Why does my pet rabbit chase things?

Jess22 · 08-06-2006, 16:46

Just wondered if anybody knows a lot about rabbits? I have a pet house rabbit, spends a lot of his time loose in the house (he's trained to doodle in his cage) we also have a small dog (amongst other pets) They get on suprisingly really well, sometimes cuddle up together and ozzy (our dog) is really gentle with Smirnoff. Smirnoff is extremely tame and does not get scared by much. 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. Ozzy tends to have got bored by this stage of the game and ignores him. The rabbit also circles people if they stand still in a room.

I just wondered if anyone else has experience of a rabbit circling, or chasing anything? or anyone knows anything about animal behavior that might explain it. It is really funny watching the two of them.

I never thought they would get on so well.

Moonbird · 08-06-2006, 20:31

I have had male rabbits that do this too, has he done the jumping up in the air and piddling yet?

that ones quite a good trick for the males as well.
I think its a dominance/territorial behavior myself.

Solomon1 · 08-06-2006, 20:43

how old is he? if he's pre-pubescent and grunting whilst circling... ...i'd watch out in a couple of months time because this is a mating ritual. get him castrated before he learns some bad habits (like trying to mount the dog!).

teeny · 08-06-2006, 22:20

I think he p[robably need neuting!!! or soon he'll start spraying , i have had rabbits for over 20 years or more , it is teritorail behavour and will continue after neuting he probably just won't spray everywhere

Jess22 · 09-06-2006, 08:18

Thanks everyone for your advice. He's about 2 1/2 years old, and not neuted. He doesn't spray but if he's going to start then I think it's gonna be the chop for Smirnoff!!

JBee · 09-06-2006, 08:22

Well, my pet rabbit is a lady, she is neutered, and she still hops in circle round me!

I read that it is a positive behaviour and a sign of affection, also used to indicate that the bunny wants to play! My rabbit also circles me at feeding time, like a cat, and she always circles me when I first come into the room, like a greeting!

Star_light · 30-07-2007, 17:27

beause it thinks its fun lol xx