Dogs are capable of forming deep bonds with all sorts of animals. Livestock guarding dogs like Great Pyrenees and Anatolian shepherds are bred to guard helpless livestock and will have a better chance of learning to like a rabbit than a hunting breed like a hound or terrier. That said, all breeds can and have learned to like small prey animals. Dogs have a better chance of success if they start young and if they are mellow by nature. Not all dogs can learn to like a rabbit, so be realistic as you plan your training goals.
Hello, I just recently purchased a 10 week old bunny. My dog Pixie is acting extremely aggressive towards it! Pix will try to bite the bunny's ears and tail and also claw at its cage. Please help! Thank you!
Hello Ashley, I suggest teaching him to avoid the bunny using the protocols used for cats. Check out the videos linked below: Less aggressive dog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojIQmMuOwns More serious case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MLJV5PBh7Y More details on teaching an e-collar avoidance of an animal: Day 1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgNbWCK9lFc Day 2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kpf5Bn-MNko&t=14s Day 3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj3nMvvHhwQ Day 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxrGQ-AZylY Reward calmness, tolerance, and ignoring the bunny - he may not take food when excited though and that's fine, a simply calm praise will do in that case - he may take food later when he learns to be calmer. Keep the bunny hutch somewhere where he cannot get to it while you are not home, or crate him while you are gone. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
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