The general accepted "theory", if you will, is that dogs and ferrets don't mix. I had a ferret and lived with two Borzois (large sighthounds, who chase after pretty much anything that moves) who were taught very quickly that the ferret is a part of the family - not a meal. It is possible to have ferrets and dogs get along and even play together (under constant supervision, of course). You need to do research on the breed of dog you're considering getting. Terriers were made to hunt rodents that lived in burrows, so they've got the instinct to chase after ferrets. Italian Greyhounds (on a side note, I might be getting one! YAY!) are sighthounds, so they've definately got the instincts to chase. I don't know much about the toy group since I'm just into sighthounds... Also, knowing ferret behavior and psychology will not help you with dogs. If you've never had a dog before you've got a LOT of reseach to do. You do have many more sources than for say, ferrets. Dog genetics are very well understood, but ferret genetics are still cloudy. As insight into dog psychology, I suggest you watch the Dog Whisperer on National Geographic Channel, or go to cesarmillaninc.com Before understanding how to train a dog with things like clickers (I'm actually starting using a clicker with my dogs - I've never done it before), you need to understand how a dog thinks, how they will react to what you do next. I wish you luck with your ferrets and possible puppy, and feel free to send me mail in regards to any questions you have about dogs. Just mark the subject line with something that hints that you're not spam. ;) Cheers, Agnesa [Posted in FML 5913]