BrianH46 Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 I was wondering if any of you have any experiences with keeping ferrets and a big dog together. My doberman puppy is about 8 months now, he used to have a puppy mate but ever since my room mate and her dog moved out he's been really lonely and clinging to me a lot. I've always loved ferrets and was thinking of getting one to keep him company when I'm away from home. My pup is very gentle, well trained, and very non-aggressive lol he's the opposite actually, ducks, squirrels, and cats scare him. Anyhow, any advice would be nice. PS. this was adorable: Link to comment
PlayingAces Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Dogs do far better than cats with other small animals and birds. It would be ideal if your doberman was a puppy when you get the ferrets, rather than an adult dog, but with the right amount of training and patience on your behalf, it could work. It just depends on how much time you see yourself being able to devote to it. Link to comment
octour Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Yes, doberman's love the taste of ferrets Link to comment
abitbroken Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Why not try finding out about a meetup group for people with puppies, or young dogs. Some meet to go for walks on hiking trails, playdates at someone's big yard, or trips to the dog bakery -something different all the time. Your puppy needs socialization, not a ferret. The ferret would not keep the dog company, as the dog would not relate to the ferret like they do other dogs or even some cats. I would, if you work long hours, hire a pet sitter to come in once a day to take your dog for a potty break and for play. Link to comment
BrianH46 Posted February 9, 2012 Author Share Posted February 9, 2012 Why not try finding out about a meetup group for people with puppies, or young dogs. Some meet to go for walks on hiking trails, playdates at someone's big yard, or trips to the dog bakery -something different all the time. Your puppy needs socialization, not a ferret. The ferret would not keep the dog company, as the dog would not relate to the ferret like they do other dogs or even some cats. I would, if you work long hours, hire a pet sitter to come in once a day to take your dog for a potty break and for play. Lol naw he isn't that neglected I'm a full time student so the only time I'm gone is when I'm at class or out with friends. He's my workout buddy and we go for runs daily. There are a lot of dogs on the trail around campus so we usually socialize when we run there. I also take him to the near by dog park. It's just when I'm at home he clings to me non-stop and when the other puppy was here he was with me half of the day and the other half playing with his buddy. However you do have a point about my pup not relating to a ferret. I guess what I'm asking is, is it safe for a ferret to be in the same home as a big dog? Link to comment
abitbroken Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 I would say that if the puppy mainly just socializes with you and maybe a random dog that you meet one time, I would still try to do meetup groups or play dates where you can establish regular play relationships as well as get used to friendly, regular other people. Your dog could develop more extreme separation anxiety if you do not do this now at a young age. Dobermans can be sensitive dogs especially. I feel that a problem with a pet is not solved by getting another pet. As far as the safety of the ferret -It depends on how strong your dog's prey instinct is that you CANNOT predict just by him being a nice dog. He could play too rough with the ferret and injure it, or he could chase it when it runs. I would really, really research ferrets and adopt from a ferret rescue. Ferrets also smell very odd to dogs. They also require socialization and care and a clingy dog is not helped by you giving attention to another pet. Link to comment
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