Sugar gliders and dogs

[frichieb]

Hi all, we have not long aquired a springer spanial and whenever my gliders are out of the cage i put the dog in the kitchen out of the way wich i think is unfair. The gliders are used to the dog sitting next to the cage and they dont seem bothered by him but i'm worried about having my gliders out while Bailey (the dog) is in the same room as them. What do you suggest..?
Many thanks.

[Guyzer™]

Hey

 I also have a springer spaniel and he is very loving towards other animals (he sleeps in the same bed as the cat and washes the rabbit!). However no matter how much i trust him i wouldnt let him anywhere near my rat or sugar gliders, when i get them, just in case something does happen. I always say better to be safe than sorry!

[loulou]

I agree its better to be safe than sorry, even the nicest dog could get fed up of being bouced on every 5 minutes and snap, or could think its play time and join in. with the size difference between a dog and glider (even a small dog) playing with the glider as dogs sometimes play with other dogs could cause the glider harm or even kill him/her. Im not saying all dogs are not tollerant of gliders im just saying a dog could want to play and could cause harm unintentionally

[jungleflockmom]

The biggest risk for even the gentlest dog is that hardwired response that causes them to chase or snap when they see fast, quick spontaneous movement.

You could have the dog by you on a lead so that, if his instinctive chase drive kicks in, you can control him.

But it's not a matter of experience w/gliders. It's depending on him to 100% in every instance to inhibit a very natural hardwired into his brain instinct. 

[Marie]

There's no way I'd allow gliders and dog out together.  My suggies come and say hello to my dogs when they follow me upstairs to their room, it's quite funny really, Voodoo is really fascinated, she'll often lie in front of the cage watching them!  But whether the dog was a nice loving animal or not they can be heavy footed when playing and as Dee said instinct kicks in.  I personally wouldn't risk injuring (or worse) my suggies just for the sake of not wanting to put the dog away for a couple of hours.  

[PocketFaeries]

We've got three doggies and two suggies. I do not allow them to all be out and about together at all. My gliders are only with the dogs if they are in my bra or in a pouch.  Occasionally, a dog will come into their room and sniff the cage while I'm right there. I would not let them roam freely with gliders in their midst.

Each night for glider playtime, We put the dogs downstairs and give them treats and their dinner to tend to. We play with the gliders and the dogs play with each other.  Have you considered:

-Getting a playmate for your doggie (another dog) so that he has companionship if you feel bad leaving him alone for several hours?

-Offering a bone or treat during glider time so that your dog gets special attention with that while you focus on the  gliders?

Just ideas. Hope they help!