Can Lab Dogs be trained not to attack small animals (details)?

Question

My husband has always been into animals like bunnies, ferrets, hamsters, rats, etc...
we have a lab puppy. of course we're not thinking of getting one of these animals right now but can the lab be trained not to attack them?
thanks

Answer 1

Maybe, maybe not. If you had a terrier, I would say definitely not. Some labs are more "predatory" than others.

My kids have each had a dog, and also a hamster. The dogs didn't bother the hamsters because they lived in their cages, but I wouldn't have trusted the dogs with the hamsters running around the floor (when we let the hamsters out in their "balls," we crated the dogs, because we didn't want to terrify the poor little things). And I certainly wouldn't trust any big hunting dog to be safe around a large tasty animal like a rabbit. A ferret or a a rat is a different matter because they can fight back. But when you're getting pets, you really don't want a lot of blood on the floor. Pick ones you think we be compatible.

When I was a kid, my little sister had a couple of ducks. We made it very clear to our dogs that the ducks could not be harmed. The male duck got quite cocky and used to come and bite the poor dogs on the face, but they would not retaliate. One day, a Siberian husky wandered into our yard from down the street. The duck went over and bit it on the face. The Siberian husky promptly bit the duck's head off. My sister was heartbroken. When I think back, I believe we were overconfident in our dogs' self-restraint. Predatory instinct can kick in without warning.

Answer 2

I can't say anything about any other female but my wife has no control over dogs like she has no control over her kids. I guess you would have to call a hands off approach to life. Now, it is not much of a problem with smaller dogs but it can be extremely dangerous with a dog that weighs more than you do. Especially with a breed that requires serious handling. We had one of those at a time when I traveled a lot and when I was gone the dog ruled the house. She didn't tell me about it because she knew what I would do. She was right. When I found out (my daughter let it slip) months later, I had the dog put down. No way I was coming home to find a dog with pieces of my wife and daughter... The Labrador Retriever also surprises me. Not the other breeds though. Those need owners who can and are willing to handle them correctly. And maybe men are more willing...

Answer 3

Labrador retrievers are very intelligent. And since he is still a puppy it will be even easier for you or a professional to train him.

The main trick is anytime he starts to do something you don't want him to do punish him for it immediately, and don't show him any favor for a while. This will make him want to do more and more things to get your approval.

Answer 4

Yes
All the details are in
FERRETS FOR DUMMIES


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