Conure around Dogs

[Maxlovesboating]

Hello, I have a 9 month old Sun Conure that is as sweet as pie, but if one of our dogs happens to jump up on the sofa to lay down while Max is on my shoulder ( the dog doesnt even pay attention to Max) Max takes it out on me. We have only had him about 3 months and he is sweet as can be normally, but has a problem with the dogs. Will we ever live in harmony? and what can I do to make him accept the dogs, get along would be great but I dont want to push my luck.

[4HAND]

Your conure is hardwired to feel uneasy near a predator[even if the dog means no harm].Birds are only a few generations removed from the wild and still have their survival instincts close to the surface.You should keep the dog off the couch when holding your conure if it upsets him.
Tena

[Maxlovesboating]

I have since I have not been able figure anything else out, but even if the dogs just come close to my feet on the floor he has a fit.

[4HAND]

Do you feel the conure is afraid of the dogs or angry that they dare come near you [his chosen one]?Many birds will give an alarm bite to their person when danger[real or percieved] is closeby.
Tena

[Maxlovesboating]

I am not sure if he feels afraid of the dogs or if it is a jeolous thing or perhaps just something new, there were no dogs at the place we got him from. We have only had max for about 3 months and slowly he is getting used to the dogs, very very slowly so maybe I am making progress. I do know animals do get jeolous, and when we take Max on our boat trips without the dogs he does not display any of this behavior. I am also thinking the dogs are getting used to him also and not paying much attention to him anymore as they were in the begining. Maybe I am worring about something that is slowly getting resolved on its own?

[4HAND]

A dog usually views it's person as a dominant pack member,whereas a bird kept as a single pet will choose someone in the family to fill the roll of mate.Our Cheddy is very possesive of my ten year old son.I don't sit beside them on the couch when Cheddy is being snuggled.I'll get nailed for sure!Welcome to the wonderful world of birds.It's a humbling experience.
Tena

[Maxlovesboating]

they are the boss! But is there a way you can teach a bird that a certain behavior is not appropriate?

[4HAND]

When Cheddy bites he's told "no bite" in a firm voice and returned to his cage.I find this to be the most effective punishment as he is very social[as Max probably is].It's also important to anticipate the behavior and give a warning like "Be nice!" in the same firm tone.Also as Max matures,you'll want to restrict petting to his head so as not to encourage further hormonal behavior.
Tena