Are you sure the rats didn't send a threatening email to those companies that made rat poison? I'd say put the bird in the cage...Birds always like to tug on your ears or start pecking you when they want attention. In terms of dogs, it does depend on the personality of the dog. My female dog will just sit quietly in the corner and only get up and move when I start moving - my male dog on the other hand, he won't stop distracting me when I'm on my computer doing anything.