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?

[joz*garage]

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@i-need-a-martini 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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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.

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i don't get what your concern is

just put them together & see how she goes. i'm sure a pup of just 9 months old will just want to play

& will get used to the rabbit - become good pals

[jimmy*part4]

Maybe the OP lives in a country type setting, but in a suburban setting keeping them trapped outside OR inside is cruel. Todays dogs aren't naturally inside or outside dogs, because they are bred, they are not natural anything. Keeping a living anything isolated is cruel.

I've seen worse, usually rich people who keep them in cages. Why bother? I always think how I'd like to set them free, lol.

Maybe the OP could get 2 hounds? I once had a neighbour with a Basset hound and boy are they loud. I'm so glad I moved!

I'd introduce the rabbit to the hound while it's a puppy and let them play together. As a puppy it wouldn't be able to catch the rabbit (I know from watching Bugs bunny!). No doubt if they don't have constant contact with each other the hound will watch the rabbit through a window or door and drool...dreaming of the day it can get it!

[imastawka]

 Martini, I'm sorry.  It's just too funny.

I think it's too late at night.   You'll probably get some serious

answers tomorrow.

[harley_babes_hoard]

not had any experience with rabbits and dogs but I did introduce my crazy bluey to my cat. The dog wanted to kill the cat at first but lots of obedience and teaching the dog the words "leave it" made a big difference for me. now 18 months later when the dog does come inside for a little while as a treat the cat chases the dog. The dog gets a bit boisterous and sits on the cat so I say "leave it" and she knows to back off and leave the cat alone. This command is great for getting them to leave anything like other dogs, dangerous things too like cane toads, snakes etc. and of course playing with the ball to have them drop it.

[jimmy*part4]

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@imastawka wrote:

 Martini, I'm sorry.  It's just too funny.

I think it's too late at night.   You'll probably get some serious

answers tomorrow.

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Hello Stawka. 🙂

What do you mean? I was serious.

Although....it is yesterday here, lol.

[i-need-a-martini]

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@joz*garage wrote:

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@i-need-a-martini 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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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.

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i don't get what your concern is

just put them together & see how she goes. i'm sure a pup of just 9 months old will just want to play

& will get used to the rabbit - become good pals

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I don't think I can do that joz. It wouldn't be fair on the rabbit.

The rabbit is a curious but easily scared pet. And the bassett will chase it and bark/howl. The last thing I want is the rabbit being constantly terrified.

We need to introduce them slowly so they get used to each other.

[i-need-a-martini]

Thanks Harley.

Not sure how well trained she is yet (and Bassetts are seriously hard to train at all) but she was meant to be a show dog so I am hoping she is used to the basic commands..

So I will add "leave it" to my reportoire of commands.

[iapetus_rocks]

I obey. 😉

[harley_babes_hoard]

search on youtube lots of really good vids, search dog obedience leave it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asVQYYSWPJc
I used this one

[imastawka]

 Oh Hi Jimmy.    You posted while I was typing. 

                      But it is a funny thread.

And it isn't tomorrow here, nor yesterday there. It's 11.45pm Sunday here,

And a good morning Sunday for you 8.45am

Have a nice Sunday, Jimmy.