In addition to being a responsibility, pets bring joy to the home and to the owner. In light of this, it is not surprising that many people wish to have more than one pet in their home. Are they always the best? It can sometimes be difficult to coexist between them. Do rabbits and dogs get along well? Let's talk about it!
Let's start by recognizing that we are talking about animals with vastly different characteristics.
A dog's hunting instinct is more obvious than a rabbit's, but in nature, rabbits are usually easy prey to catch.
In other words, if the dog is following its most instinctive behaviors, problems may arise.
In addition, there may be a difference in size between the two animals. Therefore, even though the dog's behavior is exemplary, a simple show of affection could harm the rabbit, even if the dog did not intend to do so.
Meanwhile, jealousy is another issue. As you are spending more and more time with another animal, your attention suddenly shifts to your dog, who has been a part of your life for years. It may appear fluff-like.
In spite of all that has been said, coexistence between rabbits and dogs is not impossible. Both animals can live peacefully if certain guidelines are followed.
Animal nature plays an important role in society. You may have a difficult time fighting the instinct of your dog if it is part of a breed that was used for hunting.
However, it is not impossible.
The Californian rabbit and the Himalayan rabbit are both breeds of rabbits that make excellent pets. Although that does not mean that other pets are not great companions!
In dogs and cats, socialization is particularly important. The process must begin with puppies and consists in assisting the puppy in interacting with everything in its environment: people, animals, animals not of their breed, sounds, places, objects, etc.
In cases where your dog is properly socialized, you shouldn't have serious problems when a bunny comes to your house if you follow our guidelines.
You may need to read on if this is not the case since you have adopted an adult dog.
For https://grandkoi.com/shop/ , you should select a neutral setting, that is, one that is not a part of the territory of your longtime companion animal.
Visit an acquaintance's house or a park to do this.
By doing this, either of them will not feel as if their territory is being invaded, and will consider the other a threat.
Starting with a barrier is the best approach
It is advisable to set some limits for a first approach. The barrier of not removing the rabbit from the carrier and holding the dog by the leash can be very effective.
Therefore, the dog can sniff the carrier without being in danger.
Continue with the presentation if there are no aggressive or fearful reactions after the first moment of curiosity.
first physical contact
Keeping the dog on the leash, open the crate, but do not let the dog out of the crate. A rabbit cannot escape or be injured in a safe room. Outside, it must be enclosed.
Another person should, however, either hold the dog or prevent the rabbit from running away, so that you can prevent the rabbit from running away.
Allow the dog to naturally approach as long as you don't detect excessive impulsivity in them.
Alternatively, you could hold the rabbit in your arms, if it is familiar with it, to reassure it while the dog sniffs it.
It is imperative that you treat both animals with love throughout the entire process. Love them, caress them. In addition, you can use snacks as treats for good behavior. In this way, you will reinforce the idea that there is something positive about the other's presence.
No matter how well that first approach went, you should never let your guard down.
When the dog arrives first at home, it is best not to place the rabbit's cage in the living room. A dog should not have free access to the living room if your bunny roamed freely around it every day.
In the first weeks, all meetings must take place under surveillance.
To ensure rabbits and dogs can coexist harmoniously, each one should have a delimited space that the other can't access, so that the coexistence between them is always the best.
As for rest places and food, where conflicts are most likely to arise is if they compete for food or tranquility.