I have 2 rabbits (half lion head, half lop ear) and i really want to get a dog too, although my mum thinks it won't work out very well.. I'm thinking about getting a Maltese Dog as they are very good natured...but im not sure if they'll be good natured enough!! Would they get on? if you have any experience or suggestions please let me know! thanks.
2007-06-14 07:21:16 · 32 answers · asked by Daisy 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Possibly go to a rescue. They may allow you to temporarily foster your chosen dog to see if it gets on with the bunnies before you take on a permanent commitment. They will be able to advise you on their adoptive dogs personality's better than a shop because they know the background history of the animal, the conditions it came from and the condition type of household it needs. Shops just want profit so you may end up getting a problem. At least with a rescue, if it doesn't work out, you can rehome it or as I said before, temporarily foster to ensure you all are happy and secure with your decision. I wish you and you new dog, and bunnies well.
2007-06-14 07:38:38 · answer #1 · answered by india 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Daisy, I have a lion-head cross lop and a staffordshire bull terrier. But I had my dog first and she was five when i rescued my rabbit. At five she is mature and a lot more relaxed and of sensitive nature, and i know her character. I introduced them slowly for short spaces of time. I'm careful not to make to much fuss of my rabbit so not to make my dog jealous and I never leave them alone together. But with a lot of time and patience they are good friends. My dog now eats carrots. and the rabbit follows her around. So it can work.
2007-06-14 07:53:52 · answer #2 · answered by Lozenge 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have your rabbits in a cage then the dogs won't bother them. If you have your rabbits out while your dog is around them, it would be a little risky. It really depends on the type of dog you have and how obedient it is. If you have a hunting dog, it will more than likely take a lot more interest in your rabbits if you have them out. Just keep the rabbits in a cage and if you get them out, make sure your dog is not around them just to be safe. But it should be ok. I have a lab and she doesn't bother my rabbit at all.
2007-06-14 07:26:56 · answer #3 · answered by <TiGerEyes> 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this will depend on the rabbits and the dog that you choose. There is no way of telling if a personality of two animals are going to clash without trying. the younger the dog is the more likely you will be able to train them to love each other. I once knew a rabbit that would attack. (and I'm not talking about that funny skittles rabbit either)
2007-06-14 07:26:50 · answer #4 · answered by sisy j 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can get on and it's better to have the rabbits first then the dog because if it was the dog first and rabbits arrived, the dog would think it was having it's territory taken over and it may get aggressive. The new dog if good-natured should just accept the rabbits.
2007-06-14 07:24:49 · answer #5 · answered by negative_creep 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is possible. You will need to train your dog VERY well. I have a cat and my boyfriend had a pit bull. We were concerned. However after getting them accustomed to one another and training the dog not to rush up on the cat they have learned to tolerate one another. BTW the cat is declawed so other than biting has no other defense much like a helpless bunny.
Be careful and seperate them ALWAYS. If you are not there the dog could hurt them while you ere out.
It will take A LOT of work but it is possible.
Best to you on that!
2007-06-14 07:26:35 · answer #6 · answered by synapticeclipse 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Best thing to do is dont let rabbits out if the dog is or the other way around. It depends how the dog is trained.
2007-06-14 07:33:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually dogs chase after rabbits and it would be a bad mix, but maybe if you get a real little puppy and raise him with the rabbits he will accept them. You might want to phone a vet about this.
2007-06-14 07:27:58 · answer #8 · answered by jxt299 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ive got a rotweiller and he is fine with the rabbits i got although he grew up with them i used to stick him in the run with the rabbits and they didn't blink an eyelid and now hes 2 i get my rabbit out and he just licks them to death (not litrally) but i don't let him down with the dog for obvious reason of my rabbit getting squished or my dog getting bit by the rabbit lol
2007-06-15 12:12:37 · answer #9 · answered by sassy g 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They can get on peaceably together, but never ever leave them alone together. No matter how well behaved the dog may be, they still have predator instict, and rabbits are a prey species. You never know when the dog's instict might kick in. It doesn't make the dog bad, they have this instinct in their genes.
2007-06-14 07:26:40 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋