So I've been having my babysit Retriever over quite regularly.
His puppy-like playfulness that distracted himself from the rats was a benefit. However, now he grows mature he is more "prey-focused" when the girls are active and making their usual noises.
I'm struggling to distract and redirect the dogs attention away from the cage and the noises, but it keeps being too interesting.
The girls were at first quite scared whenever the dog came close to the cage. I learned the dog he cannot come near the cage. Not even to sniff the spilled food. And that all goes quite well. However, when the dog is more noisy (when playing) the girls are really scared and won't come out of their hiding.
Even when I offer treats they are very shy and run for it at any sound or movement.
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I've had some improvement with the girls. they would come and show themselves while the dog is in the house. They come up to me like they always do in expecting treats.
They would of course receive some, and even sniff the dogs smell of me with interest.
Hera is more bold than Juno. But that is completely normal within their personalities.
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As the weeks progress and the dog is over frequently, the girls are used to the smell and most important, most of the noises the dog makes.
I even managed to take Hera out of the cage while the dog was asleep, and put her on the couch with the dog a mere meter away!
She was very tentative of course, but also somewhat curious. And approaching the edge of the couch to sniff the dog (while he was still sleeping).
I put Hera back in the cage before the experience turned negative for her so I really am happy with that. I think it is a big and important step in their mutual acceptance.
