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?

[i-need-a-martini]

So have you got any suggestions about my rabbit/dog dilemma then?

[**tay**]

Sorry, probably should've mentioned in my post - that's what FB members are saying. Our Dane is 100% outside, she's not allowed in the house (we rent). We just spend quality time outside with her, and she's not mentally scarred or anything, lol!

[poddster]

One thing to keep in mind Martini, make sure that the pup has been fed 🙂

[i-need-a-martini]

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@poddster wrote:

One thing to keep in mind Martini, make sure that the pup has been fed 🙂

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Thanks Pod. Doesn't matter if she is fed or not - bassetts will keep on eating even while their stomachs are turning with bloat.

[poddster]

And I might add, make certain that the bunny is not related to the Monty Python killer rabbit, otherwise it will be Bunny 1 pup 0  🙂

[chuk_77]

Sounds like she is food orientated? Then use food as a reward for leaving the rabbit alone. Use a lead to start with so you have control should things go wrong and perhaps teach the dog to drop each time the rabbit is near. as soon as she does...treat. Or use some other command, sit leave it, look away. Train with the food and slowly remove the food reward. Mix it up so she doesnt know when the reward will come, but only when she knows the command. My personal opinion is I hate crate training and pointless if she will be predominantly an outdoor dog. 

Having said that some people swear by crate training. I just dont like it

[boris1gary]

It will all depend on your new dogs personality. Boris would ignore a rabbit, Natasha would rip it to pieces attempting to play.

[rabbitearbandicoot]

twinkles wrote:"Had a friend with a Basset hound. ...lazy girl she was who spent most of her time snoozing on a cushion in the kitchen"

and, what about the Basset hound?

[freshwater-2]

Martini, (just off the cuff) there are a couple of issues here.

You are not introducing a puppy to the rabbit....you are introducing a fully grown dog to a critter which is by definition a prey animal.

Foremost, I would be concerned about how the rabbit reacts, not the dog.

In your favour the bassett is similar (but not the same) as a gun dog.

A gun dog does not harm prey because of the genetic soft mouth.

I would concentrate of getting the dog to understand that the rabbit is part of your family, and was there first.

I suggest that you only have the rabbit and dog together for the first few weeks WHILE YOU ARE HOLDING, TALKING TO, BEING AFFECTIONATE WITH the rabbit.   Make sure the dogs sees that you feed the rabbit.

Bassetts are not stupid and he/she will work it out for him/herself in time.

But as I said, the rabbit must not feel threatened by the dog.  Stress can be a killer.

Is there any chance that you can have the basset sleep inside at night.  ie. the laundry, so he is part of the family along with the bunny.

It would be a good idea to feed him/her in the laundry too.....less isolation.

Just some personal thoughts.

[freshwater-2]

Don't forget to keep us updated......I would love to hear how everthing goes.