It’s not unusual for dog owners to think about getting a ferret as their next pet. If you have both a dog and a ferret, it can be an interesting experience! It might seem like they’re natural enemies at first glance, but that’s not always the case.
The truth is that there are plenty of ways to introduce your dog and your ferret so they can get along just fine.
In this article, I will share some tips on how you can make sure your furry friends become best friends in no time!
One important thing upfront. Keep your dog on a leash and your ferret in a cage when introducing them for the first time!
Can My Ferret live with Other Pets?
Ferrets are animals that love company, so if you have a pet that doesn’t mind living with other animals, your ferret might be the perfect addition to their family.
Ferrets are social creatures. They need the company of another animal or human at all times to feel lonely - this is why it’s important when introducing new pets into an environment.
Our article is about dogs and ferrets, so we will not talk much about other animals.
Can Dogs Live with Ferrets?
Dogs can live with ferrets, but you need a lot of patience and time for the introduction process because they don’t always get along together - so both your dog as well must be socialized before introducing them into an environment where there is also ferret present.
Don’t rush with the introduction process and don’t force the animals to interact with each other.
read.. ferrets and venom
The answer to these questions depends on your dog’s personality and how well they get along together in general as two different species living under one roof or even just interacting at times outside during walks.
Let´s get started…
Good Combinations of Ferrets and Dogs
Well, most if not all dogs are bigger than ferrets. Except for when they are puppies. That’s why it could be a good idea to introduce them when the dog is still a baby.
The best combination of dogs and Ferrets are those that have been raised together from birth or at least since they were very young puppies, as well with other animals in general such as cats for example - because it will be easier to get along if you start early on introducing your
First Steps to Introduction
The first thing you should do is to introduce them in neutral territory. This will help both of the animals feel more comfortable and less stressed, which could otherwise lead to fighting or even worse: bites from one animal on another.
Show each how you interact with the other and make sure to give them both attention.
This will help your dog understand that this new animal is not a threat, but rather something they can play with or even be friends.
If it’s possible for some time (a few hours) leave each alone in their own space so there are no surprises when meeting again later on
Dogs need more than just visual cues from humans before feeling comfortable around another pet; while ferrets may feel threatened by any sudden movements coming at him/her unexpectedly.
Which could lead to biting back if your ferret feels cornered enough and has nowhere else left where s\he would escape too.
The next step is to provide a safe place for your ferret. A box or a cage will do the trick.
Keep your dog on a leash. Let the dogs and ferrets look at each other and sniff each other’s scent. Then let them sniff each other’s food and toys - this will help the animals get used to one another.
If they are not interested in eating, sniffing, or playing, then it is best if you stop for now because there might be some tension between both of your pets that needs time before being resolved (you can try again later).
The same goes with any type of interaction: don´t force anything on either animal!
It should feel like a game where everyone has fun together rather than an uncomfortable situation which could lead to more serious consequences down line such as fighting among themselves)
Maybe at this point, your ferrets want to start playing with the dog, but your dog is not interested. The best thing to do in this situation would be for you and your ferret(s) to go play somewhere else.
But maybe your dog is also curious and wants to playfully interact with your ferret. In this case, you should be the one to take control and make sure that both animals are safe while playing together.
If they start fighting: don´t panic! It is not a big deal – separate them, remember, you are the one in control.
If everything went well so far without problems from their interactions during these first steps -then congratulations!, You have successfully introduced two new friends into our family!
But what about if you have an older dog and now plan to get a ferret?
Old Dogs & Young Ferrets
It is a good idea to introduce them gradually. You can start by letting the dog smell and get used to your ferret’s scent, then you could let him see it from afar or even touch its tail for example - but never without supervision!
You can let your dog see how you play with your ferret, and let him sniff the toy or object that you are using to play with it.
You can also introduce them when they’re both tired so there’s less chance of a fight breaking out - this is because dogs tend not to be as playful at night time for example.
And once again: always supervise their interactions until one day where everything goes smoothly by itself.
Hunting and Guarding Dogs and Ferrets
Hunting dogs have a strong prey drive and are not likely to be good with ferrets. Chances are that they never will get along and you would always have to keep your ferret and dog separated.
Whatever you do, don´t leave them alone. Ferrets are very curious and they will want to explore the dog´s toys, bedding, or food bowls – Some dogs don’t mind, but others might get upset!
Guarding dogs, on the other hand, may do well if they have been properly socialized as puppies but will need supervision at all times until you know for sure that your dog is tolerant of a ferret in his presence.
Signs Your Dog and Ferret Aren’t Getting Along
None of us speaks dog or ferret (well, if you had a ferret or dog for long enough you know how to interpret their behavior), but it’s likely that they’re both giving you signs to let you know that a situation is either working or not working for them.
Body Language
The first thing to do is take a look at your dog and ferret’s body language. If they’re both standing up, facing each other with their ears back or pinned against the head then it may be time for you to intervene before things get out of hand!
Try separating animals physically from being within reach/sight range until tempers have calmed down enough where reintroduction can happen calmly again.
Dogs
If your dog is growling, howling, scratching, nipping, and making sudden jabs or darts toward your ferret – that’s never a good sign.
Ferret
If your ferret is hissing, spitting, or making sudden lunges at the dog – that’s also never a good sign. If you see either of these behaviors, it may be time to intervene before things escalate and someone gets hurt!
It could take some patience on both parts for them to get used to each other, but with guidance from their humans, there is a chance that they can learn how to live together in harmony.
You can definitely train your dog to tolerate a ferret, Maybe it is going to take some time and patience, but it can be done.
“If you want to introduce your dog or ferret into the family environment, I recommend giving everyone space so no one feels threatened by another individual.” Drs Amy Shojai says that”
If they are hissing or growling there may need some intervention before things escalate! It could take both parts for them to get used to each other’s company with guidance from their humans!”
You can definitely train your pup to tolerate a Ferret.
But in the end, the result worth every minute spent training him.
The key is supervision and management because if we don’t manage it then these animals can really hurt themselves.
Conclusion
Ferrets and dogs usually can get along well. The key is to introduce them to a neutral environment, supervise and manage their interactions. With time comes friendship. Make sure to always be in control. Go step by step and be patient.
Most of the time, it does not come down to if your ferret is good with dogs, but rather if your dog is good with ferrets.