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]

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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

So, not only are you socially isolating your basset from his "pack", you expect it to get along well with an animal which it has been bred, over very many generations, to hunt and kill? And one which it already resents for its "inside privilege?".

Good luck with that.

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Yes I know the history and the temperment of bassetts. I have owned them all my life.

And yes they are scent animals. But they were never bred to hunt to kill. 

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

[iapetus_rocks]

Well, back to my original suggestion. eh?

[i-need-a-martini]

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@iapetus_rocks wrote:

So, why buy a basset if you're not prepared to live outside with her?

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Why on earth would I keep her locked in the house? What nonsense.

I am sure If I told you I lived in an apartment, you would be going off right now about the cruelty of bringing up pets in an apartment with no backyard lol.

[iapetus_rocks]

Yes, I would.

[dwilke33]

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.

[imastawka]

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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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That's a yep from me too.

[i-need-a-martini]

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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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As I said, hounds aren't killers. they are trailers. They are bred to lead a hunter on a scent then bark like hell at the end of the scent.

I am not worried about the bassett killing the rabbit. That is not their instinct.

[iapetus_rocks]

Unless it's the rabbit from . . . .https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgj3nZWtOfA

[i-need-a-martini]

Anyway.

If ANYONE can give me advice specifically on what strategies they put in place to introduce their new dogs to their rabbits (or even their cats), it would be much appreciated.

[iapetus_rocks]

Ok, I'll be serious now.

Take your puppy and place her at one end of the room garden, then take your rabbit and place at the opposite end of the room garden

then take your puppy's food bowl and place said rabbit in said bowl, then retire to a safe distance.