SammySamantha
06-19-2008, 01:01 AM
Can lovebirds be jealous of other pets? :confused:
I have had Sam for about 3 weeks and she is sweet as she can be. But I also have a dog (also super sweet). I am trying to slowly get them used to each other, but the bird has a death wish!
The dog only seems interested in Sam when she is flapping. If she is just sitting on my shoulder, everyone is cool. The big problem is that Sam insists on trying to land on the dog. NOT COOL! Also when we are sitting around, Sam will crawl down my arm as fast as she can, bite the dog on the nose, then run back up my arm. She has only actually done this twice, but not for lack of trying. The vet suggested rewarding the dog with treats when it is calm around the bird, but Sam insists on getting into the dog treats and only makes matters worse. Really, the dog is not the problem. I can control her.
I was thinking about a tether for the bird so we can have some positive together time without attack bird issues. Maybe just 10 minutes a night where everyone is sitting watching tv and not trying to peck or eat each other? Do they even make tethers small enough for lovebirds?
Does anyone have any input on this situation? Obviously, Sam's safety is my biggest concern. The dog is 60 lbs and can defend herself. But I just feel like I have been spending all my time with Sam and neglecting my princess puppy.
Ah, the joys of animal ownership!
I have had Sam for about 3 weeks and she is sweet as she can be. But I also have a dog (also super sweet). I am trying to slowly get them used to each other, but the bird has a death wish!
The dog only seems interested in Sam when she is flapping. If she is just sitting on my shoulder, everyone is cool. The big problem is that Sam insists on trying to land on the dog. NOT COOL! Also when we are sitting around, Sam will crawl down my arm as fast as she can, bite the dog on the nose, then run back up my arm. She has only actually done this twice, but not for lack of trying. The vet suggested rewarding the dog with treats when it is calm around the bird, but Sam insists on getting into the dog treats and only makes matters worse. Really, the dog is not the problem. I can control her.
I was thinking about a tether for the bird so we can have some positive together time without attack bird issues. Maybe just 10 minutes a night where everyone is sitting watching tv and not trying to peck or eat each other? Do they even make tethers small enough for lovebirds?
Does anyone have any input on this situation? Obviously, Sam's safety is my biggest concern. The dog is 60 lbs and can defend herself. But I just feel like I have been spending all my time with Sam and neglecting my princess puppy.
Ah, the joys of animal ownership!