Dogs and Birds

Question:

Maybe it was just your little Pom/Terrier mix. I have a Jack Russell Terrier, he’s terrified of my Teils.  I have no idea why, they’ve never done anything to him, but he’s sure that they mean him some harm.  He stays as far from them as possible, unless one of us is sitting near the cages then he’ll come and lay behind our legs, but only with extreme caution will he do this.

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I have a 7 month old Chesapeake Bay Retriever and I wonder if anyone else out there has one and has a parrot too.  I would like to get a parrot sometime in the near future, but I’m concerned about the Chessie.  They are hunting dogs, but they are very gentle with anyone who is a member of their family, including children and other species.  Lando (the dog) is pretty rambunctious due to his age, but I am very strict with him about running around in the house and getting him to control his jumping as he weighs over 80 pounds and I just can’t   have him throwing himself around!  We also have two cats that he is learning to get along with well. I wouldn’t be ready for a bird until well into next year, when Lando would be a lot more socialized for being in the house.  He is already very well-behaved and calm for his age.  I can get him to settle down very quickly if I need to.  I read about the LEAVE IT command from articles I found at birds-n-ways and I know from working with Lando that he would be able to learn this easily.  The bird and the dog would NEVER be left alone unsupervied, ever. Anyone else have a Chessie and birds?  Any advice would be helpful! Thanks, Liz —

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> I would be interested in knowing which breeds are best in cohab. with birds.

Dunno…. have heard the *worst* are those dogs bred to hunt ground animals, like terriers…   I suppose the opposite of this would be a big hefty working dog like a Bouvier or St. Bernard, I bet they aren’t too interested in birds, but their owners would know better than I. LD

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> I would be interested in knowing which breeds are best in cohab. with birds.

For heavens sake, no terriers! For years we had a lovely beagle/shep cross who was 38 pounds and actually AFRAID of the 38 GRAM budgie. They basically ignored each other. This dog died in May and a few weeks later we found a small Pom/terrier cross at the pound, an adorable but exasperating little critter who thinks of the budgie as a GREAT chase toy and wants to play with him. We have to ride herd on them very carefully. Linda The Parakeet Lovers’ Song: "You’re Nobody Till Some Budgie Loves You"

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we just got a quaker and your not the only one i have two american stafforidshire terriers and the male dosent pay any attention but the female is on gaurd as sone as the bird squaks and is trying to get to it every second. anyone  hade any luck curing this problem?

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Our dogs were raised with birds and they’ve always cohabitated well. WHat I’ve found though, is the smaller the bird, the more intriguing it is to my dogs. Our larger birds sit under our breakfast bar with the dogs, and they all wait for crumbs to drop. When we’re eating dinner and having our vegetables, all the animals get some. The parrots will climb onto the dogs and groom them while they’re sleeping, or just snuggle up against them. One thing you have to be very careful of is that dogs never lose their animal instinct. The more horror stories I hear, the less I’m inclined to let the birds roam so freely.

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I would squirt dog with a water gun and firmly say "no"…..I have cats as well and they know the birds are mine! Pami – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> we just got a quaker and your not the only one i have two american > stafforidshire terriers and the male dosent pay any attention but the > female is on gaurd as sone as the bird squaks and is trying to get to it > every second. anyone  hade any luck curing this problem?

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I have a sweet new cockateil (my first bird). I also have 3 dogs that stay inside quite a bit. I’m just wondering if anyone has had any lucky getting their dogs and birds to share space in a peaceful manner. I’m having to let the dogs out every time I want to let Dante out of his cage. Thanks, Sleepless

This is one of those things that always stirs up a lot of people. You get a lot of "it won’t work and your an idiot for trying" kind of crap. I have birds cats and a dog and they all get along with each other. Did it just happen? NO!! It took a lot of work. If ou are willing to take the time and supervise carefuly you can train dogs and cats to leave the birds alone. "Taxes are not levied for the benefit of the taxed" "You live and you learn or you don’t live long" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Lazarus Long

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I have a room full of finches that the dog has always had access to and never touched a one.  Then, I put a budgie in another room that the dog frequented as well.  The dog knocked over the cage and ate the budgie! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have a sweet new cockateil (my first bird).  I also have 3 dogs that stay > inside quite a bit.  I’m just wondering if anyone has had any lucky getting > their dogs and birds to share space in a peaceful manner.  I’m having to let > the dogs out every time I want to let Dante out of his cage. > Thanks, > Sleepless

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I have a beagle visiting my macaw for a month and the beagle is very much aware that the macaw is to be left alone.  It’s interest is in cats.  I would suspect that now that your dog has tried a budgie that they are not safe with the dog in any room. I would be interested in knowing which breeds are best in cohab. with birds. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I have a room full of finches that the dog has always had access to and never >touched a one.  Then, I put a budgie in another room that the dog frequented as >well.  The dog knocked over the cage and ate the budgie!

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Dogs and birds can get along well depending on the individual dogs and birds, however you must never leave them alone unsupervised, it’s too dangerous.  Dogs can’t help their predatory instincts, espec some breeds of dogs that were bred to hunt other animals. LD

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There’ve been lots of posts on "getting along" presented in the past. It helps to have a big bird that bites. That usually keeps cats at bay. The thing is that yours is a small bird and your place is dog territory, and the boys know it. I guess you’ll always have to keep an eye on Dante (and eventually let his wings grow so he can avoid the dogs if he has to) but a little obedience training of the dogs might help. My mom’s cockatiel frequently flutters down to the kitchen floor and starts walking around the house looking for my mom. At first, the Lhasa Apso was intrigued and would turn to face Mishkin. But my mom discouraged the Lhasa and hasn’t encouraged Mishkin to go looking for people. — Mickey "I’m not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes, because I know I’m not dumb … and I also know that I’m not blonde."  –  Dolly Parton

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I have a sweet new cockateil (my first bird).  I also have 3 dogs that stay inside quite a bit.  I’m just wondering if anyone has had any lucky getting their dogs and birds to share space in a peaceful manner.  I’m having to let the dogs out every time I want to let Dante out of his cage. Thanks, Sleepless

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I have an australian sheppard, and he is great around my birds.The worst he tries to do is herd them when they are on the floor.  I would totally reccomend hearding dogs for bird owners looking for a pupy. Diane

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> A lot of bird people I know say collies and similar sheep > herding dogs are very good around birds. Friends in my bird > club have goldens that behave very well around their many > birds. I have a lab mix who is very calm and well behaved > around my cats and parrot.  I have another friend with > a U2 and a Saint Bernard who is terrified of the U2; the > U2 adores the dog. > The types I would avoid are terriers (although I had a wheaten > who would be good even near my budgies so it’s not a hard and > fast rule) and other breeds who were developed for hunting > birds and small animals. > Dogs are very trainable and plenty of my bird club friends > own dogs. You always need to supervise the birds when they are > out in the presence of the dog, but in most cases, you don’t > have to be on a hair-trigger or anything after you have passed > the introduction period. > Janet Levy

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> I know this has been discussed many times on here, and all posts saying > "Don’t get a dog if you have a bird" will be aptly ignored.  At some time > in my life down the road, I’m thinking of getting a dog.  I currently have > a CAG.  

Hi Chris, I have a Timneh and had him for 4 years before getting my first dog, a Pomeranian. I purposely wanted to get a smallish dog, and one that wasn’t a hunting-type dog of any kind (i.e., no scent- or sight-hounds, no retrievers). Anyone who says "don’t get a dog if you have a bird" doesn’t have a dog!  Or else maybe they don’t have the right kind of dog.  I’ve had no problem with my dog-birds (I have another bird as well–a lovebird).  My TAG really likes the dog.  He loves to feed her.  He’ll take something from one of his food dishes, and then make his way slowly but surely to the outside of the cage, and down, down, down until he’s as low as he can go, and if he’s lucky he still has it in his beak. . .the dog always seems to know what’s going on and is waiting patiently for the bird to arrive with the goody.  The bird (Buckwheat) also talks to the dog, and of course he loves to throw his toys out and watch the dog run and take the toy, and then run off with it. It’s a wonderful thing to see.  Of course, you must use common sense no matter what kind of dogs and birds you have, for both the dog’s sake and the birds’.  But I don’t think you should hesitate; just make sure you do your homework and get the right kind of dog! Best, Lesley

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I agree with terriers.  I have a yorkie and an eclectus.  I wouldn’t trust them alone together but they are fine when I am watching them.  Just this morning the eclectus was running around on the floor and the yorkie kept running past him really fast, like he was going to get him, but not.  They are a hoot together.  When the Oscar (the bird) is in his cage and Scooter (the yorkie) is scrounging around for food, Oscar will get at the very bottom of the cage and tease him.  They end up fighting mouth to mouth through the cage bars.  Sometimes Oscar goes over to Scooter’s cage and gets on the top.  Scooter hates him near his cage.  So while Scooter is watching Oscar will swing the door open and shut with his beak to make Scooter mad. Too funny, but like I said, If I ever turned my back I don’t know what would happen.

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My dobie sees the birds as yet another part of his "territory" that he feels responsible to watch over.  I agree that breeds can make all the difference. Dobies are protective, and he’s protective of the birds as well as the people in the family. owly

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> A lot of bird people I know say collies and similar sheep > herding dogs are very good around birds. Friends in my bird > club have goldens that behave very well around their many > birds. I have a lab mix who is very calm and well behaved > around my cats and parrot.  I have another friend with > a U2 and a Saint Bernard who is terrified of the U2; the > U2 adores the dog. > The types I would avoid are terriers (although I had a wheaten > who would be good even near my budgies so it’s not a hard and > fast rule) and other breeds who were developed for hunting > birds and small animals. > Dogs are very trainable and plenty of my bird club friends > own dogs. You always need to supervise the birds when they are > out in the presence of the dog, but in most cases, you don’t > have to be on a hair-trigger or anything after you have passed > the introduction period. > Janet Levy

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A lot of bird people I know say collies and similar sheep herding dogs are very good around birds. Friends in my bird club have goldens that behave very well around their many birds. I have a lab mix who is very calm and well behaved around my cats and parrot.  I have another friend with a U2 and a Saint Bernard who is terrified of the U2; the U2 adores the dog. The types I would avoid are terriers (although I had a wheaten who would be good even near my budgies so it’s not a hard and fast rule) and other breeds who were developed for hunting birds and small animals. Dogs are very trainable and plenty of my bird club friends own dogs. You always need to supervise the birds when they are out in the presence of the dog, but in most cases, you don’t have to be on a hair-trigger or anything after you have passed the introduction period. Janet Levy

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I am new to posting, I read this group alot, but we have an 11 month old TAG, a 5 yoa golden and an 11 month old golden. The pup and Kaya our TAG are jealous of each other if I hold either one, the other acts up. Neither dog has ever threatened Kaya in anyway. If the dogs get too close, Kaya pecks at them and lets them know he’s too close. We do not leave the three alone, and we always monitor when they are in the room together as accidents can happen.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->   Thanks to the few people who have answered my question and not just > given me the standard line of "Well you’re taking a chance…blah blah > blah" > I have a Springer Spaniel, Lab & a cat and they ignore my birds, except to > check-out what food they have thrown on the floor for them.  Never are they > left alone when the birds are out – I worry more about the birds drawing the > blood, if they come nose to beak. > >    I know this has been discussed many times on here, and all posts saying > > "Don’t get a dog if you have a bird" will be aptly ignored.  At some time > > in my life down the road, I’m thinking of getting a dog.  I currently have > > a CAG.  I was just wondering what kind of dogs people have out there. > > I’ve always wanted a beagle, but wanted to get an idea of dogs out there > > that have "good" temperments wil small animals.  I know all dogs are > > different and can be taught about respecting other animals in a house. > > I know this is true, since my brother had a dog living with him, a big one > > (Bull Mastiff) and he moved due to change of jobs and since it happened > > fast, he couldn’t find a place that would allow dogs.  So my parents ended > > up taking him in.  Now at my parent’s house there was already a big dog > > (Akita mix) and a cat.  Now the mastiff didn’t have any other "friends" > > growing up, where the akita and cat grew up together and played together. > > When the mastiff first came to live with my parents or anytime he had > > visited in the past, he would chase the cat as soon as he saw her. I would > > say after a few months of slowly introducing them to each other, the > > mastiff doesn’t even give the cat a notice when she’s in the same room, > > but the cat is very cautious and hardly ever lets her eyes off him. > >   So anyways, that story was just for all those people who think that > > having a dog is a big no-no.  Now I know a cat is probably a bit different > > then a bird, but I’m not talking about letting the dog and bird becomes > > close buddies, just the point where if we’re all in the same room, the dog > > will think nothing of the bird.  And I know the whole never leave them > > alone, of course the skepticxs will say a mistake wil happen. > >   So what’s your breed of dog? > >   Chris >     Chris Griffiths > "That’s my purse! I don’t know you!"  - Bobby Hill

Response:

I’ve heard they are more fun in pairs… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Just one little presa canario?  What harm? > — > Sincerely, > Joanne > If it’s right for you, then it’s right, . . . . . for you!!! > Play – http://www.jobird.com > Pay for Play – http://www.jobird.com/refund.htm > Looking for Love? – http://www.jobird.com/hearts.htm

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>I have a question for those of you who own dogs and birds. My conure, Thalo, >and my Australian Shepherd, Tucker are pals. Thalo rides around on Tucker >all the time making him look like some sort of canine Long John Silver. Flea >season is coming up and I am concerned about using a flea collar (for >Tucker, not me;-). I haven’t spoke with our vet yet. Do any of you have >suggestions? >Cliff Bettis

Flea collars usually contain organophosphates which could harm your bird. They are also not very efficient and last for a short time. Talk to your vet about a better way of flea control and what would be safe for your bird.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I know this has been discussed many times on here, and all posts saying > "Don’t get a dog if you have a bird" will be aptly ignored.  At some time > in my life down the road, I’m thinking of getting a dog. >     [etc...] > FurGED a bow dit. >                                 Jack > — > aka Keet        Visit my web page at http://junior.apk.net/~jac/ >     * If you post a followup, -DO NOT- email me a copy of it! * >              Top-posters are generally ignored

Just one little presa canario?  What harm? — Sincerely, Joanne If it’s right for you, then it’s right, . . . . . for you!!! Play – http://www.jobird.com Pay for Play – http://www.jobird.com/refund.htm Looking for Love? – http://www.jobird.com/hearts.htm

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As a dog groomer I deal with different breeds every day. My take on the beagle idea would be only if you have a very large yard or a LOT of time to take the little rascal out for LONG walks! These dogs are true to the bone hunting dogs when their very sensitive nose finds a scent their brain disappears and all the dog knows is the scent he’s tracking. they have a lot of energy have a really hard time sitting still and OH Boy lets not mention the holes they will dig! Their cute, small and pretty lively but they do require a lot of training and time to be good pets,  if your still set on a beagle I would definitely go with a female, They seem to be the calmer of the two. Have you looked into an italian grey hound?  Nice dogs, short hair and most are happy to take a nice walk once or twice a day.  They are hounds but it seems as if the hunting instinct has been more or less subdued in this breed, they’ve turned into mostly spoiled lap dogs. How about a french bull dog or an english bull dog? Basset hounds are nice laid back dogs. pugs,Bichons,poodles,pomeranians, usually anything in the toy group seem to be safe around birds. boston terrier, shihtzu, stay away from the Lhasa Apso’s my experience has been their a little nippy(sorry any Lhasa owners) Jump into a lot of research before you buy any dog. remember these are living things that’s not so nice to have to take back because it just doesn’t fit right. Oh..always find a good breeder in your area. stay away from the pet stores. I myself have a rottweiler who never looks twice at the birds until they have food then she definitely hovers around the playstands. Lisa And you may say to yourself "Well..how did I get here?"    Once in a lifetime,  Talking Heads

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>I have 2 pugs and a CAG. I had one of the pugs before I got my CAG. My dogs >don’t even pay attention to the bird. It’s like they don’t even notice her. >I’m sure they do……but they just don’t care I guess. So……I haven’t >had any problems with my dogs and my bird.

Maybe its a pug thing.  They weren’t bred to take any special notice of animals (hunting, sporting, gaurding, etc) so a dog like the pug would be an excellent choice with someone who has birds.  When I have dogs, I have a feeling most of them will be pugs.  :) http://www.stacyinthecity.com http://www.frogduck.com

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i have a lab and a standard poodle.  they were both there first.  they are very gentle around my african grey…and a little afraid of him. i would never leave them alone even though i trust them.  my labs tail alone could really hurt the bird.  they all seem to love each other. my dogs like to lie below the dining room table – the bird feeds them!  people have made comments about having a lab around a bird.  but they are retrievers, not killers.  labs retrieve very gently.  their soft mouths are made for that.  I"M not suggesting that i’d play retriever with the bird, just that in my experience i find labs to be very gentle around people and other animals of all kinds.

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I have 2 pugs and a CAG. I had one of the pugs before I got my CAG. My dogs don’t even pay attention to the bird. It’s like they don’t even notice her. I’m sure they do……but they just don’t care I guess. So……I haven’t had any problems with my dogs and my bird.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->    I know this has been discussed many times on here, and all posts saying > "Don’t get a dog if you have a bird" will be aptly ignored.  At some time > in my life down the road, I’m thinking of getting a dog.  I currently have > a CAG.  I was just wondering what kind of dogs people have out there. > I’ve always wanted a beagle, but wanted to get an idea of dogs out there > that have "good" temperments wil small animals.  I know all dogs are > different and can be taught about respecting other animals in a house. > I know this is true, since my brother had a dog living with him, a big one > (Bull Mastiff) and he moved due to change of jobs and since it happened > fast, he couldn’t find a place that would allow dogs.  So my parents ended > up taking him in.  Now at my parent’s house there was already a big dog > (Akita mix) and a cat.  Now the mastiff didn’t have any other "friends" > growing up, where the akita and cat grew up together and played together. > When the mastiff first came to live with my parents or anytime he had > visited in the past, he would chase the cat as soon as he saw her. I would > say after a few months of slowly introducing them to each other, the > mastiff doesn’t even give the cat a notice when she’s in the same room, > but the cat is very cautious and hardly ever lets her eyes off him. >   So anyways, that story was just for all those people who think that > having a dog is a big no-no.  Now I know a cat is probably a bit different > then a bird, but I’m not talking about letting the dog and bird becomes > close buddies, just the point where if we’re all in the same room, the dog > will think nothing of the bird.  And I know the whole never leave them > alone, of course the skepticxs will say a mistake wil happen. >   So what’s your breed of dog? >   Chris

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Can’t speak for other breeds of dogs, but I have a Cairn Terrier and two birds. The terrier adores the birds – even guards the cage when I put it on the floor to clean it. When she sees birds in other people’s homes, she’ll sit in front of the cage all the time, fascinated by its inmates…I don’t think she’d ever harm a bird. Maybe it depends on the dog, and on the education it gets.

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I have a question for those of you who own dogs and birds. My conure, Thalo, and my Australian Shepherd, Tucker are pals. Thalo rides around on Tucker all the time making him look like some sort of canine Long John Silver. Flea season is coming up and I am concerned about using a flea collar (for Tucker, not me;-). I haven’t spoke with our vet yet. Do any of you have suggestions? Cliff Bettis

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Chris, lots of people have dogs, cats, and birds.  The trouble arises when they assume the dog or cat is "trained" and won’t go after the bird, and allow them to interact or be out in the house together.  Or, when someone forgets to close a cage door.  They SHOULD be trained to leave the birds alone, but they may forget their training if the people aren’t vigilant. I had cats and birds for years without any incidents, though looking back I have to wonder how much of that was dumb luck.  From what I know of other people’s pets-eating-pets, it’s more likely a dog will go after the birds than a cat.  We even have an aquaintence whose dogs catch and eat wild birds. You can have dogs and birds…just be very careful, and never give in to temptation to let them interact.

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A German Shepherd Dog and a cat. Dog is not allowed in the birds room if they are out of their cages, she knows that and so does my CAG who will promptly scream "get out" when the dog sneaks in. There can be peace among the species. — Chirps, barks and meows, Lillian Tuko – Congo African Grey – http://home.pacbell.net/lidemi/Tuko/tuko.html Birt – Double Yellow-headed Amazon – http://home.pacbell.net/lidemi/Birt/birt.htm Rigel – San Francisco Alley Cat Rapture – German Shepherd Dog

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have a Springer Spaniel, Lab & a cat and they ignore my birds, except to > check-out what food they have thrown on the floor for them.  Never are they > left alone when the birds are out – I worry more about the birds drawing the > blood, if they come nose to beak. >    I know this has been discussed many times on here, and all posts saying > "Don’t get a dog if you have a bird" will be aptly ignored.  At some time > in my life down the road, I’m thinking of getting a dog.  I currently have > a CAG.  I was just wondering what kind of dogs people have out there. > I’ve always wanted a beagle, but wanted to get an idea of dogs out there > that have "good" temperments wil small animals.  I know all dogs are > different and can be taught about respecting other animals in a house. > I know this is true, since my brother had a dog living with him, a big one > (Bull Mastiff) and he moved due to change of jobs and since it happened > fast, he couldn’t find a place that would allow dogs.  So my parents ended > up taking him in.  Now at my parent’s house there was already a big dog > (Akita mix) and a cat.  Now the mastiff didn’t have any other "friends" > growing up, where the akita and cat grew up together and played together. > When the mastiff first came to live with my parents or anytime he had > visited in the past, he would chase the cat as soon as he saw her. I would > say after a few months of slowly introducing them to each other, the > mastiff doesn’t even give the cat a notice when she’s in the same room, > but the cat is very cautious and hardly ever lets her eyes off him. >   So anyways, that story was just for all those people who think that > having a dog is a big no-no.  Now I know a cat is probably a bit different > then a bird, but I’m not talking about letting the dog and bird becomes > close buddies, just the point where if we’re all in the same room, the dog > will think nothing of the bird.  And I know the whole never leave them > alone, of course the skepticxs will say a mistake wil happen. >   So what’s your breed of dog? >   Chris

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We have a Boston Terrier and a Meyers parrot and they are the best of friends! They are out together all the time and the dog WORSHIPS the bird because the bird FEEDS the dog!  He drops food on the floor and the dog is immediately there to clean it up!  I wouldn’t have a parrot without a "vacuum cleaner" dog.  The dog was a part of the family for many years before the parrot arrived, but the parrot didn’t take long to rise to "king of the household" (LOL)    By the way, we also have a dwarf rabbit running around with the rest of the zoo and everyone gets along beautifully.  The dog chases rabbits and birds outside, but is smart enough to know everything in the house is part of our family . . . and not a toy.    I raised cockatiels and canaries for many years with 2 siamese cats, a poodle and Brittany spaniel.  The only one who ever did damage to any of my birds was the mini-poodle.  And, after the first incident, she never got into the birdroom again.  Our Brittany was a hunting dog, but she didn’t consider the inside animals birds, so she was never interested in them.    I think every dog is different, but most dogs can be trained to be calm and unaffected by birds. However,  you must spend the time and be very vigilent until you feel comfortable with the situation.    By the way, our Boston Terrier is 8 and our Meyers Parrot is 4, and they have been together with the rabbit for 3 1/2 years. Sue "All my life I wanted to somebody . . .guess I should have been more specific".            -Lily Tomlin

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  Thanks to the few people who have answered my question and not just given me the standard line of "Well you’re taking a chance…blah blah blah" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have a Springer Spaniel, Lab & a cat and they ignore my birds, except to > check-out what food they have thrown on the floor for them.  Never are they > left alone when the birds are out – I worry more about the birds drawing the > blood, if they come nose to beak. >    I know this has been discussed many times on here, and all posts saying > "Don’t get a dog if you have a bird" will be aptly ignored.  At some time > in my life down the road, I’m thinking of getting a dog.  I currently have > a CAG.  I was just wondering what kind of dogs people have out there. > I’ve always wanted a beagle, but wanted to get an idea of dogs out there > that have "good" temperments wil small animals.  I know all dogs are > different and can be taught about respecting other animals in a house. > I know this is true, since my brother had a dog living with him, a big one > (Bull Mastiff) and he moved due to change of jobs and since it happened > fast, he couldn’t find a place that would allow dogs.  So my parents ended > up taking him in.  Now at my parent’s house there was already a big dog > (Akita mix) and a cat.  Now the mastiff didn’t have any other "friends" > growing up, where the akita and cat grew up together and played together. > When the mastiff first came to live with my parents or anytime he had > visited in the past, he would chase the cat as soon as he saw her. I would > say after a few months of slowly introducing them to each other, the > mastiff doesn’t even give the cat a notice when she’s in the same room, > but the cat is very cautious and hardly ever lets her eyes off him. >   So anyways, that story was just for all those people who think that > having a dog is a big no-no.  Now I know a cat is probably a bit different > then a bird, but I’m not talking about letting the dog and bird becomes > close buddies, just the point where if we’re all in the same room, the dog > will think nothing of the bird.  And I know the whole never leave them > alone, of course the skepticxs will say a mistake wil happen. >   So what’s your breed of dog? >   Chris

    Chris Griffiths "That’s my purse! I don’t know you!"  - Bobby Hill

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>>    I know this has been discussed many times on here, and all posts saying > "Don’t get a dog if you have a bird" will be aptly ignored.  At some time > in my life down the road, I’m thinking of getting a dog.  I currently have > a CAG.  I was just wondering what kind of dogs people have out there. > I’ve always wanted a beagle, but wanted to get an idea of dogs out there > that have "good" temperments wil small animals.  I know all dogs are > different and can be taught about respecting other animals in a house. ><snip>

I have 6 dogs. Ranging from a giant schnauzer,down to a shi-tzu. In the main, I would say, avoid any breeds who’s origins are of a vermin control, or huunting background. That will incluse all or the terriers, and also breeds like dachsunds. Anything that was bred to chase small animals will, even if they have been pet bred for generations, still have some vestige of their history in their make up. I have to say, that will include beagle. If the breed has been used for retrieving,companion or guarding against humans, generally they are more intelligent and less inclined to want to kill another smaller animal. Most of the gundogs, spaniels and utility breeds will be best.Terriers and hounds are the biggest threats. There will be exeptions, but on the whole all dogs will have the instincts of their forbears. Thats why pet collies will still herd things, terriers like to dig holes, afghans and beagles like to run off, labs and retrievers will happily carry something about your home even if it is a sock or shoe, corgies will chase feet and nip at them. Do you see what I am getting at? Buying a dog if you have other pets means a little research into the origins. My breeds are Giant schnauzer, mini poodle, english cocker, tibetan spaniel, shi-tzu and a large greyhound cross (lurcher) who had to have some very firm training when he was a pup and got his bum slapped hard, the first time he chased one of my hens.he now happily lives with my free ranging poultry and cats, but I will always have to keep a wether eye on him.

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When I was a teenager, I had a houseful of budgies, lovebirds, and cockatiels.  When I was 17 or so, my family got a pug while I still had all my birds (upwards of 20 birds, I bred and hand fed them). Pugsley never gave a second thought to the birds.  I was more cautious with the birds, letting them out and such after we got Pugsley, though I doubt Pugsley would have done anything. Now I’ve got 5 cats and a bird on the way.  But, I’ve already planned everything out so that the cats won’t be able to get to the bird, and they won’t even be able to sit and stare at the bird and torture him. And no, I’m not putting the bird in some out of the way room.  I just took a lot of time to plan everything.  A "mixed" household can be done with proper planng and supervision. Stacy http://www.stacyinthecity.com http://www.frogduck.com

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I have a Springer Spaniel, Lab & a cat and they ignore my birds, except to check-out what food they have thrown on the floor for them.  Never are they left alone when the birds are out – I worry more about the birds drawing the blood, if they come nose to beak. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->    I know this has been discussed many times on here, and all posts saying > "Don’t get a dog if you have a bird" will be aptly ignored.  At some time > in my life down the road, I’m thinking of getting a dog.  I currently have > a CAG.  I was just wondering what kind of dogs people have out there. > I’ve always wanted a beagle, but wanted to get an idea of dogs out there > that have "good" temperments wil small animals.  I know all dogs are > different and can be taught about respecting other animals in a house. > I know this is true, since my brother had a dog living with him, a big one > (Bull Mastiff) and he moved due to change of jobs and since it happened > fast, he couldn’t find a place that would allow dogs.  So my parents ended > up taking him in.  Now at my parent’s house there was already a big dog > (Akita mix) and a cat.  Now the mastiff didn’t have any other "friends" > growing up, where the akita and cat grew up together and played together. > When the mastiff first came to live with my parents or anytime he had > visited in the past, he would chase the cat as soon as he saw her. I would > say after a few months of slowly introducing them to each other, the > mastiff doesn’t even give the cat a notice when she’s in the same room, > but the cat is very cautious and hardly ever lets her eyes off him. >   So anyways, that story was just for all those people who think that > having a dog is a big no-no.  Now I know a cat is probably a bit different > then a bird, but I’m not talking about letting the dog and bird becomes > close buddies, just the point where if we’re all in the same room, the dog > will think nothing of the bird.  And I know the whole never leave them > alone, of course the skepticxs will say a mistake wil happen. >   So what’s your breed of dog? >   Chris

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>    I know this has been discussed many times on here, and all posts saying > "Don’t get a dog if you have a bird" will be aptly ignored.  At some time > in my life down the road, I’m thinking of getting a dog.  I currently have > a CAG.  I was just wondering what kind of dogs people have out there. > I’ve always wanted a beagle, but wanted to get an idea of dogs out there > that have "good" temperments wil small animals.  I know all dogs are > different and can be taught about respecting other animals in a house.

<snip> >   So what’s your breed of dog? >   Chris

I have dogs and birds. The dogs were here first. I have an Irish Wolfhound and a Springer spaniel. I think the key is to know your dog and never get too complacent. One chomp from a dog and your bird is as good as dead. The dogs were taught from the first day I brought a bird home that the cages were off  limits and the birds were not to be bothered. Different breeds react differently to smaller critters. My Wolfhound is absolutely the gentlest creature on the face of the earth. She has mothered baby goats, chicks, ducks and other small animals. My parents have a Jack Russell who is not allowed to come visit anymore. He simply could not be trusted around any of the farm animals. I think that many folks have dogs and birds. With proper training and vigilance it is not impossible. — Debbie, Dusty(CAG) and Casperella(U2)

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If the dog is smaller than the bird and you get it as a puppy you might, just might be ok.  Just one opinion. Bob W — http://www.onemorebird.com/ Got some new ones posted!!!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->    I know this has been discussed many times on here, and all posts saying > "Don’t get a dog if you have a bird" will be aptly ignored.  At some time > in my life down the road, I’m thinking of getting a dog.  I currently have > a CAG.  I was just wondering what kind of dogs people have out there. > I’ve always wanted a beagle, but wanted to get an idea of dogs out there > that have "good" temperments wil small animals.  I know all dogs are > different and can be taught about respecting other animals in a house. > I know this is true, since my brother had a dog living with him, a big one > (Bull Mastiff) and he moved due to change of jobs and since it happened > fast, he couldn’t find a place that would allow dogs.  So my parents ended > up taking him in.  Now at my parent’s house there was already a big dog > (Akita mix) and a cat.  Now the mastiff didn’t have any other "friends" > growing up, where the akita and cat grew up together and played together. > When the mastiff first came to live with my parents or anytime he had > visited in the past, he would chase the cat as soon as he saw her. I would > say after a few months of slowly introducing them to each other, the > mastiff doesn’t even give the cat a notice when she’s in the same room, > but the cat is very cautious and hardly ever lets her eyes off him. >   So anyways, that story was just for all those people who think that > having a dog is a big no-no.  Now I know a cat is probably a bit different > then a bird, but I’m not talking about letting the dog and bird becomes > close buddies, just the point where if we’re all in the same room, the dog > will think nothing of the bird.  And I know the whole never leave them > alone, of course the skepticxs will say a mistake wil happen. >   So what’s your breed of dog? >   Chris

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Response:

   I know this has been discussed many times on here, and all posts saying "Don’t get a dog if you have a bird" will be aptly ignored.  At some time in my life down the road, I’m thinking of getting a dog.  I currently have a CAG.  I was just wondering what kind of dogs people have out there. I’ve always wanted a beagle, but wanted to get an idea of dogs out there that have "good" temperments wil small animals.  I know all dogs are different and can be taught about respecting other animals in a house. I know this is true, since my brother had a dog living with him, a big one (Bull Mastiff) and he moved due to change of jobs and since it happened fast, he couldn’t find a place that would allow dogs.  So my parents ended up taking him in.  Now at my parent’s house there was already a big dog (Akita mix) and a cat.  Now the mastiff didn’t have any other "friends" growing up, where the akita and cat grew up together and played together. When the mastiff first came to live with my parents or anytime he had visited in the past, he would chase the cat as soon as he saw her. I would say after a few months of slowly introducing them to each other, the mastiff doesn’t even give the cat a notice when she’s in the same room, but the cat is very cautious and hardly ever lets her eyes off him.   So anyways, that story was just for all those people who think that having a dog is a big no-no.  Now I know a cat is probably a bit different then a bird, but I’m not talking about letting the dog and bird becomes close buddies, just the point where if we’re all in the same room, the dog will think nothing of the bird.  And I know the whole never leave them alone, of course the skepticxs will say a mistake wil happen.   So what’s your breed of dog?   Chris

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