Can Dogs & Birds Live Together 

Can Dogs & Birds Live Together? 

One thing that we should know is that predatory behavior is an instinct for dogs. There is no way around it! While this behavior may only go as far as the chase, with no harm done to the animal, some dogs may go a little further. Take into consideration their levels of excitement and the overall situation. This leads us to wonder if dogs and pet birds are a good match. Before we dive in, please note that if your canine tries to injure ​or kill the bird or has a history of killing small animals, speak with your veterinarian for professional guidance.

It is important for you to watch for signs of predatory behavior in your dog. Look for stiffened body posture, freezing, and hardened eyes. Your dog may crouch down toward the ground while walking in slow calculated steps. This means that they are trying to stalk other animals. Intense focus on the smaller animal is another indication of predation. Keep in mind that the predatory sequence may happen quickly as some dogs show very little warning before they move in for the attack.

There are ways that you can keep your pet bird(s) safe. The safety of the bird and the prevention of an incident are paramount. You may think that your dog is simply just showing interest in the bird without displaying any sort of predatory behavior, but given their size difference, the dog can still accidently injure the bird. Secure housing for the bird is a must. Birds should be kept in strongly protected housing, high, and out of dog’s reach!

Are you removing the bird from the cage throughout the day? Be sure that your dog is in a secure area, out of sight of the bird! Use this as a training opportunity for your four-legged friend. If they behave in their secure location, use positive reinforcement. You can also give them a toy or a stuffed treat to keep them busy while the bird is out and about. The more opportunities your dog has to expend energy throughout the day, they are most likely to be more relaxed which means that they will have less energy and desire to torment the bird.

As we mentioned before, the best thing to focus on is safety and prevention. If your dog remains obsessed with the bird, professional intervention will be necessary. Think about life as a bird. Being an object of prey puts a lot of stress on the bird. You want to ensure that they are living their best life as well!