Would Damien eat my girlfriend's Malti-poo?

[Ludeboi]

I've had my BP for about 2 weeks now and there's one issue that I'm still on edge about. Would Damien take a shot at my malti-poo if given the chance? I usually keep them serparate, actually they've yet to have a close encounter. Still, as long as they live under the same roof there is a possibility(Murphy's Law). So has anyone had an experience where their BP attacked another small pet? The dog is obviously too big for the snake to eat(about 15 lbs), but would he attack him?

[mainbutter]

BPs will bite anything in defense if provoked.

BPs will bite things they think might smell like food.

The dog can fit into both categories. I'd keep at least a few feet between them just to be safe. The biggest danger is the snake biting the dog and the dog retaliating and killing the snake.

Both animals are under your control so there should be no problem.

[Elise.m]

My guess is if the BP were to try to attack the dog, it would be a defensive strike and wouldn't cause harm to the dog. I'd be more worried about the dog.

[Dianna]

I have 6 cats. As you can imagine, it can be tricky keeping the cats away while I'm letting my BP roam. Originally, the cats were terrified of the snake so it worked out perfectly- but now the cats view my adult BP as a potential toy.

I feel it is best to lock the cats out of my room when its BP play time, this may be your best option when it comes to your doggie as well. I imagine your dog would survive a snake bite, but your BP may not survive a dog bite- it's best to not find out

[Kaorte]

Just don't let the snake and dog canoodle with each other and you should have no problems. I really doubt the snake would try to harm the dog though. Its usually the other way around.

[vindicatedornot]

Somewhat irrelevant but I thought this was funny..

I was cleaning my snakes cage yesterday and had the snake in my off hand, and my dog comes in head first to take a big sniff (he's a beagle.) and my ball tagged him on the nose. He bled for like 10 minutes. That's what the 'snoopy' bastard gets =P

[TheCourtneys]

My ball pythons havent attacked the dog (they've had PLENTY of chances to do so). My blood python on the other hand has attacked the dog (lab/pit mix) he licked the snakes head and the snake grabbed a hold of his lip and it took 3 people to get her off him the blood python is 4 foot long. Now the dog WILL NOT go around ANY snakes.

[BPelizabeth]

I have seen my normal "checking out" one of my 80 lb dogs. Now obviously there is NO Way she could ever think about that. However.....she was hanging down off my foot (as it was up on the chair) and I thought...oh that's cute. Then my hubby goes....uhhhh...you might want to get Elle...she looks like she is ready to bite your dogs ear. Sure enough....you could tell she was configuring the "how to" in her head.

The dog...totally oblivious...

The only thing I really worry about is the snake getting a hold of the dog and the dog freaking out and shaking her head...the snake goes flying...yada yada. You get the picture.

Now...they are kept apart!

[WingedWolfPsion]

Dogs smell like predators to ball pythons, and never, EVER forget that the family pooch IS a predator who will gladly kill and eat small game (such as a little snake). They are best kept apart! I would recommend carefully training the dog to leave the snakes alone. Training a dog to avoid snakes is always a wise choice, particularly if you live in an area where wild venomous species are found.

[Soterios]

Yikes, not to sounds like a jerk, but I don't think this should ever be a concern.

My cats and dogs NEVER mix with my snakes. It just shouldn't happen. To me that's just being irresponsible.

Some of the stories in the thread are frightening.