[Pomeblin]

Ive been spending the last couple weeks researching dogs with lower prey drives, how they deal with smaller animals, stuff like that as well as some needs that would suit my life like apartment living, I would love a lap dog if possible but obviously the biggest concern is having them with my bird in the house. They would never EVER be left unsupervised or without one of them in a cage for safety, I would still like a dog that can live in peace with my bird. Some breeds I've heard were good were pomchi, tibetan spaniel, and cavaliers. At the same time I've heard they're the worst to house with a small animal..any help from people who have both? some insight to what you've had to do?

 

[JoanneF]

These are very different breeds with different drives and traits. And, pomchis are not a breed, they are a cross so you would struggle to find one from a responsible breeder. You also need to be careful with the breeding lines of cavaliers, a very high proportion have terrible health from inherited conditions, leading to pain, stressful and expensive vet visits and early death.

To avoid that sort of thing, regardless of which breed you choose, you need to find a breeder who tests their parent dogs to make sure they are not passing on health problems (which vary from breed to breed). That's proper tests, not just a quick once over by a vet to say the dogs are capable of siring/carrying a litter.

Then, you need to think about a lot more than prey drive. What are your views on grooming, trainability, recall, noise, handler focus, friendliness, independence etc?

Finally, I suggest this to a lot of people in your situation.

For the next month, act like you have an adult dog. Get up an hour earlier than normal, take an hour long walk. Do the same in the evening after work - and come straight home from work; no shopping, gym, socialising. Do this every day, without fail, regardless of the weather.

Be aware of the season, and remind yourself every morning that for several months of the year you will be doing this in the cold and dark.

Also put away what you think a dog will cost for food, insurance, vet bill excesses, toys etc, then add 10% because we always underestimate these things.

That will give you a good insight into some of the commitment you will need to make.

Don't think about what a dog will bring to your family, think about what your family can offer to a dog.

 

[Pomeblin]

Then, you need to think about a lot more than prey drive. What are your views on grooming, trainability, recall, noise, handler focus, friendliness, independence etc?

I will do what you suggested! Just a quick question I had looked into those other categories, I didn't want to long-wind the post, I've gone through quite a few breeds narrowing it down through personal preferences and requirements for my lifestyle so I don't inconvenience the dog. Do you have any suggestions?

 

[JoanneF]

My suggestion woud be look at rescue where the dog has been fostered with other pets so their prey drive is already known.

 

[Curls]

I would avoid Cavaliers, as they tend to have awful health problems. You might get lucky, but at this point the breed is a health disaster. (It's a pity; they are such sweet tempered dogs.) I would also avoid any of the crossbreds, as they tend to come from dubious breeders. The original purpose of a terrier is to hunt and kill vermin, so I would avoid most terrier breeds. I've known some lovely Bichon Frise and Maltese.

Any breed will chase prey if it amuses them. I have big dogs and a cat. When the dogs were pups I was very strict about never letting the puppy chase the cat. Chasing is fun. The more a dog is allowed to chase, the more ingrained the habit will be. Therefore, I made sure to shut down any chases immediately, ideally before the chase even started. I would request the pup's attention as soon as the cat walked into the room and I saw the pup's head go up.

Your chances of a harmonious household are greatly increased by attending training classes and playing training games with your dog outside class. A training facility that offers AKC Puppy Star and AKC Canine Good Citizen classes is ideal, as both these classes include Leave It as part of the curriculum. No dog will learn Leave It immediately, and adolescent dogs will always push boundaries, but you can get them pretty solid after a few months of consistent practice. I can call mine away from a plate of cat food, as they have been told to Leave It so many times (and sometimes get permission to lick the plate after I've checked to see that the cat is finished.)

 

[May Bell]

I have birds and have a maltese who does wonderful and rescue who still needs corrected. I had the dog first. My families Yorkie has also visits my home and with correction he learned to ignore the birds( just telling him no and recalling him) . Birds came later in life when I already had my pup.

If you do consider Maltese they require alot of companionship to be happy. Their breeds purpose was to be a companion.

What type of parrot do you have? As your parrot has potential to cause damage to the dog as well. I'd be very watchful when you have them both out regardless of the dog breed your bring home. Make sure the dog does not get saliva near/on the bird and they do not share food or water.

Best of luck!

 

[Pomeblin]

Thank you so much! Everyones messages have been super helpful! I have a green cheek conure, so I'm not too worried of the bird damaging the dog, if anything a small pinch may bring him some harm from the dog, but I don't plan on letting them get that close. I was warned against maltese-type dogs because of the weird tear stains they get, plus their coats can be hard to groom I've heard

 

[May Bell]

Thank you so much! Everyones messages have been super helpful! I have a green cheek conure, so I'm not too worried of the bird damaging the dog, if anything a small pinch may bring him some harm from the dog, but I don't plan on letting them get that close. I was warned against maltese-type dogs because of the weird tear stains they get, plus their coats can be hard to groom I've heard

I have GCC too! If my gcc nipped my dog's eyes it would be pretty harmful. She still a baby and is still learning her manners my other birds (Lovebird and Amazon) are very sweet and gentle reflecting my maltese's behavior and manners.

I received my lovebird because her previous owner accidently left the cage door opened after giving his birds fresh food and water. Tragically one of his small dogs (20lbs) caught his one bird and the bird sadly died from the wounds.

Being very viligent is necessary when you have birds (im sure you already know)especially when having other animals .