Is it a good idea to get a dog when I have 2 parakeets?

Question

My parakeets are about 4.5 years old, and we are thinking about getting a puppy. Not a big one, though. But I have heard many stories about how dogs eat the birds, ESPECIALLY parakeets. So now im doubting my choice about getting the puppy. What should I do? We have had much experience with dogs before, and none have seemed to want to eat the parakeets, but im not sure. Some stories have been that the parakeets and dogs have liked each other. So is it diferent for every case, or is there something I should look for? PLEASE HELP ME!!!

Answer 1

Dogs can be taught as I'm sure you know.  It has been my experience that you can get just about any animal to befriend just about any other animal.  I have seen cats and dogs get along with rats, snakes, birds, etc., but if you don't teach the animal to not hurt your other pets, it could end badly.  My iguana got out one time and my dog ate it.  Since then I have made it a point to familiarize my pets with one another.  You just have to keep them separated while you are away.  I would suggest exposing the puppy to the parakeets as much as possible (under VERY close supervision) and make sure the puppy gets the idea that playing with the parakeets is forbidden.  The dog will learn that it should not hurt the parakeets with time, and you should eventually be able to leave them alone together.

Answer 2

It's all in the time & training that you put into familiarizing and setting boundaries for your puppy.  I would definitely get the parakeets.  Try to get hand fed parakeets they are friendlier and make less noise. Multiple pet families have worked out well for me.  Have a Bichon Frise puppy a family of 3 cats, 2 lovebirds and a 4 ft. iguana that takes her daily walk right through the menagerie.  Good luck  &  go for it.