You cannot train a dog under these conditions. 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. Dog seemed way too slow and rabbits ran into bushes making it impossible for my dog to follow them. 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. When you’re out walking with your dog and they spy a rabbit on the run, their natural impulse will compel them to chase. 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. Dr. Steve Weinberg, DVM, is the founder of 911 Vets , an in-home pet medical service in California that provides … “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. 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. Occasionally we see a wild rabbit or squirrel. Domestic dogs diverged from grey wolves between 13,000 and 17,000 years ago. Every time your dog chases a rabbit they stay in an addictive feedback loop. Grooming. Today he managed to chase down a rabbit and kill it. Gradually play this chasing game closer to the rabbits, but don't expect too much too soon. So, most dogs still have predatory instincts and view small animals as prey.. What should you do if you discover “my dog ate a rabbit”? If you want to stop your dog chasing rabbits, start by preventing them now. Why do dogs chase their tail? He has chased rabbits numerous times, and I did not mind that. 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. Chasing behavior can be dangerous (or deadly) for the dog, especially if your dog likes to chase cars. Train your dog to retrieve while you keep practising until your dog is desperate for the game. Rabbits keep their fur and paws clean by licking themselves frequently throughout the day, much like cats. Due to preventing other chasing, your dog’s chase drive will be high and focussed on the new game. My dog is not trained to hunt or chase. Why does my dog drop to the ground when he sees another dog on a walk? 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. Larger predatory animals like coyotes, cougars or bears can attack if chased or confronted by a dog. 4. 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. Smirnoff is extremely tame and does not get scared by much. A specialist may be able to help identify issues, breed habits, or something else that is causing your dog to constantly chase. “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 movement sends an immediate alarm to a dog's instinct to chase, capture, and devour! 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