African Grey and Chihuahua

[chiawat]

Hello all,

I am new to the bird world. In the past it feels like to me anyway that I have owned everything there is from lizards to dogs, but just getting into the birds now.

I want to adopt an african grey, baby about 6 months old. The only issue I have is this.. I have a chihuahua who is highly active, barks whenever someone comes into the house, can get anxious easily as most chihuahuas do. Just a little concerned about bringing an African Grey into the house and wanted some advice. Is this a good idea? Any tips on how to introduce the Grey to the household? Should I keep the dog away from the bird? etc.

thanks guys!

 

[TreeBee]

I have 2 small dogs, Jack Russell & Chihuahua mixed. They were very curious about the new family member. One stays away from Silus ( GC) and the other gets up really close and sniffs him,then tries to lick his eyes. I Keep a very close eye on them and never leave them alone when Silus is out, But they don't seem to mind him. Hope that helps : )

 

[JerseyWendy]

Hi there, and welcome to the forum.

My recommendation is dog training. No dog, big or small, young or old, is ever too old for some obedience and/or target training. A well behaved dog is a happy dog.

 

[Pajarita]

Greys are naturally high-strung birds (as are Chihuahuas, usually) so the two might not be the best combination.

 

[Poppetsmum]

I totally agree with JerseyWendy. Good training will actually make your dog more confident and happier in the long run. I have a very big dog who has accepted my baby Quaker without any problems of whatsoever. He'll chase birds out on our walks but would never ever touch the bird indoors. Good training is vital to keeping both the dog and the bird safe.

 

[Petri]

I just got my CAG a couple weeks ago, and already have an older Yorkie at home. She is definitely high strung and barks a lot as it is. So, if yours is anything like mine, be prepared for a lot of barking! I know it's still relatively early for her to be used to Petri, and she is seeming to be doing better. She tends to bark more when my mom is in the room around the bird. Because, when it's just me, she ignores us both lol. I don't think you should let your dog stop you from getting a bird though if you really want one. I know my dog will eventually adjust, it's just going to take some time. I have gotten very good at blocking out the barking by now too. I'd say go for it though! Just make sure to never let the two alone because you really just never know.

Good luck!!

 

[ruffledfeathers]

i have 3 chihuahuas and a conure. my dogs all love the bird. naturally i don't leave them unattended (i have by accident and they are all fine but i would not do it intentionally!!) maybe you could bring your dog around someone else's bird to see the reaction?? some dogs will bark like CRAZY at birds until they get used to it. my own personal experience was easy though. my female chi thinks she is gilbert's mother and wants to lick him and when he couldn't fly, would stand guard over him until i picked him up (if he flew to the floor). the two of them are almost weird how much they want to be together.
And yes, training is awesome. I have one of my three who is extremely hyper. sweet but hyper. He is the only one who is actually 'trained' to do anything and i make him work for everything. If he gets a treat, he has to sit pretty or jump or do something for it. Before dinner i make him go to a particular spot and 'sit pretty' and i feed him. It helps focus his energy. That kind of thing makes a huge difference and i swear he is proud of himself.