How to get dogs use to my rabbit.

[chickenmama109]

Hi, I have a one year old outdoor rabbit and I really want to bring her in to be a indoor rabbit. I was wondering how to get three dogs to like her because they all bark when they see her, we have a German shepherd a lab and a chihuahua. I was wondering what the steps were to get them to be with each other. ThankView attachment 1687901 View attachment 1687907 View attachment 1687910 View attachment 1687912

 

[Shadowfire]

When introducing such a dramatic cross-species relationship, the bets thing to do is to introduce them early, when the dogs are pups. but it looks like you won't be able to do that in this situation. Adult dogs, no matter how nice they might seem, may hurt her. The rabbit would be best to stay in a different room while the dogs are about. Best of luck!

if you still want to have supervised outings with them, you can place the rabbit in its' hutch (make sure she can hide if she wants to) and hold the dogs from a distance to get used to her. Continue that for a week or more, and then let them get closer. Hopefully the dogs will be more warmed up and will bark less; have them closer and closer until they can sniff the cage. if the rabbit gets scared or agitated (hides or stamps foot) back off and try again.

 

[cassie]

Bear in mind that both rabbits and chickens bring out the prey drive in dogs.