Smart bird,Brave bird?

[ErichT]

I've been trying to make sure Kiwi and Mango have time during the week outside their cage. My problem is my Jack Russell will bark her fool head off at night if I lock her outside or in the bedroom. So last night I put lil miss Patches on her leash and made her sit with me on the couch while the birds came out. Patches was curios but stayed put. Mango"smart bird" noticed patches was with me and went back to her spot in her cage in a huff. Kiwi "brave bird?" Came over to me to investigate ,but only close enough to puff up and run back up the side of the cage. This went on for about an hour before the cat wondered out and Kiwi decided to retreat to the cage. I'm hoping they will get used to this routine and play in their gym. Any thought on what else I can try?

 

[KeroRocks]

Have you considered giving your pup something to do outside to keep him busy? Like getting a kong and freezing chicken broth, water and some treats into the kong. It takes them time to work the yummies out and it would give your birds some time inside while the pup is outside.

 

[ErichT]

She doesn't like to be alone. On nights my wife doesn't have class/work. We take her outside and throw the ball for an hour or 3 . She is all about the ball The beagle however will go where ever I tell him to and fall asleep. She will just have to get used to being tight on a leash so the kids can play. And the kids will feel safe after a few days I hope.

 

[MomtoPercy]

Not to be a wet blanket but even if/when your fids feel safe, please never leave them unattended with any size dog around. Accidents happen so quickly.

I have a very rambunctious 8mo pug and I'm very careful about Percy and him out and about together - I'm not sure who will do more damage to the other. Percy's beak and the pug bulgy eyes seem like a scary combo to me! And Gizzy is so wild, he could pounce on poor Percy just to play and cause serious injury.

Gizzy is always barking at my little Jack to 'shut up' when he chatterrs in his cage, so I never let Jack out anywhere near the monster pug LOL!

I don't want to be a downer - just a voice of caution

 

[ErichT]

I wouldn't dare leave them all out together. That's why I have patches on the leash and next to me. Kiwi and Patches bark at each other from the safety of the cage all the time. The armrest of the couch is right up against the cage so Patches and the 14 yr old cat both sit there and Kiwi pulls their fur to get them to move out of the way. This is a daily thing.

 

[JasmineGCC]

We have a travel crate for our dog and I sometimes put her in it by the sofa with a chew while I'm getting Jasmine out (my GCC). Everyone is happy!

 

[MomtoPercy]

ErichT- I just read 2 pages of another thread where the issue of carnivors and prey animals together has become quite a nasty debate. I felt compelled to return to this thread to assure you that I was NOT attacking you in any way or implying that you take anything less than excellent care of all your animals. I do hope my post was viewed in that way?

 

[ErichT]

I never take input as negative.

 

[Freespin]

A crate is a great idea!
There is hope depending on your dog. My dogs have both been taught to deal with birds. The younger of the two (7 Or 8 months old) knows not to even look at them and will remove himself if they come near him. The older (18months) I trust completely so I don't mind if he watches the birds but he knows not to touch them. Barry flies onto Arie and plays with his toe nails and Arie just looks at me like "the things I put up with for you mum". But I wouldn't trust any old dog with them, I know my dogs well and they are never out together alone. I have always been very hard on the dogs around the birds from day one, you cant afford to be lenient, it's just not worth it.

 

[crazyforfeathers]

ErichT- I just read 2 pages of another thread where the issue of carnivors and prey animals together has become quite a nasty debate. I felt compelled to return to this thread to assure you that I was NOT attacking you in any way or implying that you take anything less than excellent care of all your animals. I do hope my post was viewed in that way?

Sorry to crash the thread but where is this debate thread? I'd very much like to read it

 

[Ashleigh86]

My dog is a 45lb wheaten terrier with a high small prey drive, and I've been using the squirt bottle method. Any interest in the bird at all gets a water bullet to the face! I love my dog, but she cannot be trusted!! She's very good about it now, just goes and lays down any time the bird is out and avoids eye contact lol Indy even flew over her one day and Ali(my dog) ducked to get out of the way and then took off to a different room lol Whatever method sets both parties up for success is a good one. Every dog is different though. I know of a lady at the bird store that came home and her two dogs and her bird who got out of the cage while she was gone all greeted her at the door!