What do falconers use to train their birds?

Falconers primarily use positive reinforcement techniques to train their birds. This approach involves rewarding the bird for desirable behaviors, which encourages the animal to repeat those behaviors. Common rewards include food treats or praise, which help build a bond of trust and cooperation between the falconer and the bird.

Utilizing positive reinforcement aligns with the natural instincts of birds of prey, who are motivated by hunger and the desire to receive rewards. This training method is crucial in establishing a solid foundation for effective communication and understanding between the falconer and the bird, leading to successful hunting and performance in the field.

While negative reinforcement and traditional hunting methods may have their places in animal training, they do not foster the same level of trust and collaboration as positive reinforcement. Mechanical devices can assist in the training process but are not used as the primary method for training behavior.