birds and dogs

[birdnew]

Any suggestions on how to get a pet dog to accept a bird. I have a small Pomeranian who is about 8 years old, she is my baby and she is with me all the time. I think she would hurt the bird if i just let her go. I've seen video's on utube where birds are walking all over dogs and they don't just lay there. I don't want to stick my dog in her room everytime we have the bird out, she'll feel left out and start pouting, but i also don't want her to go after the bird.

[chapala]

Firm and consistent training will help the dog to understand that the bird is part of the family. However, you always need to be careful and watch closely. Way too many accidents with birds and dogs, and the bird ends up dead.

I've had quite a few dogs with parrots (have four now), several with strong prey drives,and a couple that kill squirrels and have killed wild birds in the garden. I don't tolerate them staring at the bird which is prey behavior. They all know the "leave it" command, and I am very firm with this training since it is literally life and death for the bird. They are not allowed to stare at the bird, stand by the cage, etc. I've found that most dogs learn quickly if the owner is very consistent about what is expected.

[Lori~D]

watch ceasar.... rather than always being so careful you must teach the dog that the bird is as important to you as a human child. Because the bird is so small and delicate the dog must believe that the bird is higher on the pecking order so-to-speak than he is. The dog must believe you will come after him if he goes after your bird. Thats how it works in a leadership pack. Once the dog knows and believes this he will leave the bird alone and walk away. You do not have to "hurt" the dog to teach him this but he must believe that you may (as a pack leader would) if he tampers with the bird. Its not cruel - Its how dogs work. I have two blue heelers, two jack russels, and one bloodhound in my house that refuse to go near a bird and if a bird touches them they freeze and look at me as if to say....get it off please? That said I DO NOT leave any dog unsupervised with the birds unless it is a bird I know will stay on the stand if I go outside.

[Ashling]

It's harder for a dog that hasn't been raised around birds, but it can be done. It will also be harder with a pom. It takes a lot of patience, constancy and never- ever giving the dog a chance to lunge at the bird. This is just my suggestion, but you should get lots of opinions on what is right for your dog- I don't know its temperament or anything so I am absolutely no judge and can only think about what I would do with my dogs.

Start with the bird safely in its cage in the same room as the dog- restrained on a leash- and introduce them to each other. Talk to both animals. Give them both treats, especially hard ones that take the dog's attention from the bird. The bird must be given a treat first to establish its dominance over the dog. Let them quietly eat together. If your dog is staring at the bird, barking, growling etc. then a short, sharp sound "uh!" then say "Leave it." This way we are letting it know what is unacceptable and what is acceptable. When she does the right thing, praise and reward her. Make this a positive experience and the dog will associate being quiet and gentle around the bird as a good thing. Do this every day for a few weeks, moving the dog closer and closer to the cage, until the dog is completely used to the bird's presence. If you feel it is safe, take the bird out of its cage and have it sitting on the other side of the room. Repeat the process above, taking extra care of course that neither animal goes near each other. Slowly let them closer and closer to each other. Any unwanted behaviour now meets with a short, sharp "No!" then the dog is moved further away from the bird and you start again. Any wanted behavior gets lots or praise, treats etc.
Some dogs are natural hunters/ killers and will stop at nothing to get to a small animal and bite it. Dogs have fast reflexes and a small bird could be dead with one snap so you must trust your dog 101% before letting it anywhere near biting range of your bird. I recommend, with an older dog that wasn't raised around birds, to never allow this contact. It would be best to have a goal where both animals can be safely in the same room. I could never leave any birds/ chickens alone with my huskies and expect to come back and find the birds alive, but I can leave them for a minute with my collie/ heeler cross without any problems. Both were raised around birds and trained in the exact same way, yet there is a predator streak in the huskies. Each dog is different just as each bird is different and they each require different training. Remember patience, consistency and above all else- safety.

[hatchling]

Same thing everyone else has said. Teach the leave it command and don't allow any staring at the bird. And don't be lulled into a false sense of security and think that they will be ok together even if your dog really doesn't seem to care about the bird.

Also, you might want to try using a basket muzzle on your dog for the first few training sessions. That way you know your bird will be safe if your dog does try to snap at him and you will feel more confident in your training, knowing nothing can happen. But only do this for 10-15 min at a time with your dog on a leash and you working on the training. Don't leave your dog unattended with the basket muzzle on. And if your dog completely freaks out when wearing the muzzle, don't do it. This technique has worked well for me in trying to access the dogs interest in the bird while keeping everyone safe during the first few training sessions. Good luck!

[Lori~D]

None of my dogs were "raised" around birds. I never use "leave it" We simply use NO for anything unacceptable. Be ready to stop the action before it happens - ie: paying attention to your dogs body language and stopping it at the first look - NOT the lunge or bark or growl.

[Chico's Mom]

I am impressed with how much knowledge you all have. I don't have a dog, (have a cat).

[birdnew]

Thanks for all the advice folks....it is much appreciated!!! Here's the thing, Sissy (my pom) simply adores me....she is very very sweet and has never snapped or bitten a thing in her life. Since we've bought Leo home (quaker) I've tried to include her in the attention. When I give Leo treats I give sissy treats as well. When Leo is out of the cage I hold sissy while my daughter interacts with Leo, I can see it in sissy's eyes, given half a chance she'd go for it!!! While i work with leo, sissy sits on the floor, with her sad little eyes, head resting on paws....I do believe she's jealous and she has started shedding her coat tremendously, she's NEVER shed like this before!! Hopefully with time she will come around, but as you all said "I will not trust her". The cute thing is that Leo starting barking a little!! Thanks guys, the support is awesome when you feel like you know nothing!!!!!

[bkmaurer]

I think differently. I would never allow it. I am glad you all have been blessed. I would be devastated if something happened to mine. Not to mention, it might (and have in the past for others) caused them to pluck. They are animals after all. There is time and place for all animals. I pray all will be well with you. Good luck.

[Lori~D]

Originally Posted by bkmaurer

I think differently. I would never allow it. I am glad you all have been blessed. I would be devastated if something happened to mine. Not to mention, it might (and have in the past for others) caused them to pluck. They are animals after all. There is time and place for all animals. I pray all will be well with you. Good luck.

Haha - tell that to Mark MArrone....and NOah! lol