Post by spookyhurst on Mar 1, 2006 1:14:30 GMT -7
I got Nikko one of those cool Adventure Pack Carriers for Christmas (www.chewzybeaks.com/adventure_packs.htm). After 2 months of having it sit next to his playgym, he still would have nothing to do with it. I don't think he was afraid of the carrier as much as where we would take him in the carrier.
Initially, I though I wouldn't force the issue, and I'd let him decide to get in it in his own time. That is, until last Sunday. As usual, we were preparing to take the dog to the park that afternoon. It was a very nice warm day. I told my mom I was going to get Nikko in his carrier (she scoffed
) and take him with us (a lot of people have asked me to bring him down). I approached the carrier with Nikko on my hand, and he leaned back and flew away. I tried a second time, same result. Then I decided he was never going to get in unless I "stuffed" him in (don't worry, Nikko isn't particularly phobic, nor does he hold grudges). I don't know how, but I actually got him in. Unfortunately, my arm was also in, so it took a little work to extricate myself while keeping the bird inside. Nikko accepted defeat pretty well, and climbed down onto his comfy perch.
And we were off. The dog was rather disgruntled about the bird tagging along, and kept glaring at him. When we got to the park, I took Nikko into the fenced small dog park (no danger of someone big jumping on us). He really took everything in, and seemed to be enjoying himself. Everybody was very interested in Nikko, and spoke to him. We even had a dog interested. A lady asked if I would put the cage down so her sheltie (Bojo) could see Nikko (I know the dog, and he's a sweet sensitive soul). Bo was very intrigued. I think he could have stared at Nikko all day. I had to keep pulling the carrier back though, because I didn't want Nikko to reach out and nip Bo's nose. While Bo was looking, a couple other dogs came by to see what was going on. They seemed to think, "Big deal" and went on their way. One of my dog's girlfriends didn't notice Nikko in the carrier at first, but then she suddenly turned and sniffed the air (is Nikko stinky
?).
We were at the park for at least an hour. Nikko didn't make any noises, but he did munch on some squash seeds, which I took as a sign of contentment.
I think Nikko really enjoyed all the different sights and sounds, the fresh air, and the sunlight. Hopefully, he'll remember this when I want to get him in the carrier for his next outing.
Initially, I though I wouldn't force the issue, and I'd let him decide to get in it in his own time. That is, until last Sunday. As usual, we were preparing to take the dog to the park that afternoon. It was a very nice warm day. I told my mom I was going to get Nikko in his carrier (she scoffed
) and take him with us (a lot of people have asked me to bring him down). I approached the carrier with Nikko on my hand, and he leaned back and flew away. I tried a second time, same result. Then I decided he was never going to get in unless I "stuffed" him in (don't worry, Nikko isn't particularly phobic, nor does he hold grudges). I don't know how, but I actually got him in. Unfortunately, my arm was also in, so it took a little work to extricate myself while keeping the bird inside. Nikko accepted defeat pretty well, and climbed down onto his comfy perch.And we were off. The dog was rather disgruntled about the bird tagging along, and kept glaring at him. When we got to the park, I took Nikko into the fenced small dog park (no danger of someone big jumping on us). He really took everything in, and seemed to be enjoying himself. Everybody was very interested in Nikko, and spoke to him. We even had a dog interested. A lady asked if I would put the cage down so her sheltie (Bojo) could see Nikko (I know the dog, and he's a sweet sensitive soul). Bo was very intrigued. I think he could have stared at Nikko all day. I had to keep pulling the carrier back though, because I didn't want Nikko to reach out and nip Bo's nose. While Bo was looking, a couple other dogs came by to see what was going on. They seemed to think, "Big deal" and went on their way. One of my dog's girlfriends didn't notice Nikko in the carrier at first, but then she suddenly turned and sniffed the air (is Nikko stinky
?).We were at the park for at least an hour. Nikko didn't make any noises, but he did munch on some squash seeds, which I took as a sign of contentment.
I think Nikko really enjoyed all the different sights and sounds, the fresh air, and the sunlight. Hopefully, he'll remember this when I want to get him in the carrier for his next outing.
