Dog is very prey driven towards rabbit; any suggestions?

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This topic has 4sd replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 2 years, 11 months ago by DanaNM.

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- 05/31/2021 at 12:11 AM
  SweetPotato
  Participant
  100 posts
  Our dog has a VERY strong prey drive. Anyone have any suggestions to have our bun and him live in at least peaceful co-existence?
  
  Edit: Also, sorry that this is a bit of a random question 😉
- 05/31/2021 at 5:09 AM
  Bam
  Moderator
  16878 posts
  You need to make the dog understand that the rabbit belongs to the humans and is 100% off limits for the dog. Dont punish the dog, because that can create resentment towards the rabbit.
  
  Many dogs can have a high prey drive outside, but still be able to understand that the family rabbit or cat is not prey. Some dogs can never understand this.
  
  Here is an old forum thread on a similar topic, how to help a dog and a bun get along. Uroboruselite’s post towards the end of the thread is very well worth reading:
  
  https://binkybunny.com/forums/topic/experiences-with-getting-a-puppy-when-you-already-have-a-rabbitae/
- 05/31/2021 at 9:51 AM
  DanaNM
  Moderator
  8935 posts
  It may not ever be possible if the prey-drive is very strong. How well does your dog respond to training? Does he know the “leave it” cue? Does he listen to you in distracting environments?
  
  If not, and if he isn’t responsive to training, then the most peaceful and safe coexistence would be to keep them separate.
  
  . . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.
- 05/31/2021 at 12:02 PM
  SweetPotato
  Participant
  100 posts
  Thanks for the responses! @Bam, UroborusElite’s post is quite helpful! I’ll have to give her suggestions a shot. And yes, I will definitely get the idea across that the bunny is OURS, not HIS 😂
  
  And @DanaNM, yes, his prey drive is pretty strong, but he does listen to me in distracting environments. The problem is I’m afraid that he’ll trample her or bite her in his excitement
  
  I think that I will just keep them separate if he doesn’t respond to training.
  
  Thanks again!
- 05/31/2021 at 1:11 PM
  DanaNM
  Moderator
  8935 posts
  You might also check out the dog trainer “Kikopup” on youtube. She has some videos on “capturing calmness” and working with high-prey drive dogs to remain calm around prey and in general. I used some her methods to work with my in-law’s teenage hunting dog and found them to be really effective!
  
  She has some very impressive vids of her 5 dogs (including a terrier) completely ignoring squirrels!
  
  . . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.
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