Will a ferret and a dog get along with each other?

Answer 1

Ferrets have been known to play well with household cats and some non-aggressive dogs, however, great care must be taken when introducing ferrets to any other household pets. Certain terrier Dog Breeds even have a heightened instinct to grab and kill ferrets.

Dogs that were bred for hunting, for example terriers, even if they have never been used for hunting, still have a natural instinct, should never be around ferrets. Trying to introduce a grown aggressive dog would be too stressful for a ferret. But a puppy that has been raised around ferrets will most likely be safe with ferrets.

Ferrets get along with cats better than any other animals, especially if introduced as a kitten. An adult cat, it depends on it's temperament or behavior. An adult cat can easily harm a baby ferret and vise-versa, closely supervise grown a ferret when playing with a kitten. Ferrets will readily approach other animals, without fear of their own safety.

Ferrets are fearless to the point of foolishness and should not be allowed to wander. Whenever they are outside, they should be closely supervised and preferably kept on a harness leash designed for ferrets such as an H-shaped harness. Their curious nature also leads them to place themselves in situations where they will confront and try to play with larger animals outdoors that may be dangerous to the ferret.

Advise from other contributors:

* I have 8 dogs and 7 cats...and 9 ferrets.... * My ferrets live in courts in the garden but come in contact with the cats and dogs * As long as your sensible then you can get a ferret with cats and dogs

Answer 2

Any dog that has any type hunting instincts might perceive a ferret as prey and might hurt or kill. Always closely supervise your ferret when around any other animals, never leave them alone.

Some dogs that are bred for hunting may perceive ferrets as prey and kill them

I think so. I used to have a ferret and it would get along with the cat just fine :)

If your dog has any hunting instincts, or shows aggression toward other animals, be very cautious

Ferrets have been known to play well with household cats and some non-aggressive dogs,however, great care must be taken when introducing ferrets to any other household pets. Certain terrier dog breeds even have a heightened instinct to grab and kill ferrets, larger dog breeds may even hurt a ferret by stepping on them when playing. Ferrets usually don't have natural fear of other animals and might play rough with them. If a dog has been bred for hunting, or has hunting instincts and kills or chases squirrels, birds, cats etc., it may harm a ferret. Ferrets should not be left alone without supervision when there are other pets around.

Ferrets are fearless to the point of foolishness and should not be allowed to wander. Whenever they are outside, they should be closely supervised and preferably kept on a harness leash designed for ferrets such as an H-shaped harness. Their curious nature also leads them to place themselves in situations where they will confront and try to play with larger animals outdoors that may be dangerous to the ferret.

How do you get your dog used to your ferrets

First let the dog see the ferret in the cage, and note the reaction of the dog. You would be able to tell if the dog is trying to get at the ferret, that it might not be a wise idea for them to be together. If the dog seems to be okay after a few days you can try holding it keeping a safe distance just in case your dog goes after. Once it seems that the dog is okay with a ferret, let them interact, but make sure that the ferret has a enclosed nearby safe place to run to. Never leave other animals with ferrets unsupervised, watch them at all times.

Will a wire fox terrier kill a pet ferret?Two of their faults are their enormous amount of energy and the fact that they easily get bored, but they can be very loving and fun if they get the proper attention. The wire fox terrier was breed to hunt foxes and follow the foxes to the holes. The hunter would grab their tail to pull the dog out of the hole. A ferret is a burrowing creature, like a fox. If the dog is brought in as a pup there may be no trouble because the dog would grow up with the ferret and knowing the ferret is a pet. However if the dog is mature it's hunting instincts may kick in. Among the less desirable traits of all fox terriers are their energy, digging, stalking and chasing of other animals, and yelping bark. Aggressive Dogs and FerretsDogs that were bred for hunting, for example terriers, even if they have never been used for hunting, still have a natural instinct, should never be around ferrets. Trying to introduce a grown aggressive dog would be too stressful for a ferret. But a puppy that has been raised around ferrets will most likely be safe with ferrets. Just like ferrets were bred for hunting rabbits and rats, will also have that natural instinct, and should never be left alone with any type of rodent, rabbits, mice or birds. Will a Rat Terrier get along with a ferret?Rat terrier Temperament - Although often mistaken for a Jack Russell Terrier, the Rat Terrier has a different profile and a very different temperament. Rat Terriers are finer of bone and have a more refined head. They always have a short single coat, i.e. they are never wire coated. Rat Terriers tend to be less aggressive than Jack Russells; while they have a definite terrier personality they also have an "off switch" and love lounging on the sofa in a lap as much as tearing about the yard. Rat Terriers are normally cheerful dogs but they tend to be more sensitive and at times calmer than Jack Russells to changes in their environment, owner's moods, or to unexpected noises, people, and activities. The "social sensitivity" of Rat Terriers makes them very trainable and easier to live with for the average pet owner but it also means that extensive socialization from an early age is critical. Proper socialization of a rat terrier puppy includes exposing the animal to a wide variety of people and places, particularly during the first 3 months of life. Like most active and intelligent breeds, Rat Terriers tend to be happier when they receive a great deal of mental stimulation and exercise. Would a Jack Russell puppy get on with your pet ferret?The Jack Russell Terrier is a type of small, principally white-bodied, smooth or rough-coated terrier that has its origins in fox hunting. Although it is not uncommon for these dogs to be moody or to get bored easily, they are also intelligent, protective, fearless, stubborn, and have incredibly high energy. Most JRT get along well with children as long as they are introduced carefully, but they are extremely protective of their territory and have no tolerance of abuse, even when it is unintentional. Jack Russell Terriers are usually vicious to other dogs unless they were raised with them from puppy hood or if they are from their own litter.

Advise from other contributors:

• Keep the ferret in a room that the dog can't get to.

• It matters if a dog is a kind dog and never goes after squirrels, birds, etc. However you never know what could happen because a bite from a average dog would break a ferrets bones

• Yes it's okay. I have a ferret, 2 cats, a dog and fish. And there has never been a problem. But you have to introduce them slowly if your dog doesn't already know how to behave around one. Always watch them when they're together. The ferret might nip the dog's feet and he may panic and attack. The ferret can't kill the dog. But they'll get used to each other.

• The potential problem lies with the dog - a small furry creature, low to the ground, is usually "prey" to a dog.

Answer 3

It's an opinion... Ferrets defaecate a lot, and sometimes dogs can be loud. lol so I don't know..

Answer 4

No, a ferret might view a bird as prey, and even if the ferret doesn't, a bird would stress of fear of the ferret.

Answer 5

NO not likely