What steps should I take to ensure my rabbit and new chihuahua puppy get along?

September 15, 2008 10:57 PM

What steps should I take to ensure my rabbit and new chihuahua puppy get along?

I just got a new chihuahua a few weeks back but have not begun introductions to the rabbit yet. Can anyone walk me through the best way to do it?

The dog is currently very quiet, but playful. I don't want to dog to bully the rabbit or hurt it. At best I would like them to play together, at worst, I would like them to leave each other alone.

Help!

posted by friedbeef to Pets & Animals (4 answers total)

This article was written for cat-to-cat introductions, but the general principles apply.

I think a reasonable goal is for the rabbit not to be terrified of the dog, and for the dog to have healthy respect for the rabbit. Try to make small steps of progress without overwhelming either of them.

1. Use the towel technique to get the rabbit accustomed to the chihuahua's scent.
2. Let them "meet" each other a few times from either side of a door.
3. Supervise meetings that get closer and closer, until they are nose to nose.

Be patient. It's better to take a few weeks for a proper introduction now than to try and desensitize them after they've freaked out.

Even if they seem fine under your supervision, I'd still keep them separated when you're away from home.
posted by ebellicosa at 11:34 PM on September 15, 2008

It really depends on the temperament of your bunny and dog. Our littlest bun whacked Mrs Enormous' big german shepherd/retriever mix across the face and the dog was terrified of her from then on.

Rabbit.org has some good information, too. It might take much longer than you think; bunnies can be stubborn that way.
posted by Dr.Enormous at 5:15 AM on September 16, 2008

Seconding caution. We've had a rabbit with multiple pets before, and seriously, the rabbit could kill the puppy. I'm remember talking to someone who had their (larger) dog torn open by their rabbit.
posted by dragonsi55 at 6:12 AM on September 16, 2008

You might not know until you introduce them, but some rabbits just have a natural hatred/fear of dogs. Our dwarf was very territorial and used to bite our friends that had dogs because he could smell the scent on them. Our lop could care less, however. The link above from rabbit.org has very good advice and is clearly written by someone that understands both animals.
posted by fiercekitten at 8:54 AM on September 16, 2008