introducing bunnies to a new dog

[Annie Fann]

Hello everyone,

I adopted a dog a few months ago. I need some help introducing her to my two bunnies. What’s the best way to go about this so they will be comfortable with each other? I’m not saying they have to be best pals, but I’d like them to get along. Right now, The bunnies stay in my room and the dog, she stays in the living room. She is a mix, part basenj, part goldie (that I can figure out, who knows what else). She is very sweet and loves to play so I’m afraid she’ll think the bunnies are toys or something. She’s a year old and 35 lbs. Any suggestions, tips who be much appreciated. Thank you!

[Lazee]

my boxer is a very energetic player but is well disciplined and after some lessons leaves them alone. My girls just hop around him like he is a rag doll, they don’t even run when he gets up.  He quietly checks them out now and they just ignor him. ……………  I would let the rabbits out in the room with your dog and stay close and if your dog makes a move towards the rabbits just insist she leave them be.  It won’t take long.  She is a very pretty dog, I like her looks.  your rabbits are gorgeous as well.

 

 

[LoveChaCha]

Always have a leash on your dog.
You will always have to supervise bunnies and dogs

I would start out by sniffing through a baby gate, or even switching toys – give a bunny the dogs toy, give the dog the bunny’s toy. See what the reaction is.

Start slowly.

[Mr.Buck]

Annie Fann – you dog is so cute! Other than making sure she’s on a leash the first time without a gate, I would also suggest make sure that she listens to you pretty well. Maybe teaching her to wait while you throw her favorite toy until you allow her to go retrieve it. That way you know she has pretty good discipline. It’s my favorite game with my dog. He will wait up to 5 minutes, and he’s a 2 yr old 9lbs dog. I wish you the best of luck and with patience I’m sure you’ll have the 3 of them together without a leash soon

Lazee – I love that picture! My bun and dog haven’t stayed that close for a picture but I did take them in the bathroom while I was taking a bath and after a little while they both layed down. Buck (bunny) and Rex (dog) have had a lot of time to get to know and familiar with each other before me trusting them with this but they did great. I’m still waiting for them to cuddle since they both like cuddling so much I figure it should be within no time probably by the end of March. Do yours cuddle with each other or just lay near?

[Lazee]

Mr Buck

My girls attitude towards things change from time to time.  BB use to get right under Maxwell but hasn’t for some time now. Furbee jumps all over him and will lay close but not snuggle. Pia is the oldest, 5+ and just ignores him. 

Maxwell is well disciplined and doesn’t have a mean bone in his body and just wants to walk behind them sniffing their butts which they don’t seem to mind, when Pia has had enough she will turn and grunt and pop him with her foot. Maxwell will back off and look at me like “what did I do”. 

Even with all my confidence in Maxwell I still don’t leave them alone for more than a few minutes, but Max follows me every where so that isn’t usually an issue.

[Mr.Buck]

That’s the cutest bunny picture I have ever seen! Oh my goodness! I really thought everyone would think I was nuts wanting to get my 2 to cuddle. So did you help them out or was this done by their own choice? I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I’m a HUGE animal lover and just want to get more species in on this pic it’s so cute! Thanks for sharing.

Annie Fann – even a boxer can be taught to relax around bunnies. And they’re one of the breeds considered “aggressive” by some people. This is proof to show it’s all in the animals and how you raise them. Can’t wait to see pics or maybe videos of your dog and buns!

[Lazee]

Mr.Buck, on my profile I have a youtube site and pictures. You are more than welcomed to take a look.

it was by their own choice, I think Maxwell was so suprised he didn’t move until she did.

[Mr.Buck]

So cute Lazee – I loved the pics and videos.

[Elrohwen]

Just go slow and make sure the dog is calm every step of the way. If she starts to get excited, back off and stay at a distance where she can calmly watch the bunnies, then move up closer. Start with the dog on a leash and bunnies in a cage and gradually work up to the dog on a leash and bunnies out of the cage. Very energetic dogs or those with high prey drives can take a very long time to get through this training while super laid back and obedient dogs might move much faster – it all depends on your dog (and the bunnies – you obviously don’t want them freaking out either).

For the first sessions I’d also try to tire your dog out with a nice long run so she’ll be less likely to overreact the first time she sees them.

Very cute pup!

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