I have a dog (part chow, part husky - very friendly), and a ferret. As of yet, they are not integrated. The ferret has her own ferret-proofed room, and we let her roam free in it.
We've let the dog have some supervised time hanging out in the ferret room when our ferret is in her cage. They both seem interested in each other, but we're nervous about actual out-of-cage interaction... mostly due to size difference and doggy exuberance. When we're not there to supervise, the dog is not let into that room.
Does anyone have any helpful tips for us to get the dog and ferret more acquainted with each other, to get along and maybe even play safely together?
2007-01-19 13:28:07 · 6 answers · asked by squidpiggy 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
The dog is very friendly, as i've mentioned, but also somewhat excitable. She gets along well with other animals and so far we've never known her to be aggressive with animals that she does not perceive as threatening.
2007-01-19 13:29:34 · update #1
I've never introduced a ferret and a dog, just a ferret and a cat and ferrets to other ferrets. But the idea is still the same. You will need to give them supervised play time for a long long time before you should even consider letting them out alone together.
I would start out by holding the ferret and petting it along with the dog. The dog can then see that, not only is the ferret okay, but also that it isn't going to get any more attention then the dog will. Be especially careful to not show any preferential treatment to the ferret in front of the dog as it may get jealous - very bad.
You also have to realize that not every integration works out. I have 3 ferrets and a cat. All the ferrets get along okay with him, but one of our ferrets, Spaz, never accepted the newest ferret, Zoey, and we've had her for almost a year. If left in the same room together, even supervised, Spaz would kill her. So just be aware that you're dealing with animals and just like people, not all animals are always going to get along. Even when they are all the same species.
Hope this helps some - good luck!
2007-01-25 16:30:27 · answer #1 · answered by peacegirl_00 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ferrets and dogs can get along very well together, but there are a few safety rules to prevent them from getting hurt or even the dog killing the ferret. 1. Always watch the ferret and the dog when they are together. There are cases where a dog that has always been kind to ferrets suddenly deciding to attack; your swift intervention and help is all that will keep your ferret alive in this situation. 2. Make sure that there are retreats for both animals at all times. Some dogs are scared of ferrets, too! I'm not familiar with dog types, but I once saw a huge shaggy dog (he was up to his owner's waist) back away timidly from my tiny little 2 pound ferret. 3. Intervene at the first sign of dangerous behavior. Some people will let the ferret and dog engage in play wrestling, but don't allow this to happen the first few times at least. Play wrestling may never be 100% safe (of course, nothing is 100% safe). 4. Initially, use a leash on both animals, in particular the dog. Ferrets require harnesses, because collars slip right off! Have someone else there to hold the second leash so that it is easy to pull them apart if necessary. 5. Keep the first playtimes short, and gradually extend them. If either animal seems to be experiencing stress, put the ferret back in the cage and the dog in another room. Good luck!
2016-05-23 23:15:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the dog nips at the ferret even in a manner of play....the nip could cause serious injury to the ferret, a ferret likes to nip in play, what if he nipped the dogs nose...my dogs are interested in our ferrets too, but I would never consider them play mates ( I have rescued ferrets for 15 years) some of those rescues were because "they thought they would play together"...do you want to take that chance?
2007-01-21 07:16:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would introduce them nicely gold the ferrit and let the dog sniff it if any funny buisness show the dog who is boss! sadly that has to be the ferrit best case senerio dog is scared of ferrit
2007-01-19 13:33:28 · answer #4 · answered by Here i am 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
introduce them in a room where neather of them have been so neither of them need to protect there terotorie
2007-01-19 22:54:30 · answer #5 · answered by Super awesome 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i have the same problem will u please notify me when u find something out
2007-01-27 11:05:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋