This struck me as a bad idea

Gypsydals

New Member
Joined
Jul 13, 2008
Messages
2,804
Likes
0
Points
0
#21
A REALLY REALLY bad idea. Why would you ever want to let your ferrets loose and loose around dogs in a park? Just crazy.
 
Joined
Feb 4, 2008
Messages
7,099
Likes
1
Points
38
Location
Illinois
#22
You know, besides the fact that those two ferrets could have very well have gotten pretty dead, there is a big possibility of a dog getting hurt by one. They are predators and not push overs by any means, they could do a lot of harm to a dog especially if said dog wasn't completely intent on killing the ferret.

I have to put two out of six of my ferrets away if either of the dogs are in the room with them because they will hurt one of the dogs no question.
 

Southpaw

orange iguanas.
Joined
Jul 31, 2005
Messages
7,788
Likes
1
Points
38
Age
32
Location
Minnesota
#23
Uhhhh yeah my dogs would see nothing but lunch if they saw ferrets anywhere. Juno is completely mesmerized by my rats just sleeping in their cage, God forbid she should see an animal MOVE out in the open.
 

JessLough

Love My Mutt
Joined
May 16, 2009
Messages
13,404
Likes
2
Points
38
Age
33
Location
Guelph, Ontario
#24
Ok well that is just stupid of that ferret owner.. Wow.

But I have to add something else, as a ferret owner ;) Not attacking anybody, and not talking about this situation that Laurelin was talking about either. But, if you have your dogs out for a walk, and if you see ferrets out as well, on or off leash (yes, I will let Rascal drag his leash when we are in sight of the house, cause he stays close and/or runs straight to the door), those ferrets have as much rights as your dog to be there, and it is YOUR responsibility to keep your dog away. Even if you know your dog is ok with ferrets... those ferrets may not be ok with dogs. ;) They are predators, and can do alot of damage, especially to smaller dogs (after all, ferrets eat rabbits). Of course, that is not applicable if it is in a dog park.

I honestly just mention that because people do not seem to understand that fact. They think since their pet is a dog, they have more of a right to be outside then ferrets do :rolleyes: Or I have even had people figure since their dog is fine with small animals, and I have my dog with my ferrets, it is fine to let their dog come up. Uh... no. My ferrets are fine with MY dog, who they live with and see daily. Now yes, if I see a dog coming within distance (or even in the area if they are offleash) I pull my ferrets up, because quite frankly, I do not trust people to control their dogs.

LOL ok I am done ranting now :p
Continue with the reason for Laur posting the thread :D
 

Lizmo

Water Junkie
Joined
Aug 1, 2006
Messages
17,300
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
AL
#25
That's true Jess, but it's also the Ferret owner's responsibility to keep your ferret/s the heck away from my dogs (because I know what my dogs would do, lol).
 

JessLough

Love My Mutt
Joined
May 16, 2009
Messages
13,404
Likes
2
Points
38
Age
33
Location
Guelph, Ontario
#26
That's true Jess, but it's also the Ferret owner's responsibility to keep your ferret/s the heck away from my dogs (because I know what my dogs would do, lol).
Yes, but my thing was like if the ferrets were there first, obviously in a spot where you could stay away and such. If you had a dog who was not good with other dogs, and there was other dogs there... would you stay away? If they ferret is there first, you have to respect that.

Do not take me wrong, I am not saying the ferrets get one way or the other. I mean, if I plan on taking the boys someplace, I go and there are other dogs there, I turn around and leave. yes, if dogs come obviously they SHOULD pick up their ferrets... but if you know that your dog poses a threat with small animals, you should not have them offleash if there was a small animal there previously (obviously it is diff if they come AFTER or if you do not realize)
 

Lizmo

Water Junkie
Joined
Aug 1, 2006
Messages
17,300
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
AL
#27
Yes, but my thing was like if the ferrets were there first, obviously in a spot where you could stay away and such. If you had a dog who was not good with other dogs, and there was other dogs there... would you stay away? If they ferret is there first, you have to respect that.

Do not take me wrong, I am not saying the ferrets get one way or the other. I mean, if I plan on taking the boys someplace, I go and there are other dogs there, I turn around and leave. yes, if dogs come obviously they SHOULD pick up their ferrets... but if you know that your dog poses a threat with small animals, you should not have them offleash if there was a small animal there previously (obviously it is diff if they come AFTER or if you do not realize)
No, I wouldn't stay. Just because 1) I know I couldn't have my dog offleash with that type stimulation/prey (whatever you would call it, lol) and 2) I would worry that the ferret would accidentally run over to my dog and something bad would happen.

Honestly, I don't think I'd even stay with my dog under control ON leash. I would still be very worried the ferret would run over near my dog.

Just what I would probably do if the ferret was there off leash.

ETA: this is also another reason I walk with a walking stick/crook most of the time now. I don't trust many people/dogs/cats/small animals.
 

chicklette

Animal Nut!
Joined
Feb 16, 2010
Messages
94
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Canada
#28
Oh that is just nuts. I have 6 chinchillas and I would never let them run loose in a dog park, that is horrible. I would only take them on a leash.
 

puppydog

Tru evil has no pantyline
Joined
Nov 27, 2006
Messages
7,500
Likes
0
Points
0
#29
Running loose is insanity! I keep my DOGS on leash when I see other dogs, on or off. You just never know.

I must say I also agree with Jess. I think every person is responsible for the safety and behaviour of their animals.
 

ACooper

Moderator
Joined
Jan 7, 2007
Messages
27,772
Likes
1
Points
38
Location
IN
#30
Uh ya........bad idea. Maybe he was looking for a law suit?

And as to what Jess said, yes, I agree that Ferrets and their owners have every right to enjoy a park just like dogs and their owners do.............but I NEVER do something to intentionally put my dogs in danger, and letting ferrets run loose at a park with loose dogs IS putting them in danger whether it's a DOG PARK or a PUBLIC PARK makes no difference........DANGER IS DANGER and they count on YOU to keep them safe. JMO of course, never owned a ferret before, LOL
 

chicklette

Animal Nut!
Joined
Feb 16, 2010
Messages
94
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Canada
#31
My dogs are ALWAYS on a leash when we go for walks. No matter how trained your dog is there is a slight chance it could take off, like if they saw a squirrel or something. It only takes a second to loose your dog.
 

JessLough

Love My Mutt
Joined
May 16, 2009
Messages
13,404
Likes
2
Points
38
Age
33
Location
Guelph, Ontario
#32
Uh ya........bad idea. Maybe he was looking for a law suit?

And as to what Jess said, yes, I agree that Ferrets and their owners have every right to enjoy a park just like dogs and their owners do.............but I NEVER do something to intentionally put my dogs in danger, and letting ferrets run loose at a park with loose dogs IS putting them in danger whether it's a DOG PARK or a PUBLIC PARK makes no difference........DANGER IS DANGER and they count on YOU to keep them safe. JMO of course, never owned a ferret before, LOL
Oh yah I know... my "rant" actually had nothing to do with this threads purpose. At all. :p :lol-sign:

Obviously you are supposed to do whatever it takes to keep your pet safe, no matter what the circumstances are :) I mean, there are VERY few dogs that I will let the ferrets run around loose with... really only Rosey. I tried a few other dogs (rather, dogs were offleash, ferrets on) and that ended bad. For the dogs :rofl1:
 

Laurelin

I'm All Ears
Joined
Nov 2, 2006
Messages
30,963
Likes
3
Points
0
Age
37
Location
Oklahoma
#33
Ok they were at the park again today too. I'm guessing the ferrets are going to be 'regulars'?
 

Xandra

Active Member
Joined
Mar 11, 2009
Messages
3,806
Likes
0
Points
36
#36
Given the circumstances it sounds like fate will take care of it.

Some people are really really naive. Too bad for the ferrets.
 

Laurelin

I'm All Ears
Joined
Nov 2, 2006
Messages
30,963
Likes
3
Points
0
Age
37
Location
Oklahoma
#37
According to some of the other 'regulars' someone used to bring a cat there last year. Nothing bad happened to the cat so hopefully nothing bad will happen to the ferrets....
 

Southpaw

orange iguanas.
Joined
Jul 31, 2005
Messages
7,788
Likes
1
Points
38
Age
32
Location
Minnesota
#38
It just seems weird to me. Like, if I had ferrets that I wanted to let enjoy the outdoors, I would let them out in my backyard. Where there aren't strange animals running about. The dogs are probably at the park to get some exercise and burn off some energy, ferrets don't need a whole park in order to do that.

JMO, but my dogs are the only pets of mine that leave my property, so maybe my point of view is biased. :p
 

Brattina88

Active Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2004
Messages
12,958
Likes
6
Points
38
Location
OH
#39
The part I can not wrap my brain around is why they are *offleash*!! Izzy has a neat recall in the house when I flick the light, but I know it's when she feels like it!! :p lol and the outdoors is so stimulating AND there are so many dangers. I'm hesitant to take Iz to places I know there will be dogs like petstores or other events.
Ugh it makes me sick to think about it. Didn't you have problems with an aggro lab at this park?
 

smkie

pointer/labrador/terrier
Joined
Dec 16, 2004
Messages
55,184
Likes
35
Points
48
#40
Food for mine too. IF Pepper was off leash and running around and saw a weasle, that would be that.
 

Members online

No members online now.
Top