Labrador + ball python = a bad combo?

limey · 06-19-12, 09:16 AM

My little lab, Millie, is only 1 year old and generally a well behaved girl. Generally.

But I'm planning on getting a ball python and in time I would like to have them both chilling together in my living room when he's out of the tank.

Is this something that can be typically done with relative ease without fear of one going for the other? Or would I have to constantly supervise at all times?

I hear about how docile balls can be, and so I figured if I train Millie to be gentle they should kinda be friends as time goes on... am I living in a fantasy world or is this realistic?

My Millie and me:

snake man12 · 06-19-12, 09:18 AM

Even if well trained the dog and snake should be supervised when the snake is out. When I take out my 5 foot Dum my dog gets a little scared=]=]=]

DeesBalls · 06-19-12, 09:20 AM

hate to burst your bubble, but its all fantasy, i know with dogs, especially hyper ones like labs, when the snake is out, it may think its another dog or "play toy" of some kind...,

the dog could simply just step on it and hurt the snake... it would be awesome, and there are pics around the net, sure they could be faked or whatnot, but i would be very careful.

oh btw, very nice looking lab you got there!

snake man12 · 06-19-12, 09:23 AM

Maybe What limey want's could be achieved with the proper time needed to get the snake and lab comfortable with each other

Snakefood · 06-19-12, 09:26 AM

I have my snakes out with both my dogs all the time, however, it is of course stringently supervised.

The dogs are ordered to thier beds and commanded to stay, they sit there watching very intently while hubby and I have a snake out on the couch, across the room from thier beds, if they move, they are reminded of thier current command.

it's just about good training on the dogs part and YOU knowing where everyone is ALL THE TIME, and it's a good idea if you are physically in between the 2, because even the best trained dog is gonna slip once in a while!!

StudentoReptile · 06-19-12, 09:26 AM

Hopefully, the mods will allow this one.
----

The following is from a fellow herp enthusiast whom I have come to know, who is also a professional dog trainer. It specifically details the account of a dog and tortoise situation, but I think it applies to any small animal pets (herps and otherwise).

Another Dog Story (Why tortoises and dogs DO NOT MIX. No exceptions!) - Tortoise Forum - Tortoise Husbandry Community

alessia55 · 06-19-12, 09:31 AM

They must be supervised closely when they are together. My cats and my dog and my snakes can all be out in the same room together, but I do not allow them to come near the snakes AT ALL. This is for the safety of both of them. They are mostly curious and wouldn't mean to hurt my snakes, but you never know. Personally, I would never risk it, no matter how well trained Millie is

DeesBalls · 06-19-12, 09:32 AM

well, for me, i have little hyper dogs who play from anything from toy bones, to q-tips they get off the sink... (dont ask how) so im sure if my toy yorkie seen my little pastel or something, sure as heck, she would grab her!

Snakefood · 06-19-12, 09:33 AM

^^^ LOL^^^^

my little rat terrier sits in her bed and vibrates when the snakes are out!!

DeesBalls · 06-19-12, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakefood

^^^ LOL^^^^

my little rat terrier sits in her bed and vibrates when the snakes are out!!

lol, my oldest chinese crested loved to watch them eat... every feeding day he runs in the room with me and just sits there till im done.

Toronto1977 · 06-19-12, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by limey

My little lab, Millie, is only 1 year old and generally a well behaved girl. Generally.

But I'm planning on getting a ball python and in time I would like to have them both chilling together in my living room when he's out of the tank.

Is this something that can be typically done with relative ease without fear of one going for the other? Or would I have to constantly supervise at all times?

I hear about how docile balls can be, and so I figured if I train Millie to be gentle they should kinda be friends as time goes on... am I living in a fantasy world or is this realistic?

My Millie and me:

I've taught my dog to completely ignore my snakes. I've introduced them by letting her (Standard Schnauzer) sniff them, but that's about it. She is not allowed to interact with them. When you (if you do decide) first introduce them make sure your dog is fully exercised and exahausted, that way her energy level will be lower and she will be calmer.

Depending on your dog and the level of control you have over her, it isn't insurmountable. Having said that, dogs and kids, dogs and snakes, dogs and just about everything should ALWAYS be supervised. Better safe than sorry. Good luck!

**Aaron_S** · 06-19-12, 09:42 AM

I think we're forgetting that the snake can't be trained to be a companion to your dog. It just can't happen.

Lankyrob · 06-19-12, 10:09 AM

We have a dog who gets to sit in his bed when the snakes are out, the cats are removed from the house when the snakes are out.

There is no NEED for any of them to interact and any interaction COULD lead to one or the other being injured or killed

Norm66 · 06-19-12, 10:49 AM

We don't let our dogs, cats & snakes interact at all. Too much possibility for carnage, it's not worth it.

sawtoothscream · 06-19-12, 10:55 AM

Im about 90% positive my dogs will be fine with a snake. my cocker is old and doesnt really pay attention to anything that isnt food or us. The yorkie is afriad of weird looking things and hides under the couch. Still that snake is not ever going to be around them if im not right next to it. Dont need my cocker getting bit for trying to smell it and if the yorkie finds the courage to go for it see can mess up the snake or get messed up herself. not worth the risk IMO, esp with a hyper young dog like a lab. BTW great looking dog, when I move out of my parents house im getting a chocolate lab