Nearly half of all pet owners have at least one dog. You could be one of them, so what do you do if you want to throw in and you already have a rabbit? If you want to retain harmony in your home, you should understand how to introduce your two pets appropriately.

You, too, can have your pets coexist in harmony by selecting breeds, exercising obedience, and taking things slowly. Please keep in mind that rabbits are a prey species and are not natural canine mates.

Two essential components are required for educating your dog to get along with your rabbit.

The first need is for your dog to be obedient. It would be best if you were the alpha dog in charge of your dog.

The second objective will be to persuade your dog that the rabbit is a member of the 'family pack.'

Allowing the dog to engage with the rabbit and then attempting to halt or rectify any undesirable behavior as it arises is a typical error. This is incorrect. It is necessary to be proactive and show/teach the dog how to behave around the rabbit.

As a result, their initial meeting must go as smoothly and cautiously as feasible. Continue reading to learn how to make this introduction safe and enjoyable!

Step 1: Begin Introductions by Going Through the Cage

A rabbit hideout is the best place to start with introductions. The dog is allowed to approach the rabbit's cage and sniff around. When separated by a cage, a curious rabbit will usually come nose-to-nose with the dog. Dogs are not allowed to bark at all. He must be stopped if he attempts and should also not be allowed to whine.

The dog must be able to approach the rabbit’s cage without barking, whining, or pawing at the cage or bunny constantly. This process might take many days. It is critical that you observe your dog behaving appropriately toward the bunny, even if he is unaware that you are observing. This is the point at which your dog realizes that you are the one who decides what behavior is appropriate. Do not go any farther until this element is fully ingrained.

Step 2: Unlock the Cage Door

It is time to go on to the following phase once your dog has learned how to act responsibly around the rabbit while the bunny is in the cage.

Sit near the cage on the floor and have your dog lie on his side. That is, his head down on the floor. This is a perfectly subservient stance, which is exactly what we desire. It is also not harmful to your rabbit. During this stage, your dog must remain down and obedient. This teaches your dog that he is not the alpha. However, the goal is to teach the rabbit that the dog is not a threat.

The rabbit can now come out whenever he wants. It should be up to the rabbit whether or not to come out. Do not compel him to go. Bunny may opt to approach the dog as well. This is excellent. It might be only for a short smell, which is perfectly OK. During this stage, the aim is for the bunny to feel at ease around the dog and for the dog to recognize that the rabbit is not a toy.

Good progress is being made as the rabbit feels more comfortable roaming around near the dog. The dog learns to stay submissive when the bunny approaches. You can tell whether your dog is ready to maintain his good conduct. He should nonetheless keep his body in a 'down' position. Make sure to lavish your dog with praise for staying put.

The rabbits are still cautiously approaching the dog. They're all doing well, but they're not quite at the 'comfortable' stage. Step 2 will most likely take the longest. The dog will need to learn to stay in the 'down' position illustrated above. Your dog will be ecstatic to jump up and join the bunny's fun. Don't let him. Now is the time to permanently imprint those "settings." He needs to realize that the bunnies are not puppies. 

Step 3: Getting More at Ease

The dog and rabbit will become more at ease and calm around one other as they become more acclimated. This is NOT the time to let your guard down. As the bunny grows in confidence, your dog may find it difficult to resist the urge to leap up and join in. Continue to praise your dog for remaining down and being good. Inform him that he is behaving correctly. The goal is to create a more relaxed environment with the dog and bunnies.

When the dog and rabbit have learned how to act around each other, it should be apparent to you. The dog will be aware of his allotted boundaries. The rabbit is aware that it has nothing to fear. This is entirely acceptable and a successful outcome.

When They Became Extremely Comfortable with One Other

Your dog and the rabbit can become quite comfortable and close to each other as a result of this sort of interaction. There are also times when the two become even more inseparable. The rabbit groom the dog, and the dog reciprocates with adoring licks. This kind of dog/rabbit connection does not occur often. Consider it a lovely bonus if it happens.

Conclusion

Rabbits are prey animals. Hence, it is understandable that they would be terrified by an extremely happy and boisterous dog. Rabbits have substantial fight or flight survival skills to thrive in the wild. This is what your tamed rabbit will have and turn to when confronted by a large predator such as your new dog.

Try not to put the two animals together too quickly. This may throw both of them off. Bring your dog into the room while the rabbit is in its cage to familiarize them with fresh and strange aromas. When your dog exhibits kind behavior, use words of praise and positivity. Remember that you are the one who is facilitating this introduction. Therefore, both animals should react to the tones you choose, authoritative and kind.

Author: Jackie Brown

Pet expert Jackie Brown has spent 20 years following her passion for animals as a writer and editor in the pet publishing industry. She is contributing writer for National Geographic’s Complete Guide to Pet Health, Behavior, and Happiness: The Veterinarian's Approach to At-Home Animal Care (April 2019) and author of the book It’s Raining Cats and Dogs: Making Sense of Animal Phrases (Lumina Press, 2006). Jackie is a regular contributor to pet and veterinary industry media and is the former editor of numerous pet magazines, including Dog World, Natural Dog, Puppies 101, Kittens 101 and the Popular Cats Series. Prior to starting her career in publishing, Jackie spent eight years working in veterinary hospitals where she assisted veterinarians as they treated dogs, cats, rabbits, pocket pets, reptiles, birds and one memorable lion cub. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons and miniature poodle Jäger. Reach her at jackiebrownwriter.wordpress.com.