breaking terrier to ferrets

[s horsfield 7]

Right lads and lass's. I need some idea's on breaking my 12mth old terrier to the ferrets, my other terrier is 100% with them he will drink, eat and even let them walk all over him.But ive tried alsorts with the pup, he just seems nervy round them all the time .So ive tried letting them drink milk togerther, held them so he can have a good stiff, put them on the garden on there own but he's ok for abit (but keeps his distance) then out of the blue try's to have ago and the last straw was one of the jills was climing up the wire on the front of the hutch and he got old of her toe and took it clean off. Anyway she's ok now after some tlc, but was just woundering if anyone as any tricks to try, what i don't want to do his make him more warey and force him into it. I'll spend has much time on him has it take, so come on you lot i need idea's and lots of um

[gnipper 6,825]

Sounds like he's too far gone if he's already taking their toes off but imo and experience a wilful terrier only learns who's boss one way lurchers and other types of dogs are a bit easier and a more sensitive approach can be used be a terrier hell bent on killing something is a nightmare.

[scothunter 12,609]

i wouldnt even attempt it mate.seems like he is hell bent on killing them.i forsee lots of shouting and beatings and possibly a dead ferret if you tried.

[s horsfield 7]

one thing that puzzles me is we have chickens and no bother at all with them. But i beleve what you put in you get out, i know its not going to be easy and some dogs take to things easier than others.But you can't just dissmiss things when they go wrong

[gnipper 6,825]

The ferrets are the only thing my terrier isn't intent on killing

[Plong 21]

Just keep spending time in garden with them may never get to the stage where you can leave them alone together, but as long as the terrier is willing to leave them while your there you should be ok.

[Brimmer 220]

First approach like Gnipper said is a route a few folk including myself have gone down. It seems harsh and brutal , but what do you do, Give up?

If you give up the dog is no good to you, And probs the next man that owns it.

Sometimes the severe problem needs a severe answer.

[s horsfield 7]

no i'm definatly not going to give up on him i owe him that.I'll try him this season in the field with my other terrier and see how we go,his marking is coming on and thats just by taking him out over the summer and him watching the other dog ,so fingers crossed,if not i'll have to start by pegging down once the ferrets are working and correct him if he try's anything.plus he is only just 12mth old so its not as if hes an older dog

Edited October 5, 2011 by s horsfield

[NEWKID 28,862]

You may see a difference mate once he has been out working with them ( by the sounds of it he hasn't yet), keep a close eye on him whilst working and start with small sets where you can be in close control. I've found I've got to be a lot harder with the terrier in all disciplining than I am with the lurcher. I wouldn't let them feed together though mate as he may feel threatened and possesive and it will only take one quick snap to lose a ferret.

Maybe put him on a lead in the garden when the ferrets are out, if he even makes a move towards them a sharp pull on the lead and a firm "no" until he realises.

It may take a while but stick at it.

I let mine play in the garden together every night fo 20 mins or so, if I think the dogs are being boisterous at all I pull them in line straight away, don't let it get to far.

Hope you sort it mate.

[lawrence 657]

i keep my ferret court in the dog run, so there use to seeing/ smelling them daily , never had a problem with a terrier or lurcher reared this way.

[s horsfield 7]

cheers newkid i like the sound of puting him on lead,didn't even think of that simple and would imangine it could work.Thanks for all your input lads i'll let you know how we get on in the coming months

[jeemes 5,232]

I would try an electric collar.That way the dog thinks the ferret has given him the jolt and no need for you to fall out with your dog.He will also still respect the ferret when you are out of sight.You would need to get the dog used to wearing the dummy collar though,so he doesnt work it out.He needs to be fooled into thinking its the ferrets,so he needs to be close when you give him the juice,and I would give him a terrier dose.