Introducing new pup to our rabbit? Suggestions?

[i-need-a-martini]

We are about to get a new pup. She is a 9 months old (failed show dog)  Bassett Hound with what seems a very placid temperment.

But we will need to get her used to our rabbit.

Bassetts aren't a rabbit eating variety but given our previous experience with Bassetts suspect it will take a while before she gets used to seeing a white fluffy thing running around every where without barking like mad.

The rabbit is an inside pet and the Bassett will be an outside dog so we COULD keep them separated although not sure how long we can keep that up for. But I'd rather they became friends anyway.

Anyone experienced with rabbit/dog meetings?

[*lady*godiva*]

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@i-need-a-martini wrote:

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@iapetus_rocks wrote:

"Bassets are scent hounds that were originally bred for the purpose of hunting rabbits and hare."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basset_Hound

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So back to my question - how to introduce dog to rabbit?

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My opinion

Do not call the dog Elmer Fudd. Don't call her Bambi either. just incase the rabbit gets the **bleep**s and decides to Thump er.

[j*oono]

I don't get this thread but I would never restrict a dog to inside or outside.  They have the run of the house and garden.

Rabbits are so cute and pretty but I've never had one or wanted to.  What do they do?  They actually don't lay chocolate eggs so I've never bothered.

[*lady*godiva*]

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@dwilke33 wrote:

I-need, In my humble opinion, I don't think your situation is going to end well.  I fear the hound is going to kill the rabbit right away.

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Although, if the hound has depression,

"You ain't nothin' but a hound dog
Cryin' all the time
You ain't nothin' but a hound dog
Cryin' all the time
Well, you ain't never caught a rabbit and you ain't no friend of mine"

Bassetts are fat and have short legs. It's not like it will be able to run very fast. Build the rabbit a refuge spot thats higher up than the dog (short legs - can't jump very high) and show the rabbit how to use it.

[jimmy*part4]

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@*lady*godiva* wrote:

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@dwilke33 wrote:

I-need, In my humble opinion, I don't think your situation is going to end well.  I fear the hound is going to kill the rabbit right away.

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Although, if the hound has depression,

"You ain't nothin' but a hound dog
Cryin' all the time
You ain't nothin' but a hound dog
Cryin' all the time
Well, you ain't never caught a rabbit and you ain't no friend of mine"

Bassetts are fat and have short legs. It's not like it will be able to run very fast. Build the rabbit a refuge spot thats higher up than the dog (short legs - can't jump very high) and show the rabbit how to use it.

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They could use your assistance on this thread too....

http://community.ebay.com.au/t5/Community-Spirit/What-is-the-best-way-to-freeze-and-unfreeze-chocola...

And coincidentally....

[j*oono]

A lovely chocolatey Godiva watch.  It never did work but a masterpiece.

[channys_mum]

Just keep the pup on a leash for a few introductions and see how it goes.

When I lived in Vic I had a pet rabbit. The rabbit the cat and the dog all curled up together in front of the fire, they all lined up in the kitchen when I was preparing dinner, and they all lined up at the front gate as soon as they heard Mr Whippy 

[twinkles**stars]

Have you asked if the dog is rabbit tested? You may be stressing unnessasary. 

If you can borrow a crate I'd pop the pup in one and let the rabbit check it dog out first.

Good luck

[rabbitearbandicoot]

martini:"So back to my question - how to introduce dog to rabbit?"

Try - "Rabbit ... this is dog ... dog ... this is rabbit."

Martini: "I am not worried about the bassett killing the rabbit."

I see, you're worried about the rabbit killing the bassett?

[Anonymous]

[mtnlane]

Serious question .....

Why are you considering getting a dog when you are relegating him/her to the back yard?  You have referred to the rabbit as an 'inside pet' and to the dog as 'an outside dog' and yet you want them to be 'friends'!  Are you EVER going to let the dog indoors?

If you have had bassets before you should be well aware of their 'yowling' and being left alone in the back yard (no matter how big it is) will be isolating for them and will surely impact on your neighbours too.

Please do not subject a usually sociable and company oriented dog [pet] to that sort of treatment.