Hey all,
I have had pet rabbits but not in years. My question right now is this, I don't have a rabbit right now, but I do have a border collie dog (2yr old). He is a gentle sole which LOVES company and cries all the time he is left alone. I have been unemployed for the last two years and so he has me 99% of the time. However, I am hopefully returning to work in the next 6mnths which is great, but, I can't stand the thoughts of leaving him alone all day every day. I know he would be miserable and I don't believe one should have a pet if they are to be left alone. I do not live alone and another dog is not permitted. I would however be able to get a rabbit.....my dog just loves befriending other animals, especially smaller than he. So I know the rabbit would be safe with him, but would a rabbit enjoy my dogs company?? Is it possible they could be buddies?? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

It wouldnt be wise to leave them loose in a room together when you wernt there, its too much of a risk to the bunny, even through an accident, like the dog wants to play and bounds or something like that. If the bunny was to have an enclosure(like a 4ft dog crate and pen) that you could put it in when they were left alone and they could see each other then I would say thats ok.

The main problem that I can see is that bunnys are very sociable animals with their own kind, and even with a dog for company, nothing compares to them having a bunny friend. If you were to consider having a bunny then really you need to consider having 2.

If you got a larger rescue who was used to dogs and other animals then there is no reason they shouldnt get on Alot of training would need to go into the dog to teach him to be calm around the rabbit, even a play bow could cause harm as they are so small, he will want to play as a dog plays and sometimes that can be quite rough!
The bigger breeds of rabbit would obviously be better than the dwarfs if they are to share time with a dog the size of a collie

*Heidi*

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I echo everything that Heidi said.
Have you thought about a doggy crèche? A few years ago when I had my rescue staffy who suffered separation anxiety to the point of self mutilation if left for longer than 2 mins if ever I needed to go somewhere that she wasn't able to come with I would pop her to the doggy crèche so she still had company

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Thankyou Bernie and Heidi, perhaps I will get two larger rabbits and see how it goes. I have about 4 months to allow them all to get used to each other. I do know the dog will be fine towards them, it's actually whether or not they will take to him is my worry. He has befriended all the small pets belonging to neighbours to include kittens and pups and loves to 'daddy' them. I will post back if I get any further along with gaining new family members Thanks again!

P.S. And I would love to consider a creche Bernie but it's just not an option I'm afraid. It would be perfect.