Silly Bunny VS Abused Dog

[Mr. Bun-bun]

Hi everyone,
I need some advice. I just recently (almost a week ago) got a puppy. He is 5 months old. He has been abused to the point that he doesn’t even wag his tail. He has no clue what lovings are. So I took Mr. Bun-bun out to clean his palace. I stayed in the living room to see what would happen. I loved the puppy. His name is Canelo. Then I proceeded to cuddle my bunny. It started. Canelo, who I am positive has never seen a bunny, went crazy. Barking growling the whole 9 yards. So bun went to investigate. He is not at all scared of dogs. He wanted to play. Up until Canelo tried for him. Mr. Bun-bun decided to chase Canelo. Well, the puppy chased him right back and straight into my arms. I had the bun so the dog got into my arms as well. Mr. Bun-bun was not having any of that. Je bit the puppy’s tail. I have never seen a dog jump so high in my life. I had to separate them. Any ideas on how to make this transition a little easier and less stressful for all? Keep in mind that Mr. Bun-bun is bigger than Canelo

[Vienna Blue in France]

Sorry to hear about Canelo’s start in life. It’s early enough in his life for him to be rehabilitated successfully.
A puppy will be easier to ‘control’ than a rabbit in this situation.
You should be in charge of the meeting and should prevent rabbit and dog getting too close to each other.
It’s not obligatory that they become best friends, but that they just ignore each other when the other is around. Anything friendlier will be a bonus.
Unfortunately rabbit now knows he is safer in your arms and pup knows if he chases, bun will run ! There’s nothing more inticing than a chase for a dog !!
If dog is alert, ears forward and in “yumyum” mode just by looking (staring/drooling) at rabbit through the bars, say “no”, until he relaxes or drops eye contact and moves away. If he can’t hear you as he’s so concentrated, touch him slightly on his side in a Cesar Millan way.

Remember, consistant “rules, boundaries and limitations”… if you give him complete freedom to run wild, chase buns and not listen to you it could be dangerous for him and (very) tedious for you.

Keep them safely apart without tension for a while – a week is not long for a puppy to get used to his surroundings. Give Canelo lots of love, but only when you decide. If he is requesting it and whining, then ignore him or he will think he is the deciding boss, which will not only stress him out when he’s not in control but may also make him agressive when he’s not getting it.
My dog was abused and became ‘defensive agressive’ which meant when she felt threatened (by whatever!!) she would bark agressively rather than fleeing or welcoming it. When I “took charge” immediately by saying “it’s OK I’ve got it” then she relaxed completely like “phewie, thank goodness you’re here”.

A 5 month old abused puppy will rely on you to gently teach him right from wrong (like his mum would) and to find his natural instincts.
It’s so important for you now (and before 8 months) to introduce him to everything and anybody you can so he doesn’t create his own phobias.

Another tip to help an abused dog who has his tail between his legs, is when you’re stroking him, gently but firmly, on his back go all the way to the base of his tail, push it up gently (palm upwards under the tail) so the tail is in its ‘normal up’ position….. the dog will feel more confident – a bit like telling someone to stand up straight, shoulders back, chest out !! LOL

Good luck – but don’t force a friendship or it could be ruined for a long long time (not to mention injuries)

One step at a time – Lucky pup to have found you. :o)

[Vienna Blue in France]

And… of course, with every animal (and human being!!) who learns new things – lots of HUGE praise and positive reinforcement !! :o)

[Mr. Bun-bun]

I have been introducing him to everyone and everything. He is the sweetest little pup. Evey dog I have hadhas in some way or another been abused. He got along famously with my chi. However, she is now with my mom who lives alone. This little guy is going to bbe a challenge. He especially does not take well to men or little boys. He will lay down with me and follows me everywhere. He whines alot but only when he can’t see me. Mr. Bun-bun was introduced at a very young age to my chi. She was abused but I had already had her for almost a year. So she was a happy outgoing loving little shrimp. Lol. Mr. Bun-bun is not afraid of cats either. Not so sure that is a good thing. However, being that he is huge, he probably does not feel threatened. Cats generally run from him. I would love for Canelo and Mr. Bun-bun to at least be civil if nothing else. I love him and I love my bun. They both mean the world to me. Thank for the advice. I will be posting updates. I have let Canelo close to the door (closed) to Mr. Bun-buns palace. He has calmed down some today. I am praying for the best.

[Vienna Blue in France]

That sounds great. Yes keep us updated..
It sounds as if he needs lots of quality time with men and little boys to trust them. Mine was the same, but funnily enough the people she kept close to and really trusted were my dad and my brother.
A playground is good or recreation area, you meet all sorts of different ages.
A soccer match !! Lots of blokes!! And when he starts to react you’ll have a treat in your pocket so when you call his name, he looks at you and he gets a treat – yum !!
Good luck !

[Mr. Bun-bun]

Thank you. We have a playground here and the neighborhood kids are always at my house. So he is slowly getting along. My husband is quite taken with Canelo. So that has been a great help as well. I am going to let them see each other again today but through a cage. We will see how that goes.

[Mr. Bun-bun]

I am so happy!!! Mr. Bun-bun and Canelo are the best of friends. I kept them apart for a while then I let them sniff each other. They were playing yesterday abd fell asleep together. It was the best. Canelo no longer cowers. Nor does he run. He always has his tail up and waging. He seems so much happier. He is getting better with being around men. My husband loves him up everyday. He still runs if someone he doesn’t know comes by. But his progress is amazing.

[Author]

Messages