Get my Dog trained to built a great relationship with my Ferrets! - little bit Afraid

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#1
Hello everyone,

Has anyone heard about K9Instructor and Fido Problems systems that could be found on the following web page: :spam: :spam: :spam: :spam:

I would like to add a new member to our family and considering this site, but I'm a little bit afraid about dogs that bite little ferrets. Is there any possible danger that might affect our 5 ferrets, in case we'll add a non-trained adoptive dog? We have ferrets and they are so delicate animals and so friendly to human being.

We just moved in another state and we would like to have a dog as soon as possible, but not before to find out if there could be any relationship problems between them and our ferrets.

Please let me know and I'll really appreciate it.

Thank you everyone!
 
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lizzybeth727

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#2
Frankly, I'm not very impressed by that website. I'm always skeptical with online dog training, I just don't see how it's a lot better than a $12 training book that's been suggested by the majority of the best trainers you'll meet. There are also dozens of DVDs that can be suggested, if you need to see the training. And, of course, IMO the most valuable training resource is to hire a good trainer - either in a group class or in private lessons, you'll be able to get professional advice from someone who can actually observe you working with your dog.

You can definately expect your dog to want to chase ferrets, but not all dogs will. It really depends on the dog's personality and energy level, many dogs will do just fine with ferrets. I have pet rats, and my chihuahua is perfectly fine with them outside of their cage. I'd never leave them unsupervised together, because the rats do irritate my dog, but I really don't think she'd intentionally hurt the rats.

You probably don't want to get your hopes up on getting a terrier breed, but I definately think it is possible to adopt an older, calm dog who will get along nicely with the ferrets. Good luck!
 

corgipower

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#3
Hello everyone,

Has anyone heard about K9Instructor and Fido Problems systems that could be found on the following web page: :spam: :spam: :spam:
I also notice that the same name ~ fbl3ssingm ~is in the referral id of the url for the two sites mentioned.

:spam:
 
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Kayla

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#4
I just wanted to mention that while it should be obvious you need to be prepared to keep your new pup and ferrets seperate during the initial period while you let your new pup adjust and during the initial meeting phase to see how they will react to each other. Many dogs are fine with other animals when taught to ignore them, however like others terriers which were bred to hunt and kill small animals are a big no, no. Your just working against alot of prey instinct and I would never feel safe with my small animals with a terrier.

Even with a pup that does not come from that family it is important to teach impulse control around the new creatures and knowing ferrets this can be tricky as they love to play and investigate everything new. Also I know most people let theyre ferrets fully free range. If this is your case your also dealing with a tricky situation at first as it would not be safe to leave them out unsupervised togther.

To teach impulse control you will need both parties under control ( leashes and harnesses on the ferret- try and intro them one at a time and same for your new pup). The easiest way is to have one person training the ferret, and one with your pup. I prefer clicker training for this either way every time your dog is calm and not pulling towards the ferrets or sniffs and then looks away click and treat. You want to reward them for being calm and gentle around the new creature. On the same hand give your ferret treats to associate this new creature with good things. Do not let the animals interact directly at this point.

Right now you want to focus on teaching your dog to be calm and not try and get at the ferrets and that seeing the ferret means lots of attention from you and yummy treats. On the same hand you want to teach your ferrets one by one that this new thing is not scary and they get lots of yummy treats every time they see him.

After a few sessions of doing this, you can one by one with both parties on lead, and two people ready to step in allow the animals to meet face to face. As before click your pup for being gentle ( sniffing but not swating with paws etc) and give your ferret treats now and then to continue the positive association with this new creature.

Not that I need to tell you this because you live with five of them but ferrets are truley silly creatures and most with a well matched dog will have tons of fun with their new play thing, likewise I know of many dogs who get along with small animals. The key is in matching properly, and introducing slowly, safely and smartly. Don't correct the dog for snarling or growling, thats your fault for letting your dog become overwhelemed back up a few steps, increase the distance between them and continue to reward your pup for being calm. This will change how your dog views the ferrets if initially she or he is shy.

So again try and choose a breed of dog that was not breed to hunt, kill or herd things. A slighlty older dog ( at least past puppyhood and not teething overly ramboncious) and with a relatively laid back disposition, lots of energy and little creatures that love to run around may lead to chasing and by extentsion someone getting hurt.

Remember that with any multi-species house hold you need to be vigilant and anticipate where someone could get hurt even by accident. Ferrets can get dogs quite round up with their antics. Also make sure that your dogs crate is in a ferret free location- your dogs safety zone is for your dog and your dog only.

Just a pic of my pup and his little pet, I taught him impulse control how I mentioned above, and the same way with my parrot who enjoys jumping off her perch randomly. You owe it to your ferrets and new pup to make sure everything goes smoothly.



Cheers
Kayla
 

Kayla

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#7
Thanks but man I really should have looked before typing that much- my finger hurt lol. Just to note, I am pretty careful as to which animals Duke get's to interact with, but Starburst ( the ball python in the picture) was exceptionally mellow and was my helper to teach Duke impulse control and respect around my smaller pets.
 

Kayla

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#9
Thanks Ill have to post some more pics of my other snakes and little guys in the other animal section as I dont think Ive ever gotten around to it
 

ihartgonzo

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#10
I LOVE that picture, Kayla! They compliment each other nicely. : )

I honestly don't think the original post was ALL spam... they just happened to post a gimmicky website, or whatever.

Kayla gave really good advice that can apply to introducing any other pets to your dogs. When I had ferrets, introducing Gonzo to them went very smoothly, because I knew him and I knew his body language. If you're adopting a new dog, I would think it's a good idea to first get to know your dog, and he/she you, before incorperating your ferrets. Even after they have been introduced, even if they seem perfect with each other, ALWAYS supervise and be ready to step in. As far as breeds, I would tend to steer clear of high prey drive breeds (like many working dogs, terriers, etc).

I suppose I'm lucky that Gonzo is ALL about herding, not about hunting. When the ferrets got to romp around in the backyard (with their leashes and such), Gonzo would keep them on the grass using just his Border Collie "eye"... the ferrets didn't mind, but they occasionally did little ferret war-dances at him. Gonzo even kept them out of trouble when they were running around inside.

 

Kayla

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#11
Gorgous pics of your ferret and pup:)

Sorry I wasnt trying to imply that herding breeds cant be taught to be gentle around ferrets as well, as anyone whose owned one knows- they are very capable of learning almost anything their humans can teach them, just that you have to be slightly more careful because of the base instincts to herd, even though the kill part was specifically bred out, some herding breeds still nip or body slam to move around livestock, and for a ferret this could be fatal.

Also I re read my post sorry for the typos, it's late here but I cant sleep so I thought I'd kill time by making my brain problem solve.

Kayla
 

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