Other Animals and Rabbits

Dogs
Many people are surprised to learn that dogs and rabbits can often live quite harmoniously with each other. But there are considerations to take into account when an owner wishes to intorduce their animals. Generally, most dogs that are accepting and tolerant of cats are often comfortable around rabbits. Also, dogs that aren't allowed many oppurtunities to chase animals outside and are trained to remain calm during distractions are the least likely to antagonize a house rabbit. Good training with basic obedience is imperitive! If the dog is getting too rambunctious, owners need the ability to call their dog off the bunny or have them sit-stay or down-stay.

Younger and small breed rabbits tend to be higher energy than adult and large breed rabbits. Dogs have relatively poor eyesight but they have excellent perception of quick movement; energetic bunnies will entice the dog to chase them because their quick, haphazard movements are similiar to that of prey. Bunnies that are calmer and lazier are much less likely to be chased. It is recommended that the bunny condo or habitat is kept in a common area where the dog can see, smell, and hear the bunnies first for a few days to a few weeks before they are let out together. If you decide to keep the dog on a leash, it is imperitive to keep slack in the leash. If you pull on the dogs leash and collar, it will stress and frustrate the dog which can lead to aggression.

How to tell if your dog is ready to meet the bunny: If the dog is completely ignoring the bunnies when they are in their cage/pen/habitat then you can bring the dog in when the bunnies are already settled outside of their pen. Don't introduce the dog when the bunnies are just out of their pen and have excited binkies and zooming around. Ask the dog to sit-stay or down-stay and give them treats to staying. Once they stop staring at the rabbit, you can release the dog and let them sniff the rabbits while on leash. Do not pull on the leash unless you are concerned for anyone's safety. Ideally, you want the animals to ignore each other so treat and praise them for doing so.