>From:    cathy arnett <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: New puppy
>
>Here is my problem.  I have two ferrets.  Everyone is telling me that
>Beagle's are hunting dogs and he will kill my fuzzies.  I have not let
>out of cage yet because of the puppy.  They need to come out they are
>used to running free durning the day.  I'm scared he is going to hurt
>them.  I believe that if he grows up with them he will not hurt them.
>Am I right?  Has anyone ever had a Beagle around ferrets before...
 
To introduce your puppy to your ferret, put the puppy on a leash.  If
puppy and the ferret have been "playing" through the bars, it will be an
easy intro.  You will need to supervise puppy and the ferret until you
understand their interactions.  You may always need to supervise the
play with them.
 
*All* dogs chase small animals that run.  It comes down to knowing your
dog's personality and if he is a danger to the ferret.  Often dogs who
grow up with ferrets do well with them.  This is true of dogs not
normally considered small pet friendly dogs.  It is not true of all
dogs all the time.
 
I have some fool currently email stalking me telling me what a high prey
drive my dog has and what a danger he is to my household pets.  (We have
more than ferrets.)
 
I'm on my second beagle/terrier mix.  The first dog was fine with the
ferrets and she was around them 9 years and could trusted completely
with them.  The second dog is still a puppy.  He has "his own" ferret.
He and the ferret adore each other and can play nicely for a couple of
hours.  When the ferret starts hissing, I break it up.
 
KG
[Posted in FML issue 4597]