So it's that time of the year, and we have so many rabbits around our house. This morning, the BF let Bode out at 5:30 to potty, went and fed the cat and then went to let him back in and he wouldn't come. He was chewing on something. Still wouldn't come in, and I was eventually woken up by the racket (window was open) so I went outside. Heard squeaking noises near the house and then over in the middle of the yard. Finally got Bo inside, but it was still dark out so we couldn't check out the yard. I was pretty sure it was baby bunnies because I've heard the noise before when my parent's dog got bunnies.

Anyways, it's finally light out so BF went out to check out the yard and found two dead babies =( Thankfully, he cleaned them up. That's something I can't handle, though I'm sure I'll have to at some point. He didn't find any more than two, and I hope that's it. Bode's never able to catch the adult bunnies, but the poor babies are helpless.

I really don't want to have to keep dealing with this, it grosses me out. Do any of you ever use animal deterrents? I just did a quick search and it seems like there's plenty of 'pet safe' rabbit deterrents out there...Is it even worth it? I figured by now they would stay out of the yard because of the dog, but nope!

And of course, now he's got the bloodlust and is constantly whining to go back outside. What a way to start my morning...

I can understand that this is upsetting to you...

It is hard, but from Bode's point of view the bunnies are on his patch and fair game. He is doing what a normal prey driven dog will do. I wouldn't call it a bloodlust but Bode knows what is out there now and will be keen to keep hunting while the hunting is good.

Rabbits are an introduced animal and considered a feral pest where I come from so my view may be quite different to others.

I hope you come up with a solution.

Yonjuro wrote:

I can understand that this is upsetting to you...

It is hard, but from Bode's point of view the bunnies are on his patch and fair game. He is doing what a normal prey driven dog will do. I wouldn't call it a bloodlust but Bode knows what is out there now and will be keen to keep hunting while the hunting is good.

Rabbits are an introduced animal and considered a feral pest where I come from so my view may be quite different to others.

I hope you come up with a solution.

I'm not blaming him at all. I know it's what dogs do. The bloodlust thing was kind of a joke. That's why I asked if anyone uses a deterrent just to keep them away, because I know if they are in the yard, he will get them.

I am sorry if my post came across critical - I didn't intend for it to be so.

I am afraid that I don't know any deterrents, I only know how to trap them by using snakes or ferrets, neither would be much help.

Sadly there really isn't a deterrent to keep critters away from your pups, or at least any that I've found.

We routinely have Racoons and Hares in our backyard. Last week we even had a run in with a skunk. I also see a Fox who roams the streets routinely. No amount of fencing can keep them out if they really want in, they always find a way.

There isn't much you can do to stop them from my experience. The best thing I've seen that can actually work is running a string along your fence line and poking holes into aluminum or reflective plates (You know those inserts for stoves burners?). They reflect the moonlight and make noise as they spin causing some concern. My grandfather used to use it on his farm to keep critters out of areas and it seemed to work.

However if a critter wants in it will still find a way and brave it.

It would be nice is the dogs alone would be enough deterrent but apparently there are suicidal animals out there... I know I have a hare living under my shed.

Anyways Best of luck,
~Chris~

Bunnies reproduce so fast. I personally would be okay if my dog snacked on a couple babies. It's natures population control. Maybe the bunnies will wise up and have litters elsewhere.

As far as keeping them out, I've seen people line their garden with chicken wire. Maybe you can line your fence with it?

eddycaaa wrote:

Bunnies reproduce so fast. I personally would be okay if my dog snacked on a couple babies. It's natures population control. Maybe the bunnies will wise up and have litters elsewhere.

As far as keeping them out, I've seen people line their garden with chicken wire. Maybe you can line your fence with it?

The eating isn't the concern. It's having to clean up a half eaten carcass. Yuck.

The only thing I can think of is chicken wire. But, rabbits are crafty little things and could prob dig under one. We don't have rabbits in our yard (we have tons of foxes to keep them under control), but I have caught Danzig munching on squirrels. I know it isn't fun and believe me, I won't pick them up either. I don't think there is much you can other than keep Bode current on vaccinations.

Rabbit seem to nest in our yard all the time! Sadly, not a single baby bunny has survived to my knowledge. I've tried all sorts of repellents, none of them work. We tried chicken wire too, but that backfired on us when an adult rabbit got its head stuck in the fence trying to escape. Dogs found the rabbit before I did, it wasn't pretty. The only thing I can think of is going out in the yard before you let Bode out and check the yard for critters.

Athena did the same with a cat, that cat had been teasing her for weeks. I guess it slipped because Athena somehow got ahold of it and just destroyed that poor thing. Made my wife throw up.