Dog Community

Rabbits and dogs?

Posted : 4/14/2006 4:23:09 AM

Hi,

I have always had rabbits when I used to live in the UK. I had 5 at one stage (all female). I used to keep them in a 2 story massive hutch built by my parents friends and of a day i let them into a run we built. Anyway to my point. We are thinking of rescuing 2 rabbits and letting them roam about the garden. We have huge fences and it is all safe. Nothing can get in and they couldn't get out. But i wanted to know how to introduce my dogs to them. One of my dogs - Holly a 2 yr old pug x king charles loves to chase birds and has even caught a rat before. Any ideas???
Thanks in advance

Firestorm

Posted : 4/14/2006 5:45:03 AM

Do you have a crate for the dog? I would crate the dog and let the rabbits explore the dog while in its cage. Then I would have someone hold the dog and someone hold the rabbit and let them meet. take time with this! Good Luck!

magilacudy

Posted : 4/14/2006 6:59:07 AM

I have brough the rabbit in the house in a crate let Sara sniff it. Then I take the rabbit in my lap and let Sara sniff some more. I tell her "be nice" and she is fine with them. As long as they can sniff out the rabbit first it helps.

jeano

Posted : 4/14/2006 11:07:52 AM

Sofia sees rabbits and the most delectable prey and there is no way she'll ever be different. I think there are a fair number of dogs who are similar. I don't doubt some dogs can get used to rabbits, I just know mine never would.

I've written this before, but please, please don't let those rabbits get loose! I know what a feral rabbit infestation is like and it's terrible! How do you know they can't dig out of your yard? They are extremely persistent and industrious diggers.

jennie_c_d

Posted : 4/14/2006 2:31:44 PM

Emma is so drivey, I don't think she'll ever be ok with a rabbit or rodent. She's been like this since day 1. She's fine with cats, but will quickly kill a rabbit, rodent, bird, small animal without a sound.

Firestorm

Posted : 4/14/2006 5:44:11 PM

My SHih Tzu and Dwarf rabbit get along great!!

hayley018

Posted : 4/15/2006 5:33:36 AM

thanks for all the help guys. If we end up gettin a rabbit/two rabbits, i will definatly do the whole sniffing while in a crate thing. Sounds like a really good idea. Everyone here is so knowledgeable. I can't be 100% sure that they can't dig out thats correct. But i could be pretty sure as we have concret around by the gates so it would be quite difficult for a rabbit to escape. We thought about getting rabbits again because we get rid of so much salad and veg and my other rabbits used to love it. We might get 2 cats instead (any animal would be rescued of course) but its a hard decision. I have three dogs as i mentioned but holly, my little monster does like to chase and catch anything that runs. I know however that she loves cats so possibly cats would be a better option. I would feel really cruel though, because myt dad is allergic to cat hair and so they would have to live outside and have beds and food in our garage. Do you think that would be cruel....to have outside cats? I spoil my dogs so very much and i get really mad when people leave their dogs outside all the time that i would feel a bit hipocritical what do you guys think?>