Help! Adding dog to Cockatoo household!

[Pajarita]

If you are young, healthy and strong, I would go for an extra large breed like, say, a newfie or some type of mastiff but, if you want a smaller breed, go with a Basset. Check the breed rescues as well as the local shelters, CL's, etc. because you are always much better off with an adult than with a puppy in terms of training and calmness.

 

[Sarahtheumbrella]

So there are a lot of complications and set backs to getting a dog in our family. I don't want it to be more negative than positive. Otherwise if getting a pet is all stress then there is no point.

So for now, I feel like we should borrow my friends old lazy trained pug and keep it for two hours or so. If Sarah is absolutely miserable and terrified (or very violent and defensive), we'll not bring a dog in. If she seems willing and or understanding to share the spotlight, we will consider getting a dog.
When the dog is here my dad will feed my bird hid special treat while he is in the cage and I will have the dog sit a foot away and feed it some dog treats. I assume if Sarah eats she's not too nervous.

When she met a Pomeranian (she was in a travel cage on the floor and the dog had grown up around birds and learned not to bother them) the Pomeranian just sniffed her and sarah kinda watched.

Thank you sooo much for all your wonderful advice and opinions. I may open a new thread after the two hour dog experience to keep you all updated.

All of your information has been priceless. I would never be able to find all of this information and opinions anywhere else. Thanks a bunch

I will still be checking this regularly, so feel free to post

 

[Ravennessa]

well, she is a 2, and she may not be the most used to dogs from before (or maybe), but from what I have learned birds don't like change.. to bring the dog in will likely first time be met with I HATE THE DOG from the bird.. at least that's whta I have learned about them the short time I have been a dog/bird owner and reading in the forum. I mean one sun conure got upset cause mommy changed hair color..

My conure used to sqawk at new men, but he has stopped that habit too, cause I wouldn't have it. I handed him to every guy I met and now he's fine..

I would say bring the dog over several times, reward the bird heavily around the dog, have the dog chill at your feet, and the bird in your lap and see what happens. THere's a huge chance she will sulk from what I have read about this breed of bird.. But it will be like having two birds almost when you add a dog, my bird and dog require equal amount of attention and training.. at least if you want to do it right..

Good luck

 

[Sarahtheumbrella]

To everyone,
Thank you for all the good advice! I really appreciate your support and ideas. This community is awesome. Sarah didn't really mind the dog, but I didn't want to be overloaded with responsibility.
Plus as we all know male cockatoos ARE quite fickle. Ahahahah. So now its just me and Sarah.