> I am about to get a puppy next month. It is a cocker spaniel. I was > wondering if anyone has any stories, good or bad, to tell about how this > breed of dog gets along with their furries and vice versa. For that > matter, how a newly introduced puppy gets along with their ferrets in > general although I am mostly intersted in the cocker spaniel > relationship. I have two Cocker Spaniels, a cat, two ferrets, two cockatiels, and misc fresh and salt water fish. The Cockers arrived first, then the cat and then one ferret (Squirt) and about a year later his buddy Gizmo (the second ferret). Needless to say, I've had some experience with introducing new animals. For introducing a puppy to a home with other pets, the best approach I've found is to put all the other pets in a back room and then to introduce the newcomer to the home. The newcomer will be able to get used to the home and the smells before dealing with territorial issues. After about an hour or so (however long it takes for the newcomer to settle down a touch), bring out the established residents one at a time. It works best if you have another human with you so that both non-humans can be held until they get used to the other. Then it's usually OK to let the established member go while trying to control the newcomer. Play it by ear from there, but keep a close eye on everyone if you decide all is well. Sometimes a pet will be well behaved while you are right there but as soon as you turn your back... We've been fortunate enough that the temperment of all our pets is such that none get too possessive or territorial, but the above should work for most pets - the variable is just how long the whole process might take. Good luck with your new baby! Brian ... Reeses & Snickers (the Cockers) ...... Frosty (the huge white cat) ......... Squirt & Gizmo (the carpet sharks) ............ Ashley & Haley (the Cockatiels) [Posted in FML issue 0887]