Introducing new bird to 6-yr.old lab

Question
We have a warm, energetic 6-year old female black lab (Falcor).  We recently purchased a small, young cockatiel for our son.  (It's about the size of a parakeet.)  Falcor is quite agitated about the bird, barking when she sees it either in the cage or out. My husband and I are spending extra time with the dog and make sure to pet her and reassure her whenever the boys handle the bird, but that doesn't seem to help much.  We've only had the bird for a couple of days, but I was hoping you might have some suggestions for peaceful cohabitation...

Many thanks!

Answer
Hi there!  Falcor...is that from the "never ending story" movie?  I always loved that movie!
Falcor will end up adjusting on her own to the new family member.  It will take some time for her.  The important thing is never, ever, allow the bird to be out of the cage with Falcor or any other pet in the room.  No matter how "okay" Falcor may end up seeming with the bird, a dog's natural instinct would be to hunt the bird.  It would only take one bite for the bird to be killed.
I have now, 5 birds, 5 cats, a shih tzu and 3 ferrets.  All of them get along together, but the birds are never out with the other animals. My dog is very lazy and accepts everything, but still, I don't trust him to be with the birds when they are out of their cage.  It's a chance that's just not worth taking.
Perhaps even keeping the bird in a room that's not frequented by Falcor would be best, as then your son could handle the bird all he wants without having to worry about Falcor hunting it!
I hope this helps!
Hilary