RSPCA Suffolk East
Warren Scout
Whoops, wrong place, sorry.
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Dogs & Rabbits - can they live together?
- Thread starter Tasmin's MOB
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Sorry about the above mispost- I forgot to sign out.
Thanks for explaining
I saw your reply to Gray which shows you clearly knew how they were before taking on a dog which makes sense to me.
That was highly unlikely seeing as they had always been fine with Jess.
Frenchie's are generally very laid back buns and mine have been no different. They couldn't care less if there's a child, cat, dog or even a cow in the same area as them (ok, I made up the cow part....they've never met one!
If for some reason the rabbits hadn't coped with Mia (our first dog) then we'd have had to return her. Last one in, first one out, and all that....! Same if it had been a cat, monkey or snake that had caused the problems.
Thanks for explaining
I saw your reply to Gray which shows you clearly knew how they were before taking on a dog which makes sense to me.
RubyTed
Wise Old Thumper
Sorry about the above mispost- I forgot to sign out.
Thanks for explaining
No worries.
Without a (freakishly well behaved) dog to test them out on, I'd have no way of knowing for sure before getting a dog. I fully understand that some are terrified...somethign I've been made more aware of every time I go to Parsnipbun's, as some of the buns act completely different to how they used to act with me. (I even change my clothes before leaving the house, after bidding farewell to the pup, when planning a visit to her, but as Howard travels in the car I must pick up some smell from there, and I don't have any non-doggy shoes unless I want to go in 5 inch heels :lol:.)
nursecroft
Wise Old Thumper
if your rabbit is in the correct fox proof accommodation then this should be an issue. I'll get a dog when I can
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littleboots
Mama Doe
Yes I agree..... some very small minded people over reacting :wave:
What points do you believe are trivial?
Jenova
Wise Old Thumper
I think they mean people saying you should not get a dog if you have rabbits first. This is trivial to some people because the thought would never cross their mind as they believe it can be done in the right situation and with the right planning.
William
Wise Old Thumper
Worrying about something that is likely to never happen with the right precautions. I think it's worth mentioning that you need to be careful, but not that you shouldn't own both. I mean, I've had dogs and rabbits at the same time for over 7 years and nothing has happened because I don't let them interact, and the rare time that I have let them I'm supervising very carefully.
I understand, thanks for clarifying
I wouldn't use the word trivial though, but I now know what point you're making Glad to know you can see the future and know what it is worth worry about and not. Personally I find any unnecessary risk to my rabbits complete unacceptable. I guess it's a flaw in human nature that makes some people think they know everything, it shouldn't surprise me anymore.
RubyTed
Wise Old Thumper
I couldn't agree more!! :lol:
William
Wise Old Thumper
:lol::lol:
littleboots
Mama Doe
I find your posts both insulting and rude!
You dont want any other animals..... thats fine.... each to their own....but dont preach to others that have, and manage them all sucessfully and love every single one of them!
Couldnt agree more and he still hasnt answered the question if he has ever had a dog.Guess not as he doesnt have a clue about the beautiful souls
Lspacehopper
Wise Old Thumper
parsnipbun
Wise Old Thumper
My parents have always had dogs - and been involved in dog rescue and dog training so knew how to handle and deal with dogs. . The first dog we had was lovely and lived happily with the free range guinea pig, next dog also fine - got on really well with the kitten we had - next dog - tore the neighbours cat to pieces one day when it came into the garden. Totally unexpected. We'd had it months with no problems. One dead cat and distraught neighbour
My original rabbit Sweet Pea was given to rescue as the owners got a dog - and the bun was terrified - so they got rid of the rabbit. Sweet Pea would freeze if he heard dogs barking even years later. One of my others (Nutmeg) came from Preloved as the owners had got a puppy so put bun on Preloved . . . dog was apparently busy chasing the terrified bun round the garden when I rang her to try and arrange collection. When I arrived to collect him I saw the dogs running round madly (staffies - but could have been any dogs), and I also saw the shredded hutch and run, - fortunately the rabbit was by then allowed to cower in the kitchen out of the dogs way.
Personally I would never get a dog now I have rabbits as I know some of them would be afraid and it would not be fair on them. They were here first. And for every 'my dog loves rabbits' on here there is another 'we got a dog now we have to rehome our rabbits as they cant free range any more and its not fair on them . . . ' . . .
Other people can do what they want . . I stick by my rabbits.
My original rabbit Sweet Pea was given to rescue as the owners got a dog - and the bun was terrified - so they got rid of the rabbit. Sweet Pea would freeze if he heard dogs barking even years later. One of my others (Nutmeg) came from Preloved as the owners had got a puppy so put bun on Preloved . . . dog was apparently busy chasing the terrified bun round the garden when I rang her to try and arrange collection. When I arrived to collect him I saw the dogs running round madly (staffies - but could have been any dogs), and I also saw the shredded hutch and run, - fortunately the rabbit was by then allowed to cower in the kitchen out of the dogs way.
Personally I would never get a dog now I have rabbits as I know some of them would be afraid and it would not be fair on them. They were here first. And for every 'my dog loves rabbits' on here there is another 'we got a dog now we have to rehome our rabbits as they cant free range any more and its not fair on them . . . ' . . .
Other people can do what they want . . I stick by my rabbits.
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Leanne
Wise Old Thumper
I guess maybe we shouldn't have children if we already have rabbits too? and cats?
After all, kids and cats are also moderate risks to rabbits.
Personally, I will continue to have a child, dog, cats, rabbits and a guinea pig living in my house. We have a lovely family and I have had 3 dogs who have all been 100% with the smaller furries.
I had a GSD x retriever, then a border collie and now a boxer/staffie/terrier mix.
My rabbits love my dog and tear over to greet him when they are in the garden. Phelix sits at the back door with him in the morning waiting to go out with him.
It's just common sense, either adopt a dog with known history of them living with small animals in harmony or choose a breed/crossbreed that is known for looking after other animals in the family. Generally I would steer clear of most hounds and some terriers but this doesn't mean they won't be good with the other animals, just more work on your part in many cases to socialise them together successfully.
:wave:
After all, kids and cats are also moderate risks to rabbits.
Personally, I will continue to have a child, dog, cats, rabbits and a guinea pig living in my house. We have a lovely family and I have had 3 dogs who have all been 100% with the smaller furries.
I had a GSD x retriever, then a border collie and now a boxer/staffie/terrier mix.
My rabbits love my dog and tear over to greet him when they are in the garden. Phelix sits at the back door with him in the morning waiting to go out with him.
It's just common sense, either adopt a dog with known history of them living with small animals in harmony or choose a breed/crossbreed that is known for looking after other animals in the family. Generally I would steer clear of most hounds and some terriers but this doesn't mean they won't be good with the other animals, just more work on your part in many cases to socialise them together successfully.
:wave:
Couldnt agree more and he still hasnt answered the question if he has ever had a dog.Guess not as he doesnt have a clue about the beautiful souls
Of course I don't have dogs, I have rabbits and put their welfare ahead of all else, especially my own wants and fads.
It's entirely irrelevant too. If you have dogs you are more likely to be prejudiced in favour of them when it comes to issues like this. And if you keep dogs and rabbits there is no way you can be objective about it since you have already made your decision and are bound to stick to it whether it's right or wrong.
I like dogs, I think they are great and if you have no rabbits it's a perfectly valid choice.
I've never seen a baby who can kill a rabbit with one bite of their jaw. I would never leave an animal with a young child or put them in a position where they could poke them in the eye or pull their tail. If you were to allow them to stroke an animal you would guide their hand for them so you know what they are going to do. There is no risk at all that way.
happysaz133
Wise Old Thumper
If that were the case, the rabbits would be rehomed. They are outside and away from the dogs anyway, but even if that didn't work, then I would rehome the bunnies.
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