How to Get My Rabbit Familiar With My Puppy

Dogs and rabbits are not natural friends. In the wild, dogs and wolves hunt rabbits and other prey animals. The mere sight of a rabbit can activate a dog's prey drive, making it difficult for the dog to listen to basic commands or to stop chasing prey. Puppies, however, experience critical sensitive periods of socialization between 4 and 20 weeks, according to the textbook "Canine Behavior," by Bonnie Beaver. Puppies introduced to rabbits during this period are less likely to chase and harm rabbits. Similarly, a rabbit who is used to being around dogs is less likely to act frightened, activating the dog's prey drive. Even if your dog is always gentle with your rabbit, never leave the animals alone together.

Things You'll Need

  • Small rabbit crate or cage
  • Dog crate
  • Dog training clicker
  • Dog treats
  • Rabbit treats
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Teach your pets to accept one another's smells. Place a washcloth or piece of bedding from the rabbit's cage in your puppy's crate, and place something your puppy frequently plays with in the rabbit cage. This helps the animals grow accustomed to one another's smells, which can reduce fear, aggression and anxiety when they see each other.

    • 2

      Place your rabbit in a small, portable cage with a secure lid and door and put your puppy in a crate. Then place the doors of the two enclosures about 3 inches away from one another. This allows your puppy and rabbit to smell and see one another. The distance, however, ensures that the puppy cannot harm the rabbit. Click the training clicker and give each animal a treat every minute or two and allow them to sniff one another for five minutes or more. If either animal shows any signs of fear or aggression, separate them immediately and try again the next day. Repeat this exercise two to three times a day for at least two weeks.

    • 3

      Place the rabbit in its cage and allow the puppy to approach. Hold your puppy to ensure that it can't bite or hit the rabbit. Click the training clicker and give it a treat. Increase the duration of this exercise over several weeks. With plenty of practice, your puppy should be able to be calm around the rabbit and the rabbit will stop exhibiting fear.