Why does my dog chase my rabbit? Smirnoff is extremely tame and does not get scared by much. Chasing behavior can be dangerous (or deadly) for the dog, especially if your dog likes to chase cars. The rabbit is essentially re-digesting his rabbit food in order to absorb the vital vitamins and minerals missed during the first go-around through the digestive tract. You cannot train a dog under these conditions. This movement sends an immediate alarm to a dog's instinct to chase, capture, and devour! “I get a brain boost from chasing rabbits – I need the brain boost – I need to chase rabbits.” Do not take your dog anywhere near rabbits. This is not optional, it is essential. Occasionally we see a wild rabbit or squirrel. If you want to stop your dog chasing rabbits, start by preventing them now. I guess it's his breed and nature. I have a sweet 7 or 8 year old small dog that seems to stalk my new rabbit I got for Christmas - like my rabbit stays out on our porch and my dog just stands by the screen door and if the rabbit comes close to my dog myy dog starts going crazy and yapping at my rabbit. Why do dogs chase their tail? Larger predatory animals like coyotes, cougars or bears can attack if chased or confronted by a dog. Today he managed to chase down a rabbit and kill it. Every time your dog chases a rabbit they stay in an addictive feedback loop. In areas where you cannot be certain there are no distractions of this nature, have your young dog wear a training lead so that you can prevent him amusing himself without you if the unexpected occurs. Gradually play this chasing game closer to the rabbits, but don't expect too much too soon. Dog seemed way too slow and rabbits ran into bushes making it impossible for my dog to follow them. Domestic dogs diverged from grey wolves between 13,000 and 17,000 years ago. Movement automatically stimulates their innate prey drive, which explains why lower-on-the-food-chain animals such as rodents and rabbits often freeze in place as a survival strategy. Dr. Steve Weinberg, DVM, is the founder of 911 Vets , an in-home pet medical service in California that provides … Prey animals like rabbits and squirrels will usually run away from your dog, but others will try to defend themselves by various means — like a skunk with his spray or a porcupine with his quills. When you’re out walking with your dog and they spy a rabbit on the run, their natural impulse will compel them to chase. Why does my dog drop to the ground when he sees another dog on a walk? “I get a brain boost from chasing rabbits – I need the brain boost – I need to chase rabbits.” Do not take your dog anywhere near rabbits. A specialist may be able to help identify issues, breed habits, or something else that is causing your dog to constantly chase. He has chased rabbits numerous times, and I did not mind that. My dog is not trained to hunt or chase. So, most dogs still have predatory instincts and view small animals as prey.. Change your walk, take them swimming instead, at the very least keep them on a lead, but find a way to stop the continued addiction now. Due to preventing other chasing, your dog’s chase drive will be high and focussed on the new game. 4. The dog and rabbit play a lot, chasing each other around, and if the dog stops, the rabbit starts running round him in circles, if he gets ignored he (Smirnoff the rabbit) runs between ozzy's legs, and keeps crazily circling until he gets attention and chase again. Rabbits keep their fur and paws clean by licking themselves frequently throughout the day, much like cats. Dogs are aware that tennis balls are not rabbits but will still take pleasure in practicing their hunting skills and letting their natural instincts take over. Train your dog to retrieve while you keep practising until your dog is desperate for the game. Keep away from high risk areas where there are lots of other dogs around or rabbits to chase. Grooming. If your dog continues to chase even after training, you may want to speak with a canine behavioral specialist. What should you do if you discover “my dog ate a rabbit”?