How do I get my dog to ignore a rabbit?
All eyes on you. Keeping the same distance from the rabbit, step to a new spot, and again get the dog’s attention. Reward him and then step away from the rabbit and give the dog lots of praise. The aim is to break the link between rabbits and chasing, and instead focus on you.
Why is my dog obsessed with rabbits?
Your dogs’ strong prey drive most often motivates dog chasing. Whether your dog is chasing a rabbit, a jogger, a car, or a tennis ball, it’s usually because the object has triggered your dog’s high prey drive.
How do I get my dog used to a rabbit?
Introduce Them Slowly: Do not introduce the dog and rabbit hastily. The rabbit will have been placed in its cage in the neutral space ahead of time. Bring the dog into the space slowly and allow the dog to investigate the rabbit in its crate – visually and through smell.
Why does my dog whine at my rabbit?
The dog may greet the rabbit with a friendly lick or just look on cautiously if the dog is on the skittish side. Some body language to be wary of like whining or growling can signal either aggression or affection; however, both may be a danger to the rabbit, depending on the dog’s size.
How do I get my dog to leave my rabbit alone?
When making the initial introduction, leave the rabbit in its cage where it feels safe. Bring the dog to the rabbit’s hutch after he has eaten and has exercised, as this should be when he is at his calmest. Praise the dog and reward it with treats for remaining calm and not scaring the rabbit.
How do I desensitize my dog to my rabbit?
Introduce in cage
Put your rabbit in his cage in the middle of the floor and keep your dog on a leash so you have control of your dog. Slowly approach the cage and allow your dog to investigate. A bunny will usually feel safer in his cage, and if the rabbit is well socialized will probably not show fear of your dog.
How do I train my dog to leave the rabbit alone?
Keeping the same distance from the rabbit, step to a new spot, and again get the dog’s attention. Reward him and then step away from the rabbit and give the dog lots of praise. The aim is to break the link between rabbits and chasing, and instead focus on you.
How do I keep my dog away from my pet rabbit?
Another option is to use a nonskid mat at the base of the fence to prevent rabbits from digging underneath. Other potential methods for keeping rabbits away from dogs include using motion-activated sprinklers orlights, as well as plantings that deter rabbits such as lavender, rosemary, or garlic.
Will my dog get used to my rabbit?
You can start training your young dog to get along with your rabbit, but a puppy may have limited self-control. Although he may not be intentionally aggressive towards your rabbit, roughhousing and chewing can be difficult to control for a puppy and can injure your rabbit, so use caution with young dogs.
Train your dog to leave ‘alone’
- Offer your dog a tasty treat and encourage them to ‘take it’ in an upbeat, friendly voice.
- Hold a treat in your hand with your fist closed around it.
- Wait patiently and don’t say anything.
- Repeat these three steps until they consistently make the choice to move away from the treat.
Why does my dog go crazy for rabbits?
While it’s uncommon for dogs to eat bunnies, doing so is part of the natural life cycle. Dogs also love to chase rabbits for fun as it enables them to release pent up energy. To prevent this, you’ll need to train your dog as a puppy to ignore bunnies or distract them by using treats and commands.
Is it OK to let your dog chase rabbits?
Giving chase is utterly thrilling for a dog, indeed chasing is its own reward. In the short term, deny the dog this satisfaction by keeping them on a leash around rabbits, and in the long term teach a rock solid ‘sit’. This enables you to stop the dog in his tracks at any time, should he spot a rabbit.
Why does my dog love my rabbit?
Dogs are instinctively pack animals and they identify familiar members of their pack through scent. Depending on when the rabbit and dog are introduced, scent and instinct can bond the two for life. In contrast, the instinct for certain breeds to hunt small animals like rabbits cannot be ignore.
How can I tame my dog’s prey drive?
- 1) Become aware of your dog’s prey drive.
- 2) Redirect your dog’s attention away from the prey.
- 3) Use positive reinforcement.
- 4) Be sure not to encourage the prey drive.
- 5) Train your dog’s recall.
- 6) Encourage off-leash walking and other healthy activities.
Can you train the prey instinct out of a dog?
Practice, Practice, Practice. Dog training exercises can go a long way toward taming a dog’s high prey drive. Reducing distractions is key to getting them to learn and demonstrate commands. Without distractions they’ll be able to hold the command for longer periods of time, increasing their future recall.