john gowland

My son has had a rabbit for three and a half years. I let him in the garden
during the day while I am at work, the dog is there to ward off cats and
large birds. However the rabbit has started biting the dog. This dog by the
way is a Staffy Bull Terrier, not a breed to be messed with you may think
but he is a real soft touch.
Now the dog is scared to be in the garden with the dog, the rabbit bites his
legs.

The rabbit is a dwarf male.
http://members.iinet.net.au/~jgowland/family/Gromit.htm

Hope someone has some suggestions.

John

arlette & cocoa

How long have you been letting the rabbit in the yard...recently, or for the
three years? Has the dog always gone in the yard with the rabbit?

If you've only had the rabbit out this year, he may have decided that this
is his territory and is displaying his dominance. Is the rabbit neutered?
Hormones could also make him more territorial. He may also be biting as a
part of the 'mating' routine.

Having a rabbit out unsupervised is courting danger to begin with...birds of
prey, cats, other humans could all be dangerous to your bunny (with or
without your dog being there).

Has your rabbit been acting normally indoors? Eating, pooping, drinking?
Does he bother the dog when they are both inside?

Neutering does help to calm the territory/mating issues, and also make your
rabbit more house friendly: reduces destructiveness somewhat. Just make sure
you have a rabbit savvy vet. Check my link below to find one in your area.

Pain can also cause a rabbit to become more aggressive. Since rabbits are
prey animals, they tend to hide illnesses and injury - though I have seen
them become grumpy. Check him over thoroughly and take him to the vet if he
has had a recent change in eating/pooping habits or just for a check up.

--
God Bless,
Arlette, Cocoa & Brownie in spirit
Need a vet? Click here
http://charm.air.on.ca/raytec/RabbitVetsMain.htm
There is no blessing from God so sweet as having
two chocolate coloured bunnies melting in your lap
in the warm morning sun.

cypherpunk

Oh, gawd, my mother would make a comment about the
unsanitariness of the first photo. I never had a
pet as a kid.

And it's a good thing Gromit is a gentle giant.

arlette & cocoa

I just looked at the photo...Gromit is adorable!

So, you are in AU? Hmm, did you know your bunny needs myximatosis shots as
well?

--
God Bless,
Arlette, Cocoa & Brownie in spirit
Need a vet? Click here
http://charm.air.on.ca/raytec/RabbitVetsMain.htm
There is no blessing from God so sweet as having
two chocolate coloured bunnies melting in your lap
in the warm morning sun.