Could a Ferret Live With a Boxer Puppy?

Ferrets generally get along with dogs, so a ferret could live with a boxer puppy. Young animals that grow up together tend to get along better than animals introduced in older years. Ferrets love to wrestle and chew on each other so the playful, high-spirited nature of the boxer breed may be a good match. Both need to be taught not to chew to avoid injuries.

  1. Boxer Puppies

    • Boxers are by nature curious, energetic, loyal and affectionate. Originally bred for dogfighting and bull baiting, the boxer today is a superior guard dog. Boxer puppies need a dominant owner, or they become boisterous and hard to control. Boxer puppies, like all other puppies, require training, particularly when the puppy is going to live with another animal such as a ferret.

    Ferrets

    • Ferrets are willful, intelligent creatures that like to do as they please -- they do not like to be restrained. Ferrets love to burrow, dig, jump and climb. Ferrets have needle-sharp teeth and may bite unless taught not to. Sometimes they bite out of fear or anger. A ferret that is going to live with a boxer puppy must be taught not to bite the puppy. Both are playful and are going to want to bite as part of their fun. Even in play, biting cannot be allowed because it can escalate into harm.

    Exercise Before Introduction

    • Before introducing a ferret to a boxer puppy, both should be exercised separately to reduce their energy levels. Tired animals are more amenable to training commands after exercise because they wear off nervous energy. The owner needs to use the first introduction to begin the training necessary to establish a relationship between the puppy and the ferret. Ferrets, like puppies, can be walked on a leash. While boxers enjoy fetching as a form of exercise, the owner should avoid this activity because it stimulates the prey instinct.

    Introduction

    • The boxer puppy should be leashed for an introduction to a ferret. Conversely, the ferret should not be leashed in order to prevent a negative association between restraint and the puppy. The animals will sniff and check each other out. If the puppy reacts to the ferret as prey, the puppy needs to be taught the "leave it" command. The puppy and ferret should never be left together without supervision.