Litter box/Dog introduction

[laurnoxious]

I have two questions regarding my rabbit, Ranger Rabbit. He is a 2 year old, 4 pound, unknown breed (mini rex is my guess though). He is unaltered.

1. He just stopped using his litter box. Completely. I've tried moving it to where he has been doing his business, putting his stools and even some urine in his box. I haven't changed his box, litter, living arrangements, or routine. I'm wondering if neutering him might help?

2. I have a new German Shepherd puppy and am hoping someone has tips on how to get the puppy to not want to eat the rabbit. It's fine if they can never be friends, but I at least want my puppy's obsession to cease so Ranger can relax a little more. Ranger doesn't really care about the puppy, even if the pup is clawing and barking inches away. Ranger loves my other dog, a 10 year old Labrador. I'm also curious if this new pup might have influenced him to stop using the litter box?

Thanks for any answers/suggestions!

 

[LakeCondo]

I think it would be unlikely that a German shepherd could be taught not to treat a rabbit as prey. It is in their nature, while it's not in a Lab's nature. And I'm assuming this is why Roger isn't using his litter box. Sorry I can't be more encouraging, but welcome to the forum anyway.

 

[BunMommaD]

I agree, the stress of the puppy's barking "obsession" could be causing him to not use the box, Ashe could feel quite stressed... This could also (sincere unaltered) make him feel the need to mark his area more than he did before...

German she adds can coexist with bunnys, I have a friend who has 2 Germans and a few house bunnys and they all get along. However, it takes a consistent firm hand when it comes to the dogs training! Otherwise they should never be allowed together.

The first thing I would do if it were me,is start basic obedience with the puppy... Sit, ly down, stay...etc. And I would block off the puppies access to the rabbits area... That will teach the puppy boundaries and to respect the rabbits space & it will help the rabbit feel less stressed and safer!

Good luck!