Suggestions for getting Buns used to new puppy?

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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 1sd reply, 2 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 4 months ago by Mikey.

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- 03/23/2017 at 2:51 PM
  Candle
  Participant
  102 posts
  We have two bonded rabbits who are loose in our bedroom and get to go around the house when we’re home to supervise. About 9 months ago my 16 year old dog passed away and we decided we were going to get another dog. I’m a dog groomer so I wanted a standard poodle. We found a good breeder and I asked for the one with the lowest prey drive. I really do think that his prey drive isn’t high, he just is still a puppy and gets excited.
  
  Anyway the rabbits are Cheesed at us! We got him 4 days ago and just last night they finally let us start petting them again. Last night Forrest (The puppy) was finally comfortable enough at home to start checking out noises and stuff so the rabbits caught his attention. We decided to put them in the cage for the night and have him on the bed so that he can get used to them being calm and they can get used to him being around and not excited. It seems like it might work but I feel bad since they were used to being free all night so I just wanted to ask if you guys have any other suggestions!
  
  We considered having puppy sleep in another room but not only does he whine and we have landlords with a young baby but we also can’t supervise him or tell when he has to pee. We thought of moving the rabbits to another room but they’re already so mad and I would feel horrible getting a puppy and just moving them out because of our choice.
  
  Anyway yeah, we’ll probably try the cage thing until they’re used to being together but I just wanted to see if anyone had any better ideas. Thanks!
- 03/23/2017 at 4:52 PM
  Mikey
  Participant
  3186 posts
  Poodles prey drive is usually rather high and shows itself as a need to chase, especially as puppies. I suggest crate training your new pup as it should be done to aid in anxious behavior (whining when you are not in the same room), but also to help keep everyone happy and safe while the animals are home alone. The pup wont be able to (accidentally) terrorize the bunnies while theyre caged, likewise your bunnies cannot (accidentally) terrorize your pup
  
  The first overall step to get everyone cohabiting is dog obedience training. He must be trained on and off a leash. This may take several months depending on the pups personality, but dont be discouraged. While working on training, keep your set up with both caged at night/when you are not around, and make sure your bunnies have a lot of hiding spots the dog cant reach/fit into
  
  Once your pup is trained well and listens, the next step would be letting him around the bunnies while he is leashed and they are free roam. If he starts to act out, tell him to sit/lay down. If the buns start to get nervous, give them extra attention. Once this goes well where everyone is mostly comfortable, do this without the leash as well. Once he understands the bunnies are friends, not toys, then you should be ok leave them all out unsupervised together
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