I currently have a 1.5 year old Holland lop named Harley that I love dearly! I am getting a new roommate in a few months who has a full grown dog (lab/pit mix of some sort… she’s not really sure). The dog is very active, hyper and disobedient at times. I am worried about the stress and physical well being of my little bun. In the apartment we will be sharing, I will have my own room connected to a walkthrough closet and a bathroom (plenty of room for him to binky around!). Currently my bunny is cage free and has full range of my apartment. With the move, I was planning on introducing Harley to my bedroom, bathroom and closet ONLY. He wouldn’t be allowed upstairs or in the hallway leading to my other roommate’s bedroom.
My plan was to never even introduce Harley to the dog. I would only be living in this apartment for about a year, so I don’t think that a bonding process or even introduction would even be necessary. Harley would be locked in my area at all times, with my furniture and belongings that he is already accustomed to. While I am gone the dog would be locked in my roommates room, and I would keep Harley behind my bathroom door. That way in the event that my roommate forgot to lock up the dog, the pup would have to get through my bedroom door and bathroom door just to get near Harley.
I think this is a legitimate plan, but I am still most worried about the overall happiness of my little boy. Will he know that there is a dog in the house even though he isn’t exposed to him? I am worried that Harley will be able to smell and hear him causing overall stress. The last thing I want is for my bunny to life in a state of fear for an entire year. Any recommendations, or even stories would be appreciated before making this transition! I just want the best for my little guy, even if that means not going through with the move. Please be honest!!