Rabbits Change in behavior - aggressive

Question
Hi,

I have a male mini lop, Pudding, who is just over 1 year of age and was neutered around 5 months of age. When I first got him, he was shy, but as I spent more time with him, he was a big sweetie - saying that many rabbits do not like being picked up, he doesn't mind as long as his feet/bum were supported and he felt comfortable and wouldnt run away when I went to pick him up. I never noticed much change in behaviour even after his neuter, he seemed the same and no aggression what so ever. With that said, he started becaming aggressive. I do not know if that is because I recently got a dog. The dog is only allowed downstairs and Pudding is always upstairs so there is never any close contact. But Pudding now hates being picked up, runs away every time and sometimes lunges at my hand when I refill his water bowl - although he doesn't bite, and more thumping going on. I was wondering if it was because of the dog scent? I always wash my handles before I handle Pudding. I have a spayed female bun who under 1 year and is caged separately but in the same room as Pudding who never seemed affected by the dog's scent so I am a bit confused if it is the dog scent since my other bun seems unaffected. It's just really hard to get him out of his cage now since he refuses to be picked up...he does, however, enjoys flopping and sleeping a lot more now.

Answer
Dear Shirley,

Given the circumstances, I think you may be on to something in suspecting that he's being aggressive because of the dog scent.  It's a scary, strange scent, and because he instinctively is upset by it, but doesn't exactly know what it is, it might be even worse for him.

Is the dog aggressive or a poor risk to be around rabbits?  I never recommend leaving a dog and rabbit alone together, but in this case it might be useful to at least *introduce* them, so the bunny can know that the smell is something from the dog, not you.  

Washing your hands is not enough.  Dog smell permeates everything, and a rabbit's sensitive nose will not be fooled.  Each one will respond differently to a dog, so it's not that strange that your female bunny is not reacting the same way.

To find out how to safely introduce dogs and rabbits, you can access helpful tips here:

http://www.rabbit.org/journal/1/dogs.html

I hope this helps.

Dana