[He chuckles a bit.]

I can't, actually! Most animals don't really care much what you call 'em, long as you have the right voice. If they can tell you mean well, I could call it sir or ma'am and it'll still be okay.

[That said, he waits for the Chocobo to take a step or two, before pressing his fingers in, and making the climb - !]

C'mon Donny...