My dogs and I had a wonderful weekend. We got up at 6 AM and went out for a walk. We were excited to get some fresh air for the first time in weeks. Strict lockdowns have stopped us from going out often.
One of our neighbors has a cockatiel. And when my dogs and I passed by in front of their house, we were mesmerized by this lovely creature. He whistled a few tunes for us, and I’m glad that my dogs appreciate the “mini-concert” and behaved well.
I wonder, do cockatiels get along with dogs?
Would it be ok for dogs to be around cockatiels or not?
Can dogs and cockatiels play together safely?
It’s always fun to have pets around the house. But before you make the decision as to whether you can have more, I hope you find this helpful.
Let’s get to it.
Do cockatiels get along with dogs?
Yes, cockatiels do get along with dogs, even cats.
If you own a cat or a dog, you know that they love to chase after balls of yarn. They also enjoy playing fetch games with toys such as Frisbees or tennis balls. So, what happens when you bring home a new toy-playing friend who loves to throw things? You guessed right: The ball goes flying! It’s inevitable that your cat or dog will try to catch the ball before it hits the ground.
Best dog for a cockatiel
As a fur mom of 2, I’d say that the best dog for a cockatiel depends on their behavior.
If your dog is aggressive towards other animals, and you don’t have the time and energy to train him/her, it is going to be very hard for you to have a cockatiel around the house. This can trigger stress and anxiety in both pets, which may compromise their safety.
However, if your dog is gentle around other animals, getting another pet like a cockatiel is an easy decision to make.
Lastly, consider the size of your dog. My first dog, Kuya is weighing 55+ pounds (around 25 kilos). He is a two-year-old mixed breed of Aspin and German Shepherd. Although I find him very cuddly and gentle towards me and my Shih Tzu, he tends to be a little anxious with other creatures. Sometimes, he would get mad at lizards, even butterflies.
Meanwhile, my Shih Tzu Bunso is gentle all the way.
For me, I find that it’s easy for small dogs to learn how to behave with other animals, rather than large dogs. But I guess, it really depends on how much time you spend with them every day.
Introducing Your Pets to Each Other
If you’re planning on introducing two different species of animals into one household, there is no need to worry about how they’ll react towards each other.
However, if you want to keep both cats and dogs away from your pet cockatiel, then you must make sure that he doesn’t come across either type of animal while roaming freely outside his cage.
If you can’t prevent him from seeing these creatures, then you might consider keeping him inside until you’ve introduced them to each other.
Did you know that I was hesitant to get a Shih Tzu? My first dog is Kuya, a mixed breed of Aspin (Filipino dog and German Shepherd). it took me months to decide before getting a second dog because I was scared, they won’t get along. Thankfully, they did.
How To Introduce Two Different Species Of Animals Into One Household
When bringing home, a new pet, you should always think twice before doing so. First, ask yourself whether you really want another living being in your life. Second, ensure that you choose a suitable breed for your needs. Third, remember that some breeds require more time than others to adjust to their surroundings. Finally, never forget to give all your pets the same amount of attention and affection.
How Can I Train My Pets To Live Together?
The best way to train a cockatiel to live with dogs and/or cats is by using positive reinforcement techniques. Positive training methods include rewarding good behavior and punishing bad behavior. By following these tips, you can teach your pets to live together peacefully.
How to Start Training Your Cat, Dog, or Cockatiel
Training your pet requires patience and consistency. As soon as you start teaching your pet tricks, you may find that he becomes bored quickly. Therefore, you should only begin training your pet once he shows interest in learning something new.
Also, be patient when trying to teach your pet tricks. Don’t expect instant results. Instead, focus on building up small successes over time.
Final thoughts
Cockatiels and dogs get along ONLY if you will let it.
Remember, as responsible pet owners, it’s part of our job to make sure that our animals are properly taken care of. We’re not just talking about food and shelter. Having a safe and harmonious environment is just as important.
Did you know that there is such a thing as bird depression?
If a bird like a cockatiel is losing appetite, irritable, and/or losing feathers, this is a sign that your pet is not okay. Consult your avian vet immediately.
Meanwhile, if your dog is the one who’s depressed, observe what’s causing him to feel that way.
Is he jealous of your new pet?
Did he feel that he’s being neglected?
Is getting a new pet, let alone a cockatiel, cure his depression?
Moreover, you must understand that all animals need exercise and mental stimulation. If you don’t provide this type of activity, then your animal might become aggressive towards people and even other animals.
However, there are ways to prevent this problem from happening.
Lastly, getting a new pet is similar to having your own child. You can’t decide on getting a cockatiel, and if it didn’t work out, return it to the breeder. That’s heartbreaking.
If you have a busy work schedule, lack the patience to teach your pets to behave, or you like the idea but you don’t want the responsibility, then by no means, don’t get a cockatiel.
