How to introduce my puppy to my cockatiel?

[coripc33]

I am not sure if this is the place for this issue, but it's "everything about puppies", so here it goes...

I have a 5 mos old Westie, and a cockatiel. The way I have it set up now is the cockatiel pretty much lives upstairs, and the dog downstairs. I split my time between the two, I am upstairs when the puppy is napping (the cockatiel is pretty self-sufficient). I would like to have them both in the same room sometimes (while I am there with them, of course), and I tried it a few times, but the puppy is not interested in the bird (good) until she is flying around, and then she wants to get to her (hard to do, since the bird is up in the air). However, the cockatiel is very curious about the puppy, and she tries to fly next to her every chance she gets, at which point the puppy wants to go see what that other creature is.

Does anyone have any ideas about how to introduce one to the other so the puppy will understand that the birdie is not "dinner"? Any advice will be highly appreciated, thanks in advance.

 

[xxxpoo]

Don't feed your pup for the entire day...... the next morning, put your bird and pup in a crate and everything should be fine. This works like a charm.....

No really... I don't think it's a good idea. You're risking waaayyyy to much.

 

[Dizzy]

My auntie had a cockatiel that lived many happy years with a dog!!

Sid (the bird) loved Cassie (the dog!)!

I think, just take it slow... Put the bird in the room in its cage, dog on the lead in the room, and let them look at each other and suss each other out.

Praise doggy for sitting quietly and not antagonising the bird. Increase the time they are in the room, and being nice (on lead).

Go onto Bird in cage and dog OFF lead. Same principal - keep it nice and calm, reward good behaviour. Ig dog acts up, just put on the lead and leave the room calmly, and try again another time.

I guess the last step is one you should ONLY take if you are 100% confident - dog and bird in the room - never unsupervised - off lead and out of cage!!

I know it can be done - I have seen it!!

 

[Dizzy]

Bear in mind though, you may NEVER be able to do it... Don't risk anything if you aren't 100% sure..!!

 

[bubbatd]

Sounds logical to me !

 

[coripc33]

Thank you very much - I know it may never happen, I would like to try though... It makes sense to me that I should get the puppy used to the bird as soon as possible (while she is still young), as opposed to waiting for her to get older. Or is it better to wait so she will be older and maybe not as hyper? Even though Westies seem to be hyper even as adults, no? I am just wondering...

Thanks a lot for your advice.