• Welcome to Avian Avenue! To view our forum with less advertisments please register with us.
    Memberships are free and it will just take a moment. Click here

Getting a new dog?

fashionfobie

Biking along the boulevard
Avenue Veteran
Celebirdy of the Month
Mayor of the Avenue
Avenue Spotlight Award
Joined
1/4/19
Messages
5,246
Location
Qld, Australia
Real Name
Natalie
I have been avoiding the 'Bark Park' but I am getting the courage to come snoop. Lost two of my girls within the span of a year.

I am an animal lover of fins, feathers and fur. I am also a dog lover.

I grew up with an Old English Sheepdog... and I think she was a more caring and better parent than my actual parents. She passed at 12. I also adopted 4 elderly senior huskies when I was in high school, they were very old dogs and in 4 years they passed on. They needed to come together.. they were all buddies.

When I moved out of my parents I got my dog Paige she was an American Staffordshire Terrier. She was an Epic dog. Seriously.. they whole package. She loved everyone, but was especially bonded to me and my furry family..oh and Eric of course. She was very great with children.. which always made me laugh since I was never around children and I haven't had nor will have children. She was very gentle in the home. Once my friendly mouse got out and walked up to her. She calmly laid their with a mouse on her face. Clearly.. I would NEVER let them play together EVER. This was an unexpected escape adventure. Paige was a bit nutty outside though. We played and hiked and played.. She swam almost everyday in the summer. I think this is part of why she was SUCH a handful on outdoor adventures. It was all intense and fun.

When Paige was nearly 4 we added another dog to our home, Brie. Brie was a miniature dachshund. She had a more shaky start. She had a hard time eating when she was little. She needed vet care because of her pancreas. She ended up being a more sensitive dog also submissive. Brie was also the most loyal dog I have ever had. We always joked that if I robber came in...Paige would lick their faces with joy for making a new friend and Brie would get punted away. Brie was also very adventurous and loved swimming. She just wasn't a fan of ANYONE new. She was very sweet with other indoor animals however. She loved cats. She also ended up getting along very well with the chickens, which was not instant. We had to train her not to pursue. This did pay off and she was actually the bottom hen. The other hens would always peck her head when she walked by. They were very compatible...a dachshund submitting to a chicken.. not an expected outcome for the breed.

My dogs have traveled the world with me. When I get a companion it is for keeps. Paige passed away about one year ago today. She was 13, she had a heart attack and it was a very quick and peaceful passing. She lived well and hard. She fooled vets because you could never peg her age just by seeing her. She was fit and healthy her whole life. I noticed the arthritis.. but she was such a good sport and never would let anyone else know. When I lost her.. I was empty.. My partner too.. we cried for days. I mean.. I am still crying when I think of her. But we had, Brie, everything would be ok.

Well Brie was approaching 10. She started taking a turn for the worse. She got very bad pancreatitis and this time she didn't recover. Her pancreases ruptured. My little adventurous sausage.. who hiked the Mojave with me, who swam in almost every major body of salt water and 3 of the great lakes. She died.. this shattered me. Paige was hard.. but Paige was 13 and we knew that time was coming. We were hoping for 6 more years with Brie give or take. Also it was such a horrible and painful way to go. My poor little Brie B. She passed away in October 2018.

So now I don't have a dog. The first time in my life. I am so worried about getting another dog. We are planning on waiting a few years. Maybe 1-2 years? I am definitely only tentatively ready to even toss the idea around.

My other dogs worked well with my companion animals. My cockatoo was very bonded to Paige. They didn't physically interact, but Peanut would call her and Paige loved all the free snacks. Brie was very easy.. mostly just a snuggle bug. Now that that story is out there..


____________________________________


My partner doesn't want another larger dog. He found working with Brie much easier. We are so lost about what the next dog could be.

I have a long history of attraction for Italian greyhounds. Does anyone have experiences to share with this breed and their birds? I am aware of the prey drive, but I am just curious of other encounters.

We are also thinking of a chihuahua.

Minature coated xoloitzcuintli.

Old English Sheepdog (one in the large category)

____

Please share other dog and bird cohabitation stories if you want to also. These are just the breeds we are thinking about. Also I do have experience volunteering at dog rescues. I am not anti-adoption, but that doesn't mean I am not interested in stories about the above breeds and others.

Thank you for reading my story and sharing yours :) I have thumnailed a few pictures of my girls. Including the first day they met.
 

Attachments

Last edited:

sunnysmom

Ripping up the road
Avenue Veteran
Celebirdy of the Month
Mayor of the Avenue
Avenue Spotlight Award
Joined
9/16/13
Messages
28,803
Location
Pennsylvania
Real Name
Michelle
Lovely dogs.

My dog experience is pretty much limited to the dachshund I had growing up but I didn't have birds then. And I think dachshunds actually have a pretty strong hunting drive. I know a lot of people here have dogs and birds. So hopefully they'll have some suggestions for you. :)
 

melissasparrots

Rollerblading along the road
Avenue Veteran
Celebirdy of the Month
Mayor of the Avenue
Avenue Spotlight Award
Joined
1/9/11
Messages
4,081
Location
Iowa
I always recommend the softer tempered herding dogs as one of the best bets for life with birds. Shelties and border collies in particular. I've had two shelties and both were very good with birds. I know several shelties that were just visiting my house from a friend and even though they were never socialized with birds, they still behaved well. Border collies and shelties are both used to herd geese in competitions. Eating the flock is not tolerated in well bred herding dogs. With good training, some of the softer tempered retrieving dogs can also be very good. My field bred springer is just as good as my shelties and he is used for flushing game. However, his hunting partners are hawks, so from day one he was socialized extensively with birds. My worst dogs have been yorkies and small terriers. My yorkies had to be in a separate room when the birds were out as they would go for the birds lightening quick if one fluttered and hit the floor. I'd also be careful of sight hound breeds as they seem to have a more primal prey response like the terriers.
 

Mitzi

Jogging around the block
Avenue Veteran
Joined
5/4/10
Messages
759
Location
South East, TX
Real Name
Michelle "Mitzi"
I have a mini aussie who is great around the birds. My mini aussie is very smart and a perfect companion.
 

fashionfobie

Biking along the boulevard
Avenue Veteran
Celebirdy of the Month
Mayor of the Avenue
Avenue Spotlight Award
Joined
1/4/19
Messages
5,246
Location
Qld, Australia
Real Name
Natalie
Lovely dogs.

My dog experience is pretty much limited to the dachshund I had growing up but I didn't have birds then. And I think dachshunds actually have a pretty strong hunting drive. I know a lot of people here have dogs and birds. So hopefully they'll have some suggestions for you. :)
Dachshunds are definitely sight hounds! Don't let anyone fool you otherwise. I was very lucky with Brie because she was so submissive and really cared about what I thought. Won't be the case for all of them. Brie was great with pets in the home. They are a wonderful breed. I think the biggest thing, with any dog for that matter, is proper exercise. Dachshunds are hunters and have the endurance to go on long walks and adventures. Some people don't work them... and they become overweight couch potatoes that can develop many issues. A tired dog is a good dog.

I always recommend the softer tempered herding dogs as one of the best bets for life with birds. Shelties and border collies in particular. I've had two shelties and both were very good with birds. I know several shelties that were just visiting my house from a friend and even though they were never socialized with birds, they still behaved well. Border collies and shelties are both used to herd geese in competitions. Eating the flock is not tolerated in well bred herding dogs. With good training, some of the softer tempered retrieving dogs can also be very good. My field bred springer is just as good as my shelties and he is used for flushing game. However, his hunting partners are hawks, so from day one he was socialized extensively with birds. My worst dogs have been yorkies and small terriers. My yorkies had to be in a separate room when the birds were out as they would go for the birds lightening quick if one fluttered and hit the floor. I'd also be careful of sight hound breeds as they seem to have a more primal prey response like the terriers.
Yeah I think I should scratch Iggy off my list. I have always had a soft spot for them.. always! But I have also always had small companion animals, so think I would be playing with fire.

I have never been a fan of retrieving dogs. Just my own prejudice, but I don't really seem to understand their motivation or thought process. I worry about shepherds because sometimes they can be a bit manic. My sheepdog growing up was a perfect calm and sweet, but her brother was so focused on herding and he was obsessive. The people who had him kept him with horses and he ran around the paddock so much that the ground was worn into gullies. These were sibling dogs from the same bloodlines.

Yorkies or any ratter would defiantly be risky.

I think we might be leaning toward chihuahua. The long-haired ones are really cute. I think I like 'deer head' from what I have read, seems odd that 'apple head' is the more desired look. I think they have a bad reputation as a breed. Though I think this stems from poor exercise and training. Dogs need to be dogs. Well worked chihuahaus seem to have low prey drive and seem to be very mastiff like in their demeanor in terms of protecting the home. I also like a loyal dog. Couldn't beat the relationship I had with Brie, she was glued to me. Eric is also very keen on the compact size, even a large chihuahua is a small dog. They seem to be sensitive dogs though, who may be reactive to a parrotlet flying off.. though it would be easier to confine a smaller dog.



Does anyone have a chihuahua? Hopefully a Chihuahua that gets does get the training and exercise needed.
 

Monica

Cruising the avenue
Avenue Veteran
Celebirdy of the Month
Mayor of the Avenue
Avenue Spotlight Award
Joined
5/18/10
Messages
11,253
Location
Hell, NV
Real Name
Monica
My last dog, Kodi was 1/2 akita, possibly 1/2 pit (guess after that would be lab!) was fine around birds and cats. He was pretty much a happy go lucky numb-nuts, really! By far not the brightest crayon in the box, but still a great pup! I lost him a year ago this February. He would have been 13 last year. A lot of people thought he was younger than he really was. I remember when he was 10 and we were in a home improvement store. Someone couldn't imagine he was older than 6!



A previous dog before him, a "neighorhood dog" with a strong inclination that he had chow in him (and, I think, maybe Aussie shep?) was also okay with birds. Bullet was not okay with kids, however... which was his downfall.... (he was abused by a kid(s) in the home he was born into... and family wanted to keep him instead of finding him a home... only got rid of him because he barked too much)



Current dog is a husky. Couldn't tell you exactly what type, but I've got a strong inclination that he is mixed (i.e. siberian x malamute). He seems fine with my vets birds (he actually hasn't seen her for a vet visit yet! I've had him for 2 1/2 months, he's at the vets office for a weigh in every week and he only met my vet on the last visit!) but I don't trust him with my own. Then again, my birds are smaller and more flighty, and not used to dogs so that tends to get him riled up, vs my vets birds who see all sorts of animals on a near daily basis! Plus her birds are larger and calmer. He actually gets along great with my cat! My cat loves to play with him (oddest thing ever... so used to cats hating dogs! Even if the cat grew up with a dog in the home!) but also gets irritated with him, too! (hey, what can you expect when you pick on somebody that's 4x bigger!) Kai (dog) was supposed to be around 2 years old, but his microchip indicates that he'll be about 4 years old very soon! (don't have his birth date!) Kai was supposed to be a family dog but he's my dog. I was searching for a family dog and looked at many breeds, including mixes. Also looked at many huskies. Passed over *many* dogs. When I saw him, I decided I wanted him! Only, the person who had him gave him to someone else! (after already agreeing for me to take him) The couple who got him eventually put him back up for adoption 3 weeks later...




My family and I really aren't into little dogs, so no experience there... I actually detest most little dogs because people don't treat them like a dog! And they end up being terrible animals! But I have met a few that have been exceptions to that and I have enjoyed those dogs! :)



Saying that, I did work at one women's house who has several parrots (when I was last there, the count was over 50... and she keeps mostly medium/large parrots!) and she also had 6 dogs (at least one has since passed). The large dogs (newfie x LGD and LGD?) lived outside in the barn, mother/son French Bulldogs (from France!) were/are indoor/outdoor dogs, and then the chihuahua (since passed) and mini doxie were primarily indoor dogs but they also went outside. (I don't think as much as the Frenchies though?) The chihuahua and doxie seemed fine around the birds and I can't recall for sure if the other two small ones were really around the birds or not... the large dogs never! One of the workers would also occasionally bring her dog with her, and her dog looked to be a chihuahua x maybe cairn terrier? Basically, a chihuahua with scraggly wiry hair... also was okay with the birds.[/S]
 

Sylvester

Hit the Road
Joined
7/12/17
Messages
1,939
The photos of your dogs are quite impressive. Yes, that is the tragedy: animals just don't live as long as we do.

A friend of mine has a xoloitzcuintli, and that dog gets along with all of her other animal companions. Greyhounds, because of their breeding can be prone to anxiety, and you already know about sheepdogs. :)

I frankly think any dog can be fine around birds if it was either raised around them, or has a laid back personality.
 

fashionfobie

Biking along the boulevard
Avenue Veteran
Celebirdy of the Month
Mayor of the Avenue
Avenue Spotlight Award
Joined
1/4/19
Messages
5,246
Location
Qld, Australia
Real Name
Natalie
Xolos are stunning dogs. @Sylvester did your friend have a coated or hairless one? There are very few xolo breeders in Australia, but I have been in touch with one, located in WA. She is a very dedicated person. She used to work with police dogs, so she is to the point, practical and honest. I filled out her questionnaire and am on her radar, though I am not sure. She doesn't know if the breed will be a good match for small pets. She worries that sometimes they can be unpredictable because they are a 'primitive breed'. Now I am not sure I agree with the primitive thing...but many canine resources use this lingo.

I have read the opposite on a few dog websites that they are great with small animals, so who knows. Like you said I think training is the main thing.

Chihuahua are more available, which has both pros and cons. Pro, there are a few breeders in my same city so I can build a relationship more easily and visit the dogs more easily.. Con, some people breed for the WRONG reasons and more popular breeds are exploited. I reached out to WACHOWA in Brisbane. They seem to be doing the right things. If anyone on our forum has had bad experiences with them please advise.

So I guess I am in between Xolo or Chihuahua at the moment.


@Monica Small dogs are dogs, they are just more compact. I know a lot of people who are skeptical of small breeds. I think it just depends on what you are used to. Small dogs are victims of abuse...fairly regularly. Since they are small they are undervalued. They can either be locked up all the time without proper exercise or affection..or they can get babied and never get the stimulation they need. The "small dog syndrome" is a human made problem. With every small dog I worked with I have found they can really thrive when allowed to be dogs. I have been reading through a few chihuahua forums and the generally these owners are allowing their dogs walks, hikes, healthy diets, and training... and most importantly socialisation.
 

CrazyBirdChick

Biking along the boulevard
Avenue Veteran
Celebirdy of the Month
Joined
12/10/15
Messages
7,162
Location
Chicago , Illinois
Real Name
Diane
I used to have a mixed breed dog who was so incredibly well behaved with other animals that I'm concerned may never find a dog like that again. So I'm weary to even try but I do know in my heart I'll have a dog again one day. So I'm very interested in this thread.

I have seriously considered getting a Chow chow. The ones I've known (3) have all been so loyal to their owners and aloof with everything else. But that may have just been them and not every Chow so I don't know how risky that would be knowing Blu would probably be a terrorist and fly down to preen and pull it's hair.

I think a pug would probably be really sweet but then they're so overbred I'd be afraid of health problems. My dream dog is a pomeranian but I know they're pretty overbred too.

Mutts are the best! You just have to have a good idea of their mixes. Mine who passed away was a german shepherd, belgian tevuran, beagle & flat coated retriever according to a dna test. She was a perfect dog. :)
 

Monica

Cruising the avenue
Avenue Veteran
Celebirdy of the Month
Mayor of the Avenue
Avenue Spotlight Award
Joined
5/18/10
Messages
11,253
Location
Hell, NV
Real Name
Monica
The "small dog syndrome" is a human made problem.
And that's the exact reason I do not like the majority of the small dogs that I meet! Ill trained and over-babied. They don't get the socialization or training that they need. They aren't *TREATED* like dogs at all!

That said, I still wouldn't want a small dog! ;) I'm more medium/large breed unless it was something like a corgi or shiba inu! :D
 

fashionfobie

Biking along the boulevard
Avenue Veteran
Celebirdy of the Month
Mayor of the Avenue
Avenue Spotlight Award
Joined
1/4/19
Messages
5,246
Location
Qld, Australia
Real Name
Natalie
@Davi I saw your lovely pups in another thread. Can you share your experiences with Phoebe and your birds? Please :) Italian Greyhounds have always had a soft spot in my heart. I am curious how she does with your birds. Any details would be deeply appreciated! :hug8:
 

Davi

Rollerblading along the road
Avenue Concierge
Joined
12/12/17
Messages
1,519
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Real Name
Davi
Hi Natalie (@fashionfobie)! I actually try to keep them as separate as possible. It's very odd: at home, Phoebe is actually very scared of the birds and would rather stay as far away from them as she can! But when I take her out on her walks or running, she'll try to chase *some* birds (if the birds don't fly off right away). Our other dog, Bella (a little Jack Russel mix), actually salivates when she sees birds, so that's a no go! :hehe: Our Phoebe is a wonderful dog indoors, but she does have some PTSD-like issues (we can only assume) when outdoors, but I don't think she's your average Iggy. If you'd like more about our experiences with her, feel free to send me a message! We love her to death!
 

fashionfobie

Biking along the boulevard
Avenue Veteran
Celebirdy of the Month
Mayor of the Avenue
Avenue Spotlight Award
Joined
1/4/19
Messages
5,246
Location
Qld, Australia
Real Name
Natalie
@Davi Yeah sight hounds have their ways. I will probably keep them off my list, shucks!

I am not sure how to send messages o_O
 

Davi

Rollerblading along the road
Avenue Concierge
Joined
12/12/17
Messages
1,519
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Real Name
Davi
@fashionfobie I think I was able to start a private convo with you, but let me know if you don't get it! :)
 

PacificPaulie

Walking the driveway
Joined
4/7/19
Messages
280
Real Name
Meagan
I've got a rottie mix and a German Shepherd. For safety reasons, I leave them both in their crates when Paulie's out. Paulie will sometimes fly over to them and Wreckless (rottie) will lose his mind. Simon (German Shepherd) is indifferent. I've thought about training Wreckless with little exposure with Paulie while muzzled, but Paulie is still a baby and I don't want to put him through that stress.

One thing you might consider if you get a breed with strong prey drive is what's called a flirt pole. You can buy one or make one yourself but the concept is you throw a toy around like your fishing and your fur baby chases it. It's a great way to help satisfy that prey drive while also wearing out their energy and preserving yours. You could also use this opportunity to help control the prey drive with commands.

Another option is to consider crate training. My dogs are in their crates only to eat their breakfast/dinner and periodically throughout the day when it's Paulie's turn to be out. Otherwise, they sleep in the bedroom with us and spend time outside exercising/playing.

As far as specific dog breed/bird pairings I'm afraid I can't help. I've had a few different breeds throughout my life but I'm convinced it's largely a combination of training/dog intelligence/dog temperament. My spaniel was incredibly dumb and unruly, most of my Yorkies would stop going after the bird when you told them too, and my golden retrievers were more interested in raiding the fridge (never teach a puppy how to open the fridge :facepalm:... save that trick for when their older).
 

Monica

Cruising the avenue
Avenue Veteran
Celebirdy of the Month
Mayor of the Avenue
Avenue Spotlight Award
Joined
5/18/10
Messages
11,253
Location
Hell, NV
Real Name
Monica
One thing you might consider if you get a breed with strong prey drive is what's called a flirt pole. You can buy one or make one yourself but the concept is you throw a toy around like your fishing and your fur baby chases it. It's a great way to help satisfy that prey drive while also wearing out their energy and preserving yours. You could also use this opportunity to help control the prey drive with commands.
Had one of these for my cat... the dog chewed it up. Got another one. My youngest nephew broke it. They are quite universal toys, but they can get expensive if you always buy them! :hehe:
 

Hawk12237

Biking along the boulevard
Celebirdy of the Month
Joined
3/5/19
Messages
5,106
Location
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Real Name
Michael
I always recommend the softer tempered herding dogs as one of the best bets for life with birds. Shelties and border collies in particular. I've had two shelties and both were very good with birds. I know several shelties that were just visiting my house from a friend and even though they were never socialized with birds, they still behaved well. Border collies and shelties are both used to herd geese in competitions. Eating the flock is not tolerated in well bred herding dogs. With good training, some of the softer tempered retrieving dogs can also be very good. My field bred springer is just as good as my shelties and he is used for flushing game. However, his hunting partners are hawks, so from day one he was socialized extensively with birds. My worst dogs have been yorkies and small terriers. My yorkies had to be in a separate room when the birds were out as they would go for the birds lightening quick if one fluttered and hit the floor. I'd also be careful of sight hound breeds as they seem to have a more primal prey response like the terriers.
I agree with that.....one dog we had that was great around birds was a great Pyrenees dog. Yea they're huge! But was very protective of our chickens and would watch for hawks, cyotes, foxes, and that. Their life span isn't long for these dogs as some are.
We currently have a boxer/ Staffordshire mix, which is 12 yrs old...very good with our parrots. She is protective of the parrots. People come over she'll go lay by perch or bird gym to keep an eye on anyone that wants to get close to birds.
I don't trust many smaller dogs ( especially terriers) with my birds. Dachshunds are cute, but many are keen hunters. You don't turn your back on a dachshund and bird. I lost a bird many years ago to a dachshund.
Took a very long time to get the right dog in our home. My wife is a dog lover, so had to at least try for her sake. And we found the perfect dog 5 yrs ago this june! A rescue....but sweetest boxer mix you could ever wish for. And super great with birds!
 
Top