTAL” in Apollo voice these days.
Can I just say you have beautiful curls and hair!? Thanks for the video.
some birds prefer snuggles and scritches or attention and play over food rewards too! It's part of knowing your bird, I guess :3
Loved this video, so informative 😊
Thank you!
I think I might use these principles in teaching some humans in my household. The "regular old-school" methods didn't work so far 😂
WOW what a great video! Awesome. She's awesome
the role play….lmao. incredible. illuminating. evocative. 5 stars out of 4
Apollo has adapted to sounding like you,Dalton,I couldn't tell either of you apart,voice that is !! Tori I love your hair! It's really beautiful
Though not "talking", new members of my flock of budgies absolutely learn behaviors watching how the others interact with me. And also love trying to "help" with whatever I'm doing. How social parrots are is really amazing.
Wow, your hair looks great, did you try a curly routine?
Thanks for posting this! It’s awesome seeing the theory behind the training that we see you guys doing with Apollo. Unrelatedly: Tori your hair looks absolutely gorgeous 🤩
Apollo has since forgotten "oran".
He now only knows (to say) four colors.
Which, thanks to my protanopia, is two more than I can.
I don't know why, but I really want to listen to Weird Al now.
Still better than the usual McLovin comparison
@@ApolloandFrens I do Apollo-gise.
Great layout, Tori!
Out of curiosity, have any big names in this stuff (Pepperberg, I guess, I'm asking about Pepperberg, lol) ever to your knowledge seen Apollo's vids? (And I know at some point you were working with a local university; is that still on?)
Yep! Still working with Eckerd College and have had some contact with Dr. P herself through the school. Not sure how much of our content she's seen, but she knows what we're up to.
@@ApolloandFrens very cool!! 🥰
I don't even have a parrot and this is still incredibly fascinating. I first saw Apollo on a xpost to reddit and immediately thought of Alex. No wonder! now I get why
Oh my god she talks like the bird
3:18 lol the kiss
Longform content!? On this channel?! What is this world coming to?!
😏
There'd probably be more long form content on this channel if they weren't constantly being interrupted by screaming birds 😂
Excellent presentation, Tori! ♡
I did a research project on Irene Pepperburg in 4th grade, I ended up sending her a letter and was sent one back from her. I was so happy
That's so cool!
We would love to hear about language acquisition! We are curios about animal intelligence and would love to learn more.
So cringe; 10 out of 10, would cringe again. No but seriously, great vid, wonderful to see such young folk diving into learning such an esoteric thing so diligently. And it, obviously, is paying off (in many ways).
Dalton does a very good Apollo impression!
I want to thank you both once again for sticking with teaching Appollo appropriate language. When I hear birds that only know how to swear, say "omg", and go off on rants using "shut up" I feel sorry for them; I can't help but feel those birds are in chaotic homes with people who yell at each other and their pets.
I agree. Where else would the parrot learn the phrase "shut up". That phrase is never uttered in my home but it was probably said to the poor bird when they "talk". Not all people understand what they're getting into. Regarding those bird rants, it tells us so much more about the owner than the bird. And I don't think they realize it 😂
The worst thing I ever taught a parrot was open the door let me out.
I’m pretty sure my neighbours at the time thought I kidnapped someone.
I had wondered about the use of incorrect answers from a model/rival standpoint! Super interesting, thank you
That's very interesting 🎉 And what a lovely curls!
Thank you for sharing a piece of your Pepperberg version with Apollo! You guys have somehow make it popular and that's very valuable. Could I ask at what age should I grey be started at M/R training?
This was a fantastic video! These types of videos are so much work but if you ever wanted to geek out on video explanation videos in depth of all those things you mentioned you didn’t want to go into all us fellow bird freaks would be so interested in your knowledge of dr P’s studies and how you’ve applied it at home. All the knowledge you have and want to share in these style videos would be enjoyed. Apollo wasn’t even the main character in this video and we all watched from beginning to end. Great job! I haven’t had a cockatiel in 15 years but I’m still fascinated by the science we know so far and what we are trying to learn in the future.
You hav an awesome 🦜 🐦 parrot, and a good looking bird , stay awesome y'all from Australia 🇦🇺 😀
I've got zero plans to do this but this is cool to see regardless, good shit
Your hair looks pretty, Tori.
This is more or less the way we teach language to very young children, though generally I’d say that their reward is the delighted reaction and praise and affirmation of the adults around them, rather than a tasty snack!
Good to see you're doing better Tori 😊 Great video guys.
I was surfing parrot videos one day & accidentally hit on a bunch of vids with Dr. Pepperburg interviews & docs with her work with Alex (RIP). WOW! I just became fascinated. Did you ever catch the TED talk she did or NPRs moth radio piece?
Thanks for this! I have several parrots, but I know I won’t be able to train them even like the caiques. My caique is just too dumb. I love her, but she’s dumb
I really love the content you guys make. I find myself walking around saying Shrock to myself 😂
Very interesting. I don't have a parrot, but I've always been fascinated by them. It's really cool to see how you used this method knowing how well Apollo has learned
I just love the idea of apollo watching a grown man say "this sock is red" and him sitting there like "HA! I knew that one it's black"
I mostly get recommended videos of Dalton so it’s nice to get to know your personality as the other half of the “parents” of Apollo! It’s cool to know that you are the one who has studies this stuff. Thanks for making such great bird content!
This was a really cool video -thanks! This is very similar to how we trained 2 of my service dogs. (Background: I’ve had 4 over the past 30 years. #4 is currently in training. #2 passed before we could get #3 but 1/2 and 3/4 overlapped) When we got #3 and started her training 6 months ago we realized just how much easier it is to train one when there is a fully-trained model to watch and copy. Although #3 was sick and going through cancer treatment our new puppy was able to mimic behavior to get the treats and approval our previous girl was getting. We struggled a ton with training my 3rd dog after a breeze with my 2nd. Within days of picking up our third and watching her essentially monkey-see-monkey-do for a few days we started actively incorporating #3 with our training sessions with #4 and it has been a breeze. She actually learned to alert for my low blood sugar with absolutely no active training. She just followed her big sister around and did whatever she did. She began alerting even without the presence of #3. We had some similar experiences training #2 with #1 around. Anyway we lost her sister a couple weeks back but having seen how much was picked up in such a short period of time its like a little gift she left behind in the new pup. She still misses her sister but has so much confidence and has wowed our trainers with how quickly she learns. If she isn’t picking something up I have my husband do the action and she’s picked up tasks that way as well. It’s a little different than with birds but dogs are so social and eager to please that I dont think it’s a huge jump to think they are primed to learn in very similar fashions. Anyway - thanks for the educational video. I’ve also tricked-trained rats - also very social animals - for nearly 35 years too so I love learning about how other species learn. Just highlights how very little separates humans from other animals,3 especially when you see how similarly they thirst for knowledge and how eager they are to obtain approval. 🤔
I agree with everything said but I personally think it's a little more simple. Whether it's kids or animals, they all respond to positive attention and natural learning in a fun way. Not feeling like they are being forced to do something.