Hello Everyone!
My Avian Vet responded to my email; I will be talking to my resident bird expert (Donn) later today to get his opinion. Here is the email I sent to the Vet yesterday (before I posted the question on this forum) and his answers are below in bold. I respect and like this Vet very much. Dr Mike was the Avian Vet able to help my Sophie when she had a chronic egg laying issue (I had posted questions on this forum during that time too). I had taken her previously to another Avian Vet who was no help at all. As a result, Sophie now has a 2nd cage and it is placed in her very own bedroom, covered by a black bird cage tarp. Every night without fail, between 8-830PM, Sophie lets us know that it's time to go Night-Night. She stays in there quietly and comfortably until about 8-830 AM and doesn't make a peep until I come in and uncover her cage to let her out for the day.
Anyway, here is my email to my Avian Vet and his responses:
Hello Dr. Mike,
I hope all is well and that you are having an enjoyable summer! This is not urgent, I value your opinion and would like to hear it:
For months now, I have been kicking around the idea of getting either a Mini-Goldendoodle or Mini-Labradoodle. I am allergic but grew up with a Wire Haired Fox Terrier and was fine with her. I am leaning towards a male Mini-Goldendoodle based on what I have read.
Labradors and Golden Retrievers do shed, so as long as you get the Poodle dominant skin trait you will get a dog that does not shed a lot. You will still be allergic to proteins in the saliva and some dander proteins on the skin, but with a healthy diet with Omega-3 Fatty Acids
from fish, you can keep the skin dander to a minimum.
My concern is with the parrot Sophie. If she sees a rabbit or deer in the yard outside (even when she is in the safety of her cage) she screams and either flies down the hall or hides under furniture. I then have to hold her and assure her that "it's ok". She has even learned to say "it's ok", although these sightings don't happen frequently. I have to take the bird's well-being into consideration ahead of the dog as the bird has been our first "resident".
Birds are so smart that I think with your planned tactic of always being there and slow introduction is fine.
I have done a lot of reading and at introduction time would keep the dog on a leash and the bird in the cage; I would allow the bird to see me interacting with the dog. I will never let the dog/bird in the same room unsupervised no matter how much time has passed.
My fear (perhaps unrealistic) is that we bring the dog in and the bird flies around inside her cage, banging herself in the cage and either injuring or killing herself. I guess I could hold the bird while Susan holds the dog during an introduction.
I may even ask the breeder if we can take the dog for an intro before we commit to a purchase, but I doubt they will allow that to happen.
What are your thoughts here? Of course you would be our dog's vet just like you are Sophie's and I would take the dog to you for shots, neutering etc.
I am also going to discuss with Don from Pretty Birds. If you and/or Don say its not a good idea, then I won't do it.
Great idea! Donn is a master with bird behavior.
Also, can you suggest any Mini-Goldendoodle breeders that are close by? I called and spoke with Beth from
RG Doodles 412-965-2809 - Home and she advised that her dogs are raised with cats and don't even bother with them.
My daughter was searching for a similar breeder of Golden and Labradoodles and I do not have anyone that I can recommend unfortunately. Some people claim they are breeders because of an act of nature!
I also was considering training the dog somewhere where Susan and/or I would be involved in the training. I was looking at
Home | campbowwow.com/pittsburgh-south but am also open to any suggestions you may have.
I sent my daughter and son-in-law here and they loved them! Their first dog is 2 years old and they are getting a second dog next week (decided on another Lab). (Like Father, like Daughter!) I like both of these places too.
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Dog Training Classes in Pittsburgh
Dog Training Classes in Pittsburgh
Our group dog training classes are focused on obedience and our curriculum is geared towards achievment of the T...
Thanks Dr Mike! Incidentally, Sophie hasn't laid eggs since the last shot!
Very good...I think we have the dose worked out now.
Sincerely,
Joel Fishbaine