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A tricolor Bernese Mountain Dog lowering its head toward a small brown bunny in the grass of a yard. 10 / 23

A Giant Bernese and a Tiny Bunny Met for the First Time on the Lawn

AI imagebernese mountain dogbunnyfirst meeting

The giant sniffs, and the small one stays still. A tricolor Bernese Mountain Dog lowers his big, fluffy head toward the grass, his dark eyes soft, while a small brown bunny sits in front of him with her ears up and her nose twitching. Behind them are a house with gray siding, a flowerpot and a patch of green lawn lit by late sun.

First meetings are the most delicate part of any friendship. For a dog meeting a rabbit, it helps to keep the dog on a leash, let the rabbit stay at a distance she is comfortable with and reward the dog for calm behavior. If either animal looks tense, take a break. Short and quiet visits teach both to relax.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for being sweet and patient, but their size means they must be careful. A well-meant nudge can be too much for a small animal. Their thick coat also makes them prone to overheating, so shade and fresh water are important in warm weather. Your vet can help with training and care questions for this large breed.

Neither of them has moved much, and that is a very good sign. Pip stands her ground with great dignity, and the big dog looks gentle. A moment like this one is worth taking slowly. Slow and gentle usually wins the day, whatever the size.

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