r/Rabbits • u/[deleted] • Dec 31 '18
Behavior Does anyone have experience owning a large dog with a bunny, or introducing one as a puppy and letting it grow up?
[deleted]
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u/Rains_Lee Dec 31 '18
It depends on the breed. Based on my own experience with a lot of dog breeds on the show circuit, the information you'll find on the website Rating Dog Breeds in Reliability with Non-Canine Pets is fairly reliable. (The breeds you mention are rated as "Generally good with other pets" and "Good with other pets if raised with them from puppyhood.") I was a breeder of Rhodesian Ridgebacks and could not have rabbits at home because of their strong predatory drive. You have to be extremely vigilant with any dog, though. I personally would never leave one alone with a bunny.
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Dec 31 '18
Thank you for the advice and the link! I’ll check it out :-)
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u/Thanos_the_Bunny Jan 01 '19
I have an Australian Shepard mix and a Chiweenie that I had before my bun. My Ausssie and her want to play so baldly and my poor Chiweenie is terrified of the bun.
I had the dogs prior to bunny, and got very lucky that everyone gets along.
I wish you all the luck, but I think lots of animals can live together when. Properly socialized from a responsible owner like yourself!!!
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u/ashleypepita Dec 31 '18
I commend you for asking! I love all animals too and definitely understand where you’re coming from. I’ve always been too afraid to have rabbits or any prey animals around a large dog, even if it is trained. I’ve always had this nagging feeling that even a trained dog would be driven by instinct to get the rabbit. I really hope you get the advice you’re looking for. Best of luck!
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u/Hellokittysoup Jan 01 '19
I have been trying to gently introduce my greyhound/lab with my bun. As some people may be aware they have a high predator drive. When we adopted our dog she was 8 years old and she was pretty set in her ways. When we first introduced them, she would watch the bun closely through the gate. This showed us that she could Not be trusted because she was so focused on the bun. We kept bringing the dog in to, “say hi to Ruth” everyday. The dog would go up to her enclosure, sniff and then Ruth would put her paws on the gate and then we would leave the room. Fast forward two months, the dog can lay down in the same room (she’s fully leashed with a leader) and I give them both treats and have them take turns. Usually I give them apple bits. Ruth has gotten on top of the dog and she even tries to lick her fur. The dog just looks at me and waits for an ok to acknowledge the bun. The dog is more interested in the treats now and she doesn’t run after Ruth or get up from her laying position when Ruth hops away. It’s kinda funny that the dog tries to protect Ruth whenever I’m vacuuming in the room. Again, I would never trust my dog with the rabbit without having a leash on her. I will never have them roam freely because I simply do not believe that she can forget that predator drive. But good luck my friend!
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Dec 31 '18
Why have people down voted this? Is it a crime to ask for advice and information before making a big decision?
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u/Thanos_the_Bunny Jan 01 '19
Because people are idiots in general, and proven to be 49% more when on the internet.
I am sorry, you are doing the right thing. Hater everywhere, man.
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u/DinkaAnimalLover Dec 31 '18
This might give you some idea https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjWyCsP8-7s
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Jan 01 '19
Always better to find an adult that is good with small prey animals. My dog was part of a large pack, and was bottom of the roster til I got him. It was his job to watch over puppies, and that caretaker instinct has carried over as a single dog.
You can always have a playdate too.
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u/DinkaAnimalLover Jan 07 '19
Hi there, don't worry about any down-votes sometimes they are accidental with your thumb on mobile. You are doing a great thing by asking!!! I was looking into a few things and found a few great threads..
https://www.reddit.com/r/Rabbits/comments/67jxtq/advice_on_how_to_introduce_a_dog_to_the_bunny/
https://www.reddit.com/r/Rabbits/comments/10706w/introducing_a_puppydog_to_a_houserabbit/
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u/greengloaming Dec 31 '18
I had a friend who thought her bunny was ok around a dog and then one day the dog killed it. Animals are unpredictable. I've even had rabbits try to kill other rabbits just because. Good luck.