Thinking of buying a large dog.

CDavis · Nov 20, 2017

Hey guys it's been a while and me and the baron are doing great literally couldn't ask for a better parrot but I am looking into buying a large active dog to run with and train because my cocker spaniel is getting old and no longer wants to frolic like we used to. I'm very familiar with the concept of introducing parrots and dogs and that they shouldn't ever make contact or be left alone. my problem is that a all of the large dogs that I am looking into have a prey drive and I'm not sure if making sure that early exposure to bonkers and teaching that he is a friend not food will be enough. I am seriously considering a Belgian Malinois a German Shepard or a Doberman(my uncle trains police dogs and these are the dogs I am most farmilar with as far as training goes). Does anyone here have any experience with large dogs and parrots or any suggestions for dog breeds.

Thanks guys

Kentuckienne · Nov 20, 2017

The Malenois I have known were very protective/aggressive, and I don’t think you can train that out of them. On the other hand I have known a couple of Australian Shepherd dogs that understood English and were perfectly obedient. They have been bred not to attack sheep and other animals, maybe that’s why? Was hiking with a friend and her Blue heeler, came across a day-old fawn by the path. Dog looked at her, she said “leave it” and the dog immediately went to her side and made no attempt to even sniff at the fawn. I knew another, you could say “go downstairs and let Daisy in” and he would go open the door for th dumb dog. They are very obedient, well behaved, non aggressive, active dogs. They love being outside exercising.

The first dog I described was the only dog I would allow near the parrot. It never showed the least interest once we said leave it.

CDavis · Nov 20, 2017

Kentuckienne said:
The Malenois I have known were very protective/aggressive, and I don’t think you can train that out of them. On the other hand I have known a couple of Australian Shepherd dogs that understood English and were perfectly obedient. They have been bred not to attack sheep and other animals, maybe that’s why? Was hiking with a friend and her Blue heeler, came across a day-old fawn by the path. Dog looked at her, she said “leave it” and the dog immediately went to her side and made no attempt to even sniff at the fawn. I knew another, you could say “go downstairs and let Daisy in” and he would go open the door for th dumb dog. They are very obedient, well behaved, non aggressive, active dogs. They love being outside exercising.

The first dog I described was the only dog I would allow near the parrot. It never showed the least interest once we said leave it.

Yea I'm really trying to find a solid compromise I have a huge fenced in backyard with a 8 foot privacy fence so I'm pretty sure I can make whatever work but I'm really considering a Doberman the ones I've met have been awesome and they are known to have a Low prey drive. I think a lot of it comes down to the consistency of the training.

Also it's been a while since I've been on the forums how is Gus doing

Kentuckienne · Nov 20, 2017

CDavis said:
Kentuckienne said:

The Malenois I have known were very protective/aggressive, and I don’t think you can train that out of them. On the other hand I have known a couple of Australian Shepherd dogs that understood English and were perfectly obedient. They have been bred not to attack sheep and other animals, maybe that’s why? Was hiking with a friend and her Blue heeler, came across a day-old fawn by the path. Dog looked at her, she said “leave it” and the dog immediately went to her side and made no attempt to even sniff at the fawn. I knew another, you could say “go downstairs and let Daisy in” and he would go open the door for th dumb dog. They are very obedient, well behaved, non aggressive, active dogs. They love being outside exercising.

The first dog I described was the only dog I would allow near the parrot. It never showed the least interest once we said leave it.

Click to expand...

Yea I'm really trying to find a solid compromise I have a huge fenced in backyard with a 8 foot privacy fence so I'm pretty sure I can make whatever work but I'm really considering a Doberman the ones I've met have been awesome and they are known to have a Low prey drive. I think a lot of it comes down to the consistency of the training.

Also it's been a while since I've been on the forums how is Gus doing

Gus is as weird as ever! He’s not a typical macaw. Very quiet, likes some affection but then wants to go back to his play top, cares more about paper ripping than anything on earth. Mostly he lurks on top of his cage and watches. I’m reaching out to some specialists to see if there’s any way to see if he’s in pain in case that’s part of it.

How about the Baron? What’s he saying now?

CDavis · Nov 20, 2017

Kentuckienne said:
CDavis said:

Kentuckienne said:

The Malenois I have known were very protective/aggressive, and I don’t think you can train that out of them. On the other hand I have known a couple of Australian Shepherd dogs that understood English and were perfectly obedient. They have been bred not to attack sheep and other animals, maybe that’s why? Was hiking with a friend and her Blue heeler, came across a day-old fawn by the path. Dog looked at her, she said “leave it” and the dog immediately went to her side and made no attempt to even sniff at the fawn. I knew another, you could say “go downstairs and let Daisy in” and he would go open the door for th dumb dog. They are very obedient, well behaved, non aggressive, active dogs. They love being outside exercising.

The first dog I described was the only dog I would allow near the parrot. It never showed the least interest once we said leave it.

Click to expand...

Yea I'm really trying to find a solid compromise I have a huge fenced in backyard with a 8 foot privacy fence so I'm pretty sure I can make whatever work but I'm really considering a Doberman the ones I've met have been awesome and they are known to have a Low prey drive. I think a lot of it comes down to the consistency of the training.

Also it's been a while since I've been on the forums how is Gus doing

Click to expand...

Gus is as weird as ever! He’s not a typical macaw. Very quiet, likes some affection but then wants to go back to his play top, cares more about paper ripping than anything on earth. Mostly he lurks on top of his cage and watches. I’m reaching out to some specialists to see if there’s any way to see if he’s in pain in case that’s part of it.

How about the Baron? What’s he saying now?

The baron is the best parrot I could've asked for the only word he says anymore is hello and he does a lot of singing and dancing. All he cares about is being on my shoulder making tiny holes in my shirts with his beak. It's been about 14 months and he's never made an attempt to bite anyone he just flies away if he gets pissed at me trying to make him eat vegetables or wear a harness. Tearing paper is not too bad bonkers enjoys it it's therapeutic.

itzjbean · Nov 20, 2017

I have a Doberman !!

He's the best dog ever. He never showed over-interest in the birds beyond sniffing and when they're out he is alert but not aggressive. He will leave them alone if I say leave them. He's a true Velcro dog and goes everywhere with my husband and I. They really are great with all the animals (I also have two cats), just need to be taught at a young age what is and not acceptable, they really do want to please and he is very obedient.

I belong to the dobermantalk.com forums if you care to join that one and learn more about Dobermans. They'll give some great recommendations on breeders. My username there is jeitzen

CDavis · Nov 20, 2017

itzjbean said:
I have a Doberman !!

He's the best dog ever. He never showed over-interest in the birds beyond sniffing and when they're out he is alert but not aggressive. He will leave them alone if I say leave them. He's a true Velcro dog and goes everywhere with my husband and I. They really are great with all the animals (I also have two cats), just need to be taught at a young age what is and not acceptable, they really do want to please and he is very obedient.

Awesome I plan on bringing my new dog everywhere since adopting bonkers I've really realized the importance of quality socialization and I plan on making sure that I have both a well behaved parrot(well as well behaved as a bird named bonkers can get) and a well behaved dog.

SailBoat · Nov 20, 2017

Well, well Grasshopper! Its been quite sometime since you have darken the local hallways! Welcome back and very happy to hear that Master Bonkers is doing so very well!

So, you're feeling the need for Speed and Distance?

I can understand your chooses, but I think there is more emotion in there then solutions. At least a couple, if not all of them, have breed based health issues that require a 'well developed search' for a DNA strain that limits those issues. There is no question that any of them can be trained to hold /leave /stay. I have seen all three in the hands of individuals that have expertise in handling and training do unbelievable things.

For the Average Joe, which is the vast majority of the rest of us, having the vast majority of what we need 'in place' is a long way along that road! Yes, each and everyone is an individual and variations in near everything is a reality. That all said, for me, if placed in this position, I would go with an Australian Shepherd.

I make no statement of being an expert in this area! Not at all! Nor, do I want to step on any toes here. My only look /see, is what gets me where I need to be faster.

This is one of those questions that you are going to get a ton of different opinions and all of them are based on solid experiences! Which ever way you go! Get the training as part of the deal! Miss-steps are deadly!

May you choice wisely!

FYI: Julio has been doing 'wonderful!' Just ask his favorite Mom!

CDavis · Nov 20, 2017

SailBoat said:
Well, well Grasshopper! Its been quite sometime since you have darken the local hallways! Welcome back and very happy to hear that Master Bonkers is doing so very well!

So, you're feeling the need for Speed and Distance?

I can understand your chooses, but I think there is more emotion in there then solutions. At least a couple, if not all of them, have breed based health issues that require a 'well developed search' for a DNA strain that limits those issues. There is no question that any of them can be trained to hold /leave /stay. I have seen all three in the hands of individuals that have expertise in handling and training do unbelievable things.

For the Average Joe, which is the vast majority of the rest of us, having the vast majority of what we need 'in place' is a long way along that road! Yes, each and everyone is an individual and variations in near everything is a reality. That all said, for me, if placed in this position, I would go with an Australian Shepherd.

I make no statement of being an expert in this area! Not at all! Nor, do I want to step on any toes here. My only look /see, is what gets me where I need to be faster.

This is one of those questions that you are going to get a ton of different opinions and all of them are based on solid experiences! Which ever way you go! Get the training as part of the deal! Miss-steps are deadly!

May you choice wisely!

FYI: Julio has been doing 'wonderful!' Just ask his favorite Mom!

I am currently trying to get my degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis and a lot of the lessons involve animals especially working dogs and it made me realize how much you can do with a well trained dog. I really am looking hard into each breed and then what I would like to do with them. I have been considering trying to train a dog for search and rescue and travel around volunteering while I'm still young and able. My uncle trains K-9 units but unfortunately he lives in New York so I can't learn anything hands on from him but I should give him a call and see what he thinks.

Also I'm glad to hear my man Julio is doing good love seeing all the old names on the forums.

greytness · Nov 20, 2017

I have 4 German Shepherds. Although I believe they'd be okay with my birds, I usually do keep them separated, just in case. I'm all about safety. I have a gated/curtained room where my birds can be out and about away from our dogs.

Scott · Nov 21, 2017

I've had many Great Danes over the years and all have been wonderful with birds; they pay little to no attention. That said, I'd never leave them together alone! They were/are all rescues, seems to work wonders with their personalities!

sonja · Nov 21, 2017

Please consider adoption over buying a dog! All of those breeds are readily available in shelters and rescues and for the Mals and Dobies, especially, finding appropriate homes for them can be tough for shelters and rescues. So, if you can offer a good home to one, at least consider that route!

SailBoat · Nov 21, 2017

CDavis said:
SailBoat said:

Well, well Grasshopper! Its been quite sometime since you have darken the local hallways! Welcome back and very happy to hear that Master Bonkers is doing so very well!

So, you're feeling the need for Speed and Distance?

I can understand your chooses, but I think there is more emotion in there then solutions. At least a couple, if not all of them, have breed based health issues that require a 'well developed search' for a DNA strain that limits those issues. There is no question that any of them can be trained to hold /leave /stay. I have seen all three in the hands of individuals that have expertise in handling and training do unbelievable things.

For the Average Joe, which is the vast majority of the rest of us, having the vast majority of what we need 'in place' is a long way along that road! Yes, each and everyone is an individual and variations in near everything is a reality. That all said, for me, if placed in this position, I would go with an Australian Shepherd.

I make no statement of being an expert in this area! Not at all! Nor, do I want to step on any toes here. My only look /see, is what gets me where I need to be faster.

This is one of those questions that you are going to get a ton of different opinions and all of them are based on solid experiences! Which ever way you go! Get the training as part of the deal! Miss-steps are deadly!

May you choice wisely!

FYI: Julio has been doing 'wonderful!' Just ask his favorite Mom!

Click to expand...

I am currently trying to get my degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis and a lot of the lessons involve animals especially working dogs and it made me realize how much you can do with a well trained dog. I really am looking hard into each breed and then what I would like to do with them. I have been considering trying to train a dog for search and rescue and travel around volunteering while I'm still young and able. My uncle trains K-9 units but unfortunately he lives in New York so I can't learn anything hands on from him but I should give him a call and see what he thinks.

Also I'm glad to hear my man Julio is doing good love seeing all the old names on the forums.

Search and Rescue can be a very rewarding adventure! Just One Very Big Caution! You Need to be Prepared for What You Will Find!!! Also, it greatly limits your choice in Dogs, to the Hounds! Yes, most breeds can 'Scent-On,' but there is a reason for the saying: "Call in the Hounds!"

Enjoy the Hunt!

CDavis · Nov 21, 2017

sonja said:
Please consider adoption over buying a dog! All of those breeds are readily available in shelters and rescues and for the Mals and Dobies, especially, finding appropriate homes for them can be tough for shelters and rescues. So, if you can offer a good home to one, at least consider that route!

I'm very trepidatious to get a shelter dog because it's easier to instill behaviors into a puppy such as not eating my parrot. Also much like parrots I need to socialize this dog as much as humanly possible. I don't know I faced the same argument with myself over bonkers and I'm pleased with the outcome but very few people come in contact with him outside of my own family which will not be the case with the dog.

sonja · Nov 22, 2017

I have had probably a dozen shelter dogs overlapping with the time I've also had parrots. None have eaten my birds. And you can absolutely get puppies in shelters and rescues, although with adult dogs are you able to get a better assessment of the dog's personality. And, any dog should never be completely trusted with a parrot anyway.
Best of luck in your search.

SailBoat · Nov 22, 2017

sonja said:
I have had probably a dozen shelter dogs overlapping with the time I've also had parrots. None have eaten my birds. And you can absolutely get puppies in shelters and rescues, although with adult dogs are you able to get a better assessment of the dog's personality. And, any dog should never be completely trusted with a parrot anyway.
Best of luck in your search.

CDavis said:
sonja said:

Please consider adoption over buying a dog! All of those breeds are readily available in shelters and rescues and for the Mals and Dobies, especially, finding appropriate homes for them can be tough for shelters and rescues. So, if you can offer a good home to one, at least consider that route!

Click to expand...

I'm very trepidatious to get a shelter dog because it's easier to instill behaviors into a puppy such as not eating my parrot. Also much like parrots I need to socialize this dog as much as humanly possible. I don't know I faced the same argument with myself over bonkers and I'm pleased with the outcome but very few people come in contact with him outside of my own family which will not be the case with the dog.

Not pushing one way of the other here. That said, the same things that are true for Parrots are true for dogs at rescues. You see them in their Adult state, therefore you know where you are starting. Training is day one either way, but you likely have more targeted training with an Adult.

Socialization, with a Parrot or a dog begins with the family. If both will go to everyone in the family equally, the next step outside with people general remains the same; with caution!

Bonkers should be proud of you. You are approaching this correctly. Research first! That said, do not line-off a search at the local rescues. If you are honest and open with the staff, they will return the favor.

If you are really interested in Search and Rescue work, only a fool would do that work without an electronic location device. The reality is that you will be into areas that both you and your dog have no prior experience and getting lost is far to easy. Less for you due to Law Enforcement keeping a closer eye on you as you react to the direction your dog is working and responding.

snowflake311 · Nov 24, 2017

I wanted a Belgian Malinois badly. I got a German shepherd mutt that is a killer or rodent and birds. Well was a bird killer. I got her when she was 6 months old and ever since I got her I have been training her to LEAVE All wild birds alone. It took a year for me to get to the point where I can trust her to leave the bird alone. She does. We have been working on it and she has excepted the birds as part of the pack.

It took time and lots of training and lots of time and it did not happen over night. I still do not fully trust her but I trust her enough to have them out in the room together if I am right next to my bird. Just as I was typing my bird got spooked and flew my dog just sat and was like what is going on.

I had a Pitbull that was awesome with birds. He was great with all little animals. Got to love the Bully breeds. My border collie mix was perfect with my parrot she was a rescue got her when she was 2 yr. I think my next dog will be a great pyrenees or another pit bull. great pyrenees guard flocks of ANYTHING. They could be easy to trail to keep your parrot flock safe. They are often used to keep chickens safe.

CDavis · Dec 8, 2017

Just last night I purchased a full bred Great Pyrenees puppy because I know people who own some to watch their chickens and goats. Her name is Scout(or Lucy) and I'm looking forward to socializing her and making sure her and the bonkers don't hate each other.

SailBoat · Dec 8, 2017

CDavis said:
Just last night I purchased a full bred Great Pyrenees puppy because I know people who own some to watch their chickens and goats. Her name is Scout(or Lucy) and I'm looking forward to socializing her and making sure her and the bonkers don't hate each other.

Congratulations! May your process be highly successful for all!

Scott · Dec 8, 2017

CDavis said:
Just last night I purchased a full bred Great Pyrenees puppy because I know people who own some to watch their chickens and goats. Her name is Scout(or Lucy) and I'm looking forward to socializing her and making sure her and the bonkers don't hate each other.

Beautiful and *very* independent dogs! You'll need a competent groomer to manage their long, thin, beautiful fur!!

I had a male Great Pyrenees "Buddy" who was wonderful with my birds. Never paid them any attention, though proper precautions were followed. He was quite aloof with humans and was a barker. Good luck, looking forward to pics as able!

Thinking of buying a large dog.

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How did you pick your Parrot’s name?

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