my ferret and dog

Question
I have a dachshund and a new ferret should I bring them together? My dog is very energetic and a little barky, will they be o.k.? Or will my ferret be K.O.?

Answer
Dear Taylor,

The relationship between your ferret and your dog will depend on a lot of different circumstances; the demeanor of the dog, the demeanor of the ferret, the dog's training level (does he know "leave it" and similar commands?), and the way the two are introduced.

Firstly, let me say this: both of my ferrets go to work with me at the zoo quite often and are sometimes allowed to socialize with the guard dogs there.  My little girl is very meek and will allow the dog to get rough with her, at which point I remove her from that area.  My other ferret will puff up, hiss, and lunge at any animal that pushes him around...and usually he makes his point!

Is your ferret very timid?  Is he/she bold and in charge?  Or is he/she mellow and tolerant?

A dachshund is a dog that was bred to hunt small animals.  At times, a proper introduction can allow for happy co-existence...but there is always a chance for instinct to kick in.  I would not ever leave dachshund and ferret alone together, but there's no reason they can't play in a supervised environment.

Here's what you should do to encourage a healthy bond:

Let the dog sniff around the ferret cage and get used to the smell.  If the dog seems happy and does not growl or become rigid with excitement, praise him and give treats.  

Introduce them in a "neutral" territory.  This can be a friend's house or any other place that neither ferret or dog knows as home.  Do not do this outside, for the sake of safety.

Keep your dog on a leash and let the two sniff and circle one another.  Chances are, dog will be much more interested in ferret than ferret is in dog.  Praise the dog for friendly behaviors and give a stern NO for any bites whatsoever - even if you think its playful, do not encourage dog to play with ferret with his mouth.  This will end badly later.

Use common sense after that.  If the dog is obviously "after" the ferret, cease the play session and put one of the two out of reach or sight.  Keep trying in a neutral environment, but don't leave your expectations too high.  Some dogs have too high of an instinct to hunt; its not their fault, they're just doing what we intended for the to do back when the breed was created!

If all goes well, however, do the same thing in your home in a small room.  Don't let them out of your sight, and highly praise any gentle or calm behavior from the dog.  

This could go either way, so just use your best judgment!

Feel free to contact me again if I can assist you further.

Sincerely,

Stephenie