New bunny + small dog, where should he live?

[JohnnyB]

I just adopted a rabbit from a shelter but I also have a small dog at home, the rabbit stays in an xpen in my room where I keep the gate open while my dog cant get into the room. Its been 5 days and Johnny (my rabbit) still wont leave his pen, I dont know if this is bad since he probably isn’t getting as much daily exercise as he should. I was thinking about moving him downstairs onto the main floor of the house where he might feel more open to leave his pen. The problem is that the dog is always in this area of the house and I couldn’t leave his gate open without the dog going inside first. This would probably make Johnny uncomfortable and I dont want to force him to do anything like leave his pen. Im not too worried about my dog wanting attack johnny, im more than certain he just wants to get closer acquainted with Johnny but is too impatient to wait for johnny to come out of the pen by himself. If anybody has suggestions please let me know!!.

[Jessica]

I let my bun introduce herself to my dog on her own terms. I knew that my dog (4.5lb chih poo mix) would be fine with the bun, he’s been great with all kinds of animals. I kept them separate with play pens and baby gates for the first few weeks. Once they were always happy greeting each other, the bun would run up to the fence as soon as he did, I would hold the dog on my lap and let the bun approach. My bun is very outgoing and at this point the two sit together.. give your bun a chance to build up their confidence before forcing him into a new situation with another animal. Remember that buns are a prey animal and can take quite a while to adjust to a situation and be comfortable, don’t force too much too quick

[JohnnyB]

Thanks Jessica! I guess I just have to wait a bit longer and teach my dog not to whine when johnny doesn’t want to come out.

[Mikey]

With it only being 5 days so far, he likely isnt adjusted yet. I would give him about a month before worrying too much, as long as he continues to eat, drink, and have healthy waste

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