Kirty Posted March 8, 2011 Share Posted March 8, 2011 I am currently fostering two gorgeous little BC pups. There is a 5mo male and a 3mo female. They are both very keen on herding the bunnies. My bunnies however are not so keen! I want to discourage them from hastling the rabbits but I don't want to scold them in case they end up going to working/sport homes. Would I be best to just call them away and offer them a toy when they start fixating on the rabbits? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vickie Posted March 8, 2011 Share Posted March 8, 2011 (edited) Assuming the rabbits are safe in a cage? They are unlikely to be herding them and stopping them from harassing the bunnies would have no impact on them in a herding nor sports capacity. Are they 100% supervised when around the bunnies? If not, there is no point even scolding them as they will still fixate on them when you are not in close proximity. I also doubt that any toy would be more rewarding for a bc than a live rabbit Edited March 8, 2011 by Vickie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JulesP Posted March 8, 2011 Share Posted March 8, 2011 Actually when of the first question that I hear the herding instructors ask when a dog will not switch on to stock is "Has the dog been told off for chasing". Bunnies and border collies pups need to be kept apart. Border collies will spend all day staring at that cage and I imagine that will stress the bunnies. And we need photos! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janba Posted March 8, 2011 Share Posted March 8, 2011 (edited) I was also going to say seperate the rabbits from the pups. Just because a dog is a good working dog does not mean that the dog won't kill smaller prey animals and 2 untrained pups fixating on the rabbits could lead to problems if the rabbits run. Edited March 8, 2011 by Janba Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirty Posted March 8, 2011 Author Share Posted March 8, 2011 Yes, bunnies are safe in a hutch in my son's room. The male BC was definitely showing herding type behaviour (crouching, staring, etc). They can only access the rabbits when we are home because they are inside. I'll just try to keep the pups out of Harry's room I think. I'll get some pics later. They are both non-pedigree BCs, one has traditional markings and short-med coat (she is from a BYB), the boy is black and white but has less than traditional markings and a short coat (he's from PP). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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