Can dogs be friends with rodents and rabbits?

Dogs, rodents, rabbits can live under one roof and feel comfortable. On the Internet, you can find many stories describing the friendship of a dog with a decorative rat or degu. But such a scenario is not common, and besides, “friendship” can be exaggerated.

A dog by nature is a predator. Even the most affectionate and harmless Chihuahua is a descendant of predatory animals, and she will not go anywhere from her true nature.

What about rabbits, chinchillas, rats and other rodents? In nature, their fate is to be prey. Naturally, in a home environment, roles change. But there is no guarantee that while playing with a rabbit, the dog will not remember his true purpose and will not reincarnate as a hunter. Is it worth the risk? Even a small dog can cause considerable injury to a rodent or rabbit.

Forums are full of unpleasant stories about how a peaceful and completely non-violent dog attacked a rabbit, hamster or rat. Fright is the minimum that awaits the poor fellow in this case. Not to mention that the barking and noise made by the dog will be a frightening moment for the little animal. It is not a fact that over time the baby will get used to them.

Barking dogs can cause severe stress and health problems for some panties. To avoid accidents, it is better not to put a “loud” dog under the same roof as a rodent or a rabbit.

Many owners are wondering how to make friends with a dog with a rat, hamster or rabbit if they already live together? Ideally, if the dog and small pet ignore and are not interested in each other. For example, a dog may not even look after an eared ear when it sweeps right in front of its very nose. However, even in this case, in no case should the dog and its potential prey be left alone without supervision.

It happens that a dog shows genuine interest in another pet living in a cage or aviary. Yes, and the baby does not mind getting to know the wet-nosed neighbor better. Then you can let the pets chat, but only under close supervision. It is important to carefully monitor the reaction of the dog, because. it is she who can harm the rabbit or rodent. It is better not to let the dog get too close to the animal. Let them communicate if the second pet is in your arms, in a cage or in a carrier. This is especially true for very small animals: rats, hamsters, chinchillas. Adult rabbits can be lowered to the floor in front of the dog, but you will have to control every movement of both pets and be ready to protect the eared at any time.

Consider the peculiarities of the cohabitation of a dog with a rabbit or a rodent, so as not to bring the situation to trouble:

• Do not allow the dog and rabbit to play too active games. Any, even a tiny dog, is physically stronger than a rabbit, which has a very fragile skeleton. One bad jump or somersault is enough to damage a rabbit’s paw.

• A cage with a rodent or a rabbit must be installed higher, but always on a stable base. This will help the baby avoid excessive dog attention. The cage must be securely closed so that neither pets nor small children can open it.

• Never leave a dog and a rabbit or rodent alone, even if they are friends. No matter how much you trust the dog, it can play and injure the animal.

• Teach your dog not to bark for nothing. This is important for every dog ​​living in an apartment building. But if you also keep a rabbit, a rat, a chinchilla and another small animal, then the barking and loud barking will be a huge stress for the baby.

• It is desirable that the dog got acquainted with the second pet as a puppy. Then the dog with a high degree of probability will perceive the rabbit or rodent as a member of his family, and not a target to run after.

If at all costs you want to make friends with a dog with a rodent or a rabbit, a zoopsychologist will help you! A good specialist will tell you how to act and how to delimit the space for all pets, and practically does not leave them a chance not to establish contact.

When reading stories about friendship or enmity between dogs and small animals, do not forget that you will have your own script. Nothing can be predicted here. Do not write off nature, take into account the individual characteristics of pets and be friends with zoopsychologists. May there always be peace under your roof!