Big Paws Only Dog Forums

We kicked this around for a couple of years for our entry way and hallway, we had "decided" several times on what we wanted.. Tile, linoleum, etc.. and finally settled on a rough finished hand-scraped hardwood. It is not a shiny floor so it won't show up all the scratches, and it is not slick like tile or linoleum.

If you're wealthy cork might be a good choice, it is not hard, not slippery, and is self-repairing to a degree and is a renewable resource.  It's expensive as heck though.

Melissa can probably chime in here with more info, I won't say once a screamer always a screamer, but you won't break that habit anytime soon. 

We don't a cockatoo, we do have 2 B&G macaws though, and we've managed to finally get Cookie out of his screaming habit by giving him a room of his own with the other B&G.  His problem was our quaker would screech and it would drive him batty and he'd scream.  Away from the quaker he is a totally different bird.

I would never let a cockatoo on my shoulder.. sorry, just me, but they seem to be the worst parrot of any for serious facial bites.

Unfortunately anything done with birds to change a problem behaviour happens very slooooooowwwww llllyyy.  We adopted the 2nd B&G about a year ago, we are her 5th home and it really has taken all of a year for her to come out of her shell more and trust us more.  She still does not like or tolerate me very well, but she is getting better (might take years), but she does like a cuddle with Melissa now.

Oh..... something that works around here for more quiet time, we feed warm mash with a spoon (err... Melissa does), the full belly and some play time to stretch the wings usually makes for a sated and quiet bird.   Warm oatmeal with some veggies and maybe a bit of peanut butter to make it more palatable would work great in a pinch, I bet he/she would be a lot more sedate with a nice full crop.

Beer, Cereal boxes, newspaper weaved in the bars of the cage some sticks from outside (I can send you safe trees list if you want), magazines hung from the top, toilet paper roll, adding machine roll,  anything he can tear up is a great to get some of the excess energy out.

Good luck if we can help in any way give us a hollar.  I personally think that Cockatoos are one species that don't really make good pets in the long run... with a lifespan of 80yrs and their excessive neediness they just aren't independent enough for life as a companion animal, seems like most of them end up going crazy as they get older from boredom and lack of stimulation.

I think Jack's mom is spot on with the fear stage:

This is a really good article that discusses some of the stages they go through in puppyhood.
http://www.doberman.org/articles/puppy.htm

Second Fear Imprint Period (6 - 14 Months) The Second Fear Imprint Period is similar to the one that occurred during the socialization period, but, it is much less defined. It occurs as dogs enter adolescence and seems more common in males. It is often referred to as adolescent shyness. Your dog may suddenly become reluctant to approach something new or suddenly become afraid of something familiar. This behavior can be very frustrating to the owner and difficult to understand because its onset is so sudden and, seemingly, unprovoked. If you notice this behavior, it is important to avoid the two extremes in response: Don't force him to do or approach something frightening to him and don't coddle or baby him. To get through situations that make your dog fearful, be patient, kind, and understanding. Desensitize him to the object or situation by gradually introducing him to it and using food rewards and praise to entice him to confront the fearful object or situation. Do not coddle or reassure him in any way that will encourage his fearful behavior. Do not correct him either. Simply make light of it and encourage him give him food rewards as he begins to deal with his fear better. Make sure you lavishly praise his attempts! This phase will pass.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EaQTgQlYg0

Weird commercial

It is Funny to us too, when the two stubborn meatheads are being brats  

We use a leash that splits into 2 at the end for the pups.  Works great.  They don't pull as hard on you because the other dog acts as a buffer.  Now if they both ever get the idea to head in the same direction and misbehave.. hangon   And as a bonus, when they misbehave when you pull back the leash they bonk their heads together in 3-stooges fashion. 

Seriously though, it took them a little while to get the idea they had to walk together with the coupler, but once they "got it" it works much better than trying to manage 2 leashes.

 

Contributing to the delinquency of a newfie junkie? 

That is AWESOME!!  I met him before he was a big star.  I love that picture