I agree.

It sounds like Dante's going through the Terrible Two's. Have you read Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot by Mattie Sue Athan, yet? She covers how to prevent and "cure" the Terrible Two's.

But until you've got the book in your hands, I'll basically sum up what she wrote. First, DO NOT let Dante on your shoulders if he defies your commands. When he is on your shoulders, he is, in simpler terms, dominating you. And when you combine this domineering bird with the Terrible Two's, you're in for a ride. When the bird hits one to two years, he begins to defy rules, saying NO to everything. My first suggestion is to have the Step Up down and concrete. This is sort of like a birdie version of the canine NILIF - or Nothing in Life is Free. In the same way a dog is required to sit before eating his meal (thus, reinforcing the human as the alpha), the Step Up will reinforce that you are leader and gives you more control.

This is a time for development. So in order to cater to your juvenile's needs, you should incorporate positive daily rituals, plentiful toys to allow the bird to make his own individual decisions, and reduce Dante's opportunities to do BAD behaviors and increase his opporutunities to do GOOD behavior. You should also begin to explore birdie tricks, like hanging from a branch to reach for food in a human's hand, laying on his/her back (*only* if the bird is comfortable), and speaking.

Quite honestly, you should head out to the bookstore today and buy the Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot. It covers much more than I can write in a single post, and has some species specific tips. I wish you luck, and no, I don't think Dante's beak needs trimming. Just give him plentiful fresh twigs to shape his beak. Good Luck!