You probably missed my post above. If you start with a baby, and I mean about 8 weeks old, you will grow with that baby and it will be less intimidating to you. You do need to be able to visit that baby on an almost daily basis or at least several times a week. I think you will be fine with a macaw as long as you have the patience to visit while the baby is being weaned. And, please, whatever you do, do NOT buy an unweaned baby. If a breeder or store suggests that, I say RUN!!

IMO, there is too much risk in letting them get close to each other. One bite, and the bird is gone. I would suggest keeping dogs and bird completely separated when the bird is out of its cage. Separated as in the dogs shut in another room. Animals are too unpredictable, and especially with 2 dogs it would be nearly impossible to keep a close enough eye on them.

I do not trust any bird with any dog (or cat for that matter)

Thank you so much for clarifying that. I felt it was a little strong for not saying anything else, but totally understand that after knowing a little background Besides going to stores and getting "use" to them any other suggestions for getting "comfortable"

Did you see my response above?

Yes about the dogs?

So am I right in saying that getting a young blue and gold, or green wing is the best way to go for first time owners?

No, about how I would suggest you purchase a macaw, if that is the route you are going. Also, do you live in a house or an apartment? That is very important. Macaws are not good apartment birds.

This is what I posted above:

I live in a large condo unit. However, if we would ever buy a macaw it wouldn't be for a little while and by that time we would probably be in a house. When you say, though, that they are not good in apartments are you talking small 2 bedroom style or what?

They are just very LOUD birds. The loudest of the loud! You would get kicked out of an apartment for sure!