Bunnies & dog - safe or dangerous environment? Any experiences with introducing adult dogs & buns?

[annasangels]

Hi! I was hoping to get some advice on my bunnies’ current living situation. Due to a bunch of circumstances, they’re with their other owner, a previous partner. About 3 months ago, they had to be moved to a home with a dog.
They’re in one bedroom, which is separated from the rest of the house by a wire frame gate - it was latched for sometime but that broke off & now only gets closed.
In the first month, he tried to introduce the dog to the buns while on a leash, & the dog lunged for the bunnies, scratching my ex in the process.
The dog was punished & gets reprimanded for showing interest - I’m told he just knows he’s not allowed in the room now.
There haven’t been any incidents since. The dog sometimes stops by the gate/closed door to sniff at it, & our braver bunny occasionally comes up to check it out too.
I haven’t owned dogs, but Ive met the dog & he’s well trained, mostly through punishment & fear, but sometimes misbehaves when he got excited. My ex tells me he’s been listening to him better since he’s been there.
This obv makes me less than comfortable, but there aren’t many alternative spaces for them atm.
How safe or dangerous does this all sound? Could there be any insight into how the dog might continue to act? What could I change? Thanks for any advice or feedback in advance!!

 

[Apollo’s Slave]

It sounds reasonable, as long as the dog can’t get into the bunny room. Is there any way that a door could replace the wire fence thing? Dogs are very smart and it’s likely that he will be able to open the gate, especially if there is no latch on it. What breed of dog is it? Some breeds of dog are more susceptible to training than others.
@Blue eyes has a good website. Here’s their link on dogs and rabbits:Introducing Dog to Rabbit

 

[annasangels]

It sounds reasonable, as long as the dog can’t get into the bunny room. Is there any way that a door could replace the wire fence thing? Dogs are very smart and it’s likely that he will be able to open the gate, especially if there is no latch on it. What breed of dog is it? Some breeds of dog are more susceptible to training than others.
@Blue eyes has a good website. Here’s their link on dogs and rabbits:Introducing Dog to Rabbit

The dog’s a pit bull. He can absolutely get through the gate if he wanted to, my bunnies could probably pull it open as well. It’s more of a stop sign than any actual physical deterrent. I do ask that they close the door if they’re not in there, but children use the area as well so it’s tricky. I’m mostly having to rely on the dog being well trained enough. Could he get too excited one day for some reason & decide to go after them?
Thanks for the reply & the link, I’ll check it out!

 

[Apollo’s Slave]

My family had pit bulls when I was a kid. In my opinion they’re one of the greatest dogs... As for him getting to excited one day, It depends on how loyal the dog is. But it is a possibility that he could get into the room. The best option would probably be to train the dog that’s the rabbits are friend not food (unintentional finding memo quote).
I’d also ask if they could be sure to shut the gate when going in or out. But I understand that you don’t live there.

 

[Jasminebunny]

My dog Sally love's my bunnies and pgs , can't get her to eat or drink sometimes cause of it..