Does anyone have any tips on getting a dog and a macaw to be friends? I am scared to let them get near each other, but I would like them to be friends. Ruby tries to bite at Lucky (new boxer puppy) when she gets near her nose. Is it possible without having 2 animals at the emergency room?

I wouldnt trust it. I myself dont have a macaw but some friends of ours did and they had a puppy. They asked someone that raises macaws if it is a good idea because the macaw didnt seem to pay much attention to the puppy at first. Then she started bitting the puppy because it was getting to hyper. Our friends thaught they would have to worry more about the bird getting hurt by the dog. The breeder of macaws said that they wouldnt worry so much about the bird it would be the dog they would have to worry about cause the macaw could seriously hurt it even possibly take an eye out. So watch carefully with this one. They finally had to teach the dog which is still a puppy LOL to leave the bird alone. All together. ~Jenna

I would not trust a puppy around any bird.
My poor Turd who was 10 years old when she died just about a year ago loved the birds and they loved her.

My puppy, now 11 months old, is another deal all together.
I have taken it very slow and am just now able to let Boca out when Abi is near. My husband and I are both right there.

Here are some pics of Turd. The two Greys use to cuddle up with her.

I wouldn't trust it either - puppies don't know their size or strength. They sometimes play rough and boxers naturally "box" and paw with their paws when they are playing. So I think the potential for injury is there on both sides - either the boxer playing too rough and hurting Ruby or Ruby getting annoyed and biting the puppy.

We don't allow our dogs near the birds when the birds are out, we don't even take the chance and have the dogs either in the back yard or in a bedroom. It's not the most convenient, but it's for everyone's safety (my birds are bite size lol).

Ditto what everyone else said. I have 3 little Pomeranians here and they're not allowed anywhere near the birds.

I also agree with everyone, birds should never be left alone with dogs or cats. I have dogs, cats and have fostered many .... the birds are always closely supervised around the furkids.

We don't allow our dogs near the birds when the birds are out, we don't even take the chance and have the dogs either in the back yard or in a bedroom. It's not the most convenient, but it's for everyone's safety (my birds are bite size lol).[/quote]

bite sized birds!!

Good advice all!! Thanks!

I have 2 Labradors, 2 cats and Peggy (Sulpha Crested Cockatoo) flightless and helpless.
Out of all my pets the only one who isn't allowed inside is the kitten as she tries to climb Peggy's cage. Other than that, Casper (12yo cat) has free run of the house, as do my dogs, even when Peggy is out and about. But having said that, if I am not at home I wouldn't leave them all inside and Peggy out of her cage. At night, Peggy is shut in and the dogs and cat are inside while I sleep, but I wouldn't leave her out and let them roam free, just in case. I don't have a problem, the dogs don't touch her, neither does Casper.

I know my dogs and cat, I have had Manau and Peggy over a period of 3 years or so together and none have ever hurt Peggy or Manau. In fact they are more afraid of her than anything else. She has a very powerful beak and sqwark.
Yes it is possible to get them all to be friends, just like my dogs will lay with the cats, even the kitten, play with them, snuggle up, just depends on the temperament of the animals you are combining. Take it slowly, watch, be aware, train the dogs and cats whatever you want to combine. Never leave unsupervised, even if you are hanging out the washing, don't leave your other pet inside alone with a free roaming bird, you just never know.

Help that answers your question. Yes it is possible, it is quite easy, I have had more than 2 dogs, puppies, trained them to respect the bird, but never left them alone, I am always in the house if they are. Even my dog Ellie, she loves any animal, but I would never leave her alone with Peggy.

I wouldn't allow a puppy to get to close to the birds they don't have enough sense when young. I would also worry about both getting hurt I know with Keke she will beak at Hedi. Keke has no idea what the dog is. Simon on the other hand loves the dog will call her and get a ride to the nearest human,the dog is not thrilled with the bird but she is an old hand at other pets and sees the bird as a food source not to eat the bird but the bird throws things for the dog to eat. Puppies are so hyper anyway but I would make sure the bird knows the dog has a place as well in the family and that just like all unwanted behaviors need to be dealt with just like you might deal with the behavior with a child and never unsupervised the chance something might happen is just to great