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?

[freshwater-2]

Buy a real handbag rather than a dog to substitute for one

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Oh really?  Based on your criteria  I saved two mature wee dogs' lives from a pound instead of buying new handbags.

[*lady*godiva*]

If you are taking the dog on because it will be put to sleep otherwise, or if it isn't safe where it is, then that is a really nice thing to do. Situations like that are worth considering even if it does disrupt the family routines for a while and disgruntles other pets. There are lots of advice here about how to get the two animals aquainted. That's good, and in all likelyhood, everything will be fine. If its not, and the rabbit is too stressed and the dog is just not settling and fitting in, you can always consider rehoming it. At least you have kept it safe for a little while until something more suitable can be found. And you can screen if the next owners are suitable for the pup. But I am with lapeteus on this one. If the two don't learn to cohabit, then your responsibility really is to the rabbit and its happiness and safety.

Something I don't think has been mentioned here yet, had you thought about Puppy Preschool or dog obedience classes?

[li.vish]

Hello, everyone. This discussion is getting a little heated. Could we please communicate with a more civil tone. Thanks!

[i-need-a-martini]

The dog is one we are taking on. It is a failed show dog that was returned to the breeder. The breeder can't keep her and has asked if we would like to take her as no one else will take her that she is comfortable enough to leave her with. I am not sure where she would go or what would happen to her if we don't take her.

The rabbit is staying. And the dog is coming. End of story.

I'm not sure why I have to justify myself just because I asked for advice. I assume humans are a bit like dogs - boredom makes them destructive.

Now if anyone else has any experience in introducing dogs to other animals in their families then I'd really appreciate those posts. THAT is the reason for this thread.

[soulart2]

This is cat/dog.

We put a baby gate in the hallway with a big towel over it, had peeking room for both.  Did that for 3/4 days then put a dog toy on the cat side and a cat toy on the dog side, after about a week, took the towel off.  Left the gate for about a month and during that time, locked the dog outside and let the cat roam and smell etc then locked the cat in laundry and let dog smell roam etc.  It was the dogs house to start with and it was only for 6 months but they put up with each other, didn't become friends or anything and we always shut a door between them when not there.

Think as long as you take lots of time and have escape route for bunny it will be okay.

[gleee58]

We had a rabbit, a cat and a dalmation. The rabbit was always the boss but also had a place to escape to under furniture if the dog got too boisterous and the cat had high spots.  😄 😄

They would watch tele together and their food bowls were near to each other.  

The cat was the oldest.  The rabbit was a baby when it moved in and the dog got used to it.  

My friend's chihuaha was terrified of the rabbit. It was the only dog it clashed with.  It chased the rabbit and the rabbit bit back. Silly dog didn't know what it was when it got bitten and kicked.  :D:D

[*lady*godiva*]

I was just reading about rabbits.

OK, I was wondering if they could be house trained or if they just hopped around pooing everywhere.

I found this link about bonding rabbits with other rabbits, but I think some of it might be able to be applied to other pets too.

http://rabbit.org/faq-bonding-multiple-rabbits/

[i-need-a-martini]

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@*lady*godiva* wrote:

I was just reading about rabbits.

OK, I was wondering if they could be house trained or if they just hopped around pooing everywhere.

I found this link about bonding rabbits with other rabbits, but I think some of it might be able to be applied to other pets too.

http://rabbit.org/faq-bonding-multiple-rabbits/

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Thanks for this. There are some good tips there.

Rabbits are like cats - they poo in a kitty litter. Ours didn't have to be trained so it must be instinctive.

On saying that he does pop them out when he gets excited or even when he is relaxed. Luckily they are hard little pellets so can be scooped up and thrown away. Sometimes he goes back and eats them but that's anothet story.

[i-need-a-martini]

Thanks soulart. Thats given me a good idea - I might go buy one of those baby gates. That should keep them separated but still able to see each other.

[gleee58]

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@*lady*godiva* wrote:

I was just reading about rabbits.

OK, I was wondering if they could be house trained or if they just hopped around pooing everywhere.

I found this link about bonding rabbits with other rabbits, but I think some of it might be able to be applied to other pets too.

http://rabbit.org/faq-bonding-multiple-rabbits/

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Our rabbit had a litter tray with newspaper or old nappies lining it. I didn't use kitty litter because it would get scattered he jumped out and it stuck to his fur.