My son wants a hamster , but we have a terrier dog , is this a good idea?

Answer 1

Just keep the cage like on top of a dresser, and if you son wants let the hamster out just make sure the dog is put away or close the door to the room the hamster is in. I had 3 and a cat I didn't have any probs

Answer 2

My terrier has never tried to get my daughters hamster. We let the hamster roll around in it's ball and at first my dog was curious but never tried to attack. You know your dogs behavior than we do, if you dog is more of an aggressive type towards things that are smaller than itself, it would be a bad idea. Of your dog is good natured and laid back I don't see where you would have any problems. You could always just keep the hamster in your sons room, that's what my sister does for her daughter.

Answer 3

well i have a terrier dog also if your son really wants a hamster then just don't let the dog near it & if the dog ever starts to bark at the hamster just say no, bad dog

Answer 4

Responsible ownership can make anything happen.

We had Rats before - owning Dachshund!

Did the Dachshund or the cats ever hurt the Rats? Of course not - because we were careful and handles the rats only when the dogs were outside playing or asleep in their crates.

However, the animals were handled by us, our kids were never allowed to handle the Rats without our permission.

However, if it would come to the point were you would get upset with your dog, because he might stalk the Hamster, if he would be given a chance, or may try to get the little guy out of it's cage -- and yes, he would kill the rodent right away, simply DON'T!

Maybe you should talk to your son (Since I do not know how old your boy is), telling them they are natural enemies, and it would not be fair to either of them...

Maybe you can settle for a fish tank instead? My daughter just got one for her room, and she loves it.

Answer 5

Let me see the crystal ball. I see the terrier becoming fixated on that little cage. I see the hamster huddled in the corner. Oh thats not the hamster. where is the hamster its gone. Tears and tears later lesson learned. Even though hamsters are quite fun. Maybe dont let the dog in a certsain room.

Answer 6

Well only if you keep them apart. I have three dogs, three cats and when i had a hamster i kept the hamster in a cage in my room. My cats would come in and look at it but that's about it. My dogs well they just ran away when I would put it in ball and let it run around the house for exercise.

but I would keep it in a cage and let the dog smell it. if she walks away then she not worried but if she starts to try to get to it then I would keep it up in a high place where the dog can't get .

Answer 7

my boyfriends sister has a hamster... and she also has a terrier..... the terrier looks at the cage all the time.... so she just shuts the door to keep them apart......nothing bad has happend..... just keep them apart and never, never, never have the hamster out of its cage with the dog in the room. also dont put the hamster in its ball and let it run around the house with the dog in the house...the dog will just think its a toy......... but if you keep them apart.. they should do just fine

Answer 8

Well Julie,
Dogs are very different when around other animals. Seeing that you have an inside dog i would have certain precuations like put the hamster in a well locked cage and let the dog get used to it.

Answer 9

Sure, Just don't let the hamster out of the cage. When you take it out to play or put in the ball just make sure that the dog is not within range.

Who knows they could be friends.

Good Luck.

Answer 10

It's the nature of the terrier to keep your home free of "vermin" so he'd be proud to help you solve the problem. I personally wouldn't get the hamster but if you must, do as the others have advised, and keep them well apart.