Jack Russell’s and bunnies…

[bunnygirl]

As you all probably know, I’ve had Apollo for almost 2 years now. He’s my little fur baby and the family love him. Browsing a rescue site a few nights ago, on the topic of having a dog, we came across a little 18 month J.R, female, by the name of Flo. It says on her page that Flo is currently with a family with young children, and she would be suitable to a home with other pets. The only real issue we have right now is wether or not her and Apollo are going to be able to stand each other’s company. We’d never let her loose with him, because J.Rs are known for being hunting dogs, but is she young enough to train to leave Apollo alone?

and if so – how would we go about that? 

Thanks all – of course, Apollo comes first 

[Roberta]

I seem to remember someone else having a Jack Russell but I can’t remember who it was at the moment.

[Deleted User]

My 3 dog’s all have ‘terrier’ (maltese) in them and they are Henry’s best friends. The only thing I can think to say is my dog’s were all older/mature (8-14yrs) when we got Henry – if that makes a difference? I sorta think it does cause they were past their puppy stage and if anything one of the dog’s took on the mother role (licking him) and growled if the other two got too close. That only lasted about a month, than George got sick of him (Henry) being naughty and she now has nothing to do with him and the other two are the most tolerant of him now. Go figure? I’ve met a few J.R. and they have been lovely – but again all older/more mature than one a couple of years old. I’m just not sure (cause it’s been a while for me) if 18 months is past the puppy stage for a Jack Russell? I’m sure that wouldn’t be to hard to find out, and the Rescue should have a good idea. How exciting bunnygirl, I so hope this works out for you all. Cheers.

[bunnygirl]

Hmm okay. I’m getting a bit excited, it’s the first time my parents have actually gone in the direction of positivity about getting another pet. Especially a J.R. Just doing a bit of research like I always do, so I thought here was the best place to ask; 2/3rds of members have dogs and buns!
Andi how did you go about introducing them, if you can remember?

[Beka27]

If she’s calm, and with supervision, it could work ok. It’s a point in her favor that she’s older. Hopefully she’s past the “hyper puppy” stage…

[KytKattin]

Every dog is just so different, it really is unfair to make assumptions based on breed alone. Keep in mind that “good with pets” tends to mean other dogs and cats, not bunnies or chickens, or any other sort of prey animal. One of my dogs is great with other dogs, cats, and rabbits, but wants to eat any bird she sees and would probably try to go after smaller mammals like mice or rats if she saw them. The one pictured in my signature simply likes to eat rabbit poop.

[KytKattin]

Every dog is just so different, it really is unfair to make assumptions based on breed alone. Keep in mind that “good with pets” tends to mean other dogs and cats, not bunnies or chickens, or any other sort of prey animal. One of my dogs is great with other dogs, cats, and rabbits, but wants to eat any bird she sees and would probably try to go after smaller mammals like mice or rats if she saw them. The one pictured in my signature simply likes to eat rabbit poop.

[LongEaredLions]

I agree that it definitely depends on the personality of the dog. I think that if you can take the time to introduce them, it will work out. Of course never leave them alone together, you never know what will happen.

[Deleted User]

Gosh Kate, I’m sure every BBer will be mortified when I tell you how I introduced Henry and my dog’s, but it worked for me and I knew my dog’s wouldn’t hurt him – I’ve saved a few wild birds in my yard thanks to the dog’s barking and bringing it to my attention and not attacking them.
The same afternoon Henry was brought home and given to me, within the hour the dog’s were going crazy locked outside to be let in and ‘see’! I held Henry close to my body and let one dog in at a time to sniff him (and jump all over me) while I sat on the floor. Once they all settled (it took about 1/2 an hour) I freed my arms and Henry (9 weeks old) climbed off me and let the dog’s sniff him again. Then he walked around and that’s when George decided he was hers to mother and if the other 2 dog’s got within 3 feet of him she growled and chased them off. So I knew Henry had a protector with her. Than about a month later he started spraying us all and that’s when George ‘gave him back’, lol! Henry LOVES our dog’s way way way more than us to the point that he stalks them. Frank was laying next to a wall with a 10cm gap. Henry slid himself between Frank and the wall and laid squashed and happily till Frank finally got up and moved, ha ha ha. I don’t recommend this to anyone (cause I don’t know their dog/s) but when we went out with the heatwaves, we left the 3 dog’s and Henry in the one room with the A/C on for them. And Henry and the 3 dog’s don’t get put away at night – they are all free to sleep with us. But as I said ‘I know and trust’ my 3 dog’s 110%! And I think a lot of that is cause we had the dog’s for at least 8 years before we got Henry. If we got another puppy – no way would I leave it with Henry without supervision, but I’d like to think I could – ONE day? It really does depend on the dog. Not so much the breed, but the dog itself. Just like bunnies – same breed, but they can be so different in personality. But seriously Kate, it is truly wonderful seeing my dog’s and Henry together and I wish you the same experience. Just take care (and patience) and you and your family will not look back if your new dog and Apollo have a simular relationship. I’ve had Henry for a year next month and I still gush every day when he hangs out with the dog’s – he’s one of the gang now. I’ll try and post a picture for you……
Cheers Kate.

[Deleted User]

This is George – the one that mothered him.

[Deleted User]

And this is Henry and Frank (as I mentioned in my post above). !

[bunnygirl]

Okay – thank you everyone for all your help! Hopefully more plans can be put into place for the future of a dog in our household! *crosses fingers*

Grandparents have given me $100 for ‘pocket money.’ Because they live in England, and we moved out to Australia, whenever she takes my cousins out to different places, she puts the same amount of money into a little jar for me. And that $100 is now future dog money!

[Author]

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