Re: dogs & ferrets
I can't tell you about cockers, but I have had experiences with other dogs.
I had Mr. Fuzzy Wuzzy as an only ferret for a few months before Max the
shepherd mix puppy moved in.  He and Mr. Fuzzy Wuzzy loved to play with each
other.  Max would step on Mr. Fuzzy Wuzzy who, in turn, would clamp onto
Max's cheek and hold on.  As near as I could tell, they both really enjoyed
it.  Now that Max is an 85 pound macho beast, he is also quite good with
Cinderella and Norman.  Although he doesn't play with them, he is fine with
both ferrets and cats (unless they approach his food dish--so Max eats by
himself in another room with the door closed.) I think it was very helpful
that he was introduced to other animals as a puppy.  I also have a sheltie
who was 5 years old when I got her.  She has always been lethargic
(thyroid), but the ferrets really get her up and moving.  In the beginning,
I had to keep an eye on her because she got so wound up when they would
play.  But she is ok with them also.
 
However, I did have a very bad experience when Mr. Fuzzy Wuzzy went through
a hole in the window screen a number of years ago.  A neighbor's dog (also a
shepherd mix) was outside, and attempted to kill Mr. Fuzzy Wuzzy.  Thank
goodness the dog knew me and I was able to get the ferret out of her jaws.
But she would definitely have killed him.
 
My guess is a puppy will be fine with a ferret, and then they will be used
to each other.  But always be careful around adult dogs if you don't know
how they act with small animals (and make sure the window screens are in
good condition)!
 
Good luck with your new friend!
 
--Ronnie (Cinderella & Norman's mom)
 
[Posted in FML issue 0888]