Sibe Prey Drive

Question
I have a sibe that is about six and a half weeks old. I really want him to be able to get along with my ferrets and my cat. I've noticed that already he likes to bite my ferrets, and I can tell he isn't exactly playing with them. Should I spank him in order for him to know that it's not ok to bite these small animals?

Answer
It is difficult, and many times impossible, to teach a dog not to follow built-in instincts.  Siberians have an extraordinarily highly develop prey drive and you are looking to get rid of that.  Now, you are starting young and probably can make some progress, but I caution you that this is not a breed that should ever be trusted alone with small animals - even one's that the dog knows.  In addition to the high prey drive, Siberians also play very rough, and it is entirely possible that the dog would accidentally play and seriously injure or kill a cat without intending to do so.

My suggestion is actually not training, but isolation.  Realistically, the animals (cat, ferrets and Sibe) should not be playing together anyway.  I think you have a better chance with the cat, but I know (from experience) that even Sibes who get along with cats will accidentally injure or kill cats they have known for years.  Ferrets are even more appetizing because of their body motions, general attitude and appearance.

As for spanking the dog - physical violence on a dog usually does not yield the desired response.  It takes a very skilled person to know how to physically correct the dog like that, and it's something that I don't recommend.  However, a quick "collar pop" is an effective physical correction and can be used immediately when the dog shows signs of aggression towards the animals.  However, this is a small fix for a larger underlying problem that is deeply bred into the dog; and a problem that will probably always be there and ready to explode in a disaster.

My ultimate suggestion - supervise visits, correct the dog if he becomes aggressive, and when you can't be involved and watch the interaction - the cat and ferrets are protected from the dog.  If you can sit between and with them and play with everyone, that's good - if you can't - isolate.