Rabbits are very intelligent and sociable animals, and can be trained easily. Unfortunately, many people fail to train their rabbits because of the wrong approach or lack of training time. If you want to build a closer relationship with your rabbit, and train it well, you just need to start now.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Understanding Rabbit Behavior
Step 1. Identify what is driving your rabbit's behavior
Rabbits are very intelligent animals and always show a response to things that trigger them. This means that harsh punishments, such as hitting or yelling at the rabbit, will not make him cooperative. If you use your triggers well, most rabbits will respond to your expectations.
- Generally, food is used as a trigger or stimulant for rabbits. However, you can also use toys as gifts for rabbits.
- Rabbits are prey or prey so they will run and find a place to hide whenever they feel scared. If your rabbit exhibits this behavior, you need to find ways to make him feel more comfortable and safe when he sees or is with you before trying to train him.
Step 2. Understand that rabbits rely on their sight and smell
Rabbits cannot see directly what is in front of them properly. The eyes are on two different sides of the face, so rabbits tend to see better what is next to them than what is in front of them.
- Rabbits use smell and the sensors in their whiskers to detect their environment more than sight. Therefore, when you give a gift or food to a rabbit, place the food or gift under its nose or mouth.
- You may notice the rabbit frequently changes its head position as you approach it. This is a way for him to see you better. It's like a person wearing bifocals and trying to adjust the glasses so they are in line with his eyes, so he can see clearly.
- Rabbits are game animals and can only see their predators from a distance so they can run and hide quickly to protect themselves. Therefore, before you can touch the rabbit, let it see and sniff you. This will make it easier the next time you want to hold it. By allowing him to see and sniff you, he can ensure that you are not a predator and, therefore, harmless.
Step 3. Keep in mind that kindness will always be remembered by the rabbit in the long run
Rabbits respond to your kindness and make great pets who will respond positively to your voice or presence, as long as you treat them well. Although to be able to train it you need to first gain the trust of your rabbit, your main success will be when your rabbit feels loved and comfortable in your presence.
- While not all rabbits enjoy being petted, there are some rabbits who really like it and, in fact, prefer it to food. Spend plenty of time playing and petting your rabbit, and taking care of all his basic needs to make him feel safe and comfortable in your home.
- Never lift your rabbit out of its ear! Don't hurt your rabbit. Try to be kind and gentle with your friend. That way, he will respond more positively when you train him.
Method 2 of 4: Training Rabbits to Follow Commands
Step 1. Spend plenty of time training your rabbit
For best results, plan ahead to take the time to train your rabbit each day. Two or three short training sessions of 5 to 10 minutes can ensure your rabbit is interested in practicing or learning something.
Step 2. Use your rabbit's favorite treat
Since training is based on what prompts your rabbit to do something, you need to look for treats that can encourage your rabbit to respond positively. If you don't know his favorite snack, try experimenting to find out. You can offer new foods in small amounts to avoid digestive problems. Offer a new food every day and watch your rabbit respond to the type of food given. If he doesn't eat certain foods then those foods are not his snacks. However, if your rabbit eats the food that is given you can give it as a snack.
- If you're not sure whether a particular type of food is safe for your rabbit, discuss it with your veterinarian (of course a vet who knows your rabbit, of course). Don't give your rabbit anything other than vegetables (especially greens) or fruit.
- If your rabbit isn't used to eating a lot of greens or fruit, give him small amounts of vegetables or fruit for a few weeks to prevent diarrhea or digestive problems.
- Your rabbit may like fruits like blueberries, or vegetables like kale or carrots (especially carrot chunks) as a snack.
Step 3. Get your rabbit in a training position
Do the exercise in a place or situation where the behavior of the rabbit you want appears. For example, if you want to teach your rabbit to jump on your lap when he is called, first place your rabbit near a chair. If you want to train him to get into his cage at night, train him at the right time, and make sure his cage is where it should be (or should be).
Step 4. Create an exercise plan
Start the exercise short and simple. Carefully plan what you want to train your rabbit and break it down into small exercises. Each time your rabbit successfully completes one of the exercises, give him his favorite treat. Once your rabbit is able to do the exercises regularly and confidently, name the commands you give them.
Step 5. Give your rabbit a treat as soon as he does something that needs to be rewarded
If your rabbit manages to stand on its hind legs when you raise your arms above its head (such as asking it to stand on its hind legs), immediately give it a treat as reinforcement for the "Stand up." Rewards need to be given within 2 to 3 seconds of your rabbit showing the desired behavior.
- If your rabbit does something else before you give the reward, you are reinforcing the wrong behavior.
- If you want to teach your rabbit to come when called, start training it by placing it very close to you. When he comes to you, give him a gift. Provide consistent practice so your rabbit knows why it gets a treat when it comes to you.
- Use the same commands, such as “Sit down, (your rabbit's name)” or “Stand up, (your rabbit's name)” every time you train it. This way, your rabbit will learn to recognize your command and associate it with a treat or treat.
- Add compliments when you give them a treat, such as “Good bunny!” or “Smart bunny!”
Step 6. Keep providing and giving treats until your rabbit shows the correct response in (almost) every training session
When you're trying to teach a new trick or skill, don't forget to always give it a treat. You need to make sure that your rabbit is fully accustomed to the given exercise.
If you're training your rabbit to get used to the leash or collar he's wearing, start by rewarding him every time he gets close to the leash on the floor and sniffs or touches it. After that, try putting the harness on his back and reward him for staying calm while you put the harness on him. Also, reward him if he can stay calm while you lift his front paws to put his front paws on the reins. As the practice goes on, you should continue to reward him and do the exercise slowly. Don't rush into training or scare your rabbit. Once the leash is in place, let your rabbit put it on for a few minutes, then remove it. Train your rabbit to carry the leash yourself before you have to carry and attach the leash
Step 7. Try doing a clicker exercise
Many people suggest using clickers as association reinforcement. Each time you feed your rabbit, press the clicker to make your rabbit associate the clicking sound with the food. Then, as you train, press the clicker again to get your rabbit to associate the click with the food or reward he's about to receive.
Try clicking right when your rabbit shows the desired behavior to let him know what he has to do to get the reward. Give your rabbit a treat or something else he likes a few seconds after you click the clicker and each time you click, even if you accidentally clicked it. Your rabbit will understand that clicking sounds are a sign that he is about to get a prize so he will try to get more clicks
Step 8. Gradually stop giving treats as gifts to your rabbit
Once your rabbit has mastered the skill or trick being taught, begin to reduce the frequency of treats. Give him treats every now and then, but then don't give him treats (or only treat him a few times). In the end, you won't have to treat him at all once he's shown the behavior or trick you want.
- While reducing treats, reward your rabbit with petting or toys, and only occasionally use treats to maintain good behavior.
- Rabbits love to be petted or rubbed on the head. Don't rub the rabbit on its body, as this can scare or alert the rabbit. Be patient and take it slow so your rabbit doesn't get scared.
Step 9. Perform strengthening exercises as necessary
From time to time, your rabbit may need to re-learn a trick he was taught. If he needs to relearn a trick, you need to get back to preparing a gift for him and feel free to do so.
Never scold, punish, yell or even say “No!” or "Don't!" on your rabbit during practice. This is counterproductive and can actually frighten your rabbit even more, delaying training
Method 3 of 4: Training a Rabbit to Use a Litter Box
Step 1. Find out where your rabbit usually defecates
Usually, rabbits will choose a certain place in their cage to use as a place to defecate. Since rabbits use the same places over and over again, you can use them to make the training process easier.
Step 2. Place a small amount of soiled cage mat on the litter box you bought to put in the cage
The presence of dirty cage mats can encourage rabbits to use the litter box as a place to defecate. Make sure you clean up any leftover bedding after you've moved a bit of dirty bedding back into the box.
Step 3. Place the cage mat where your rabbit usually uses to defecate
There is a special cage base for rabbit cages that are specially designed, so that the cage base fits right in the corner of the cage. As an alternative, you can also use a regular square base, if the cage used is large enough. If positioned correctly, your rabbit will automatically defecate in the same place-but this time in its litter box.
You can, of course, use a larger litter box, especially if your rabbit enjoys playing and jumping outside of its cage
Method 4 of 4: Dealing with Aggressive Behavior in Rabbits
Step 1. Make sure your rabbit understands who has more authority
There's a good chance your rabbit will want to master everything. While you can't expect obedience from a pet, as you can from a dog, in order to train a rabbit you need to first earn its trust.
The most common way rabbits show dominance (or power) is to bite you to get you to leave or leave your seat. If this happens, make a squealing sound (make sure it's loud and high-pitched, but brief) and place your rabbit on the floor (if it climbs onto your seat) or move it further away from you (if it's on the ground). floor). Do it firmly, but still gently. Don't let your rabbit hurt you or make him fear you. Basically, you just need to assert that you are in charge. If your rabbit continues to exhibit this behavior, put him in his cage to 'rest'
Step 2. Deal with any aggressive behavior your rabbit is displaying
First, approach the rabbit calmly so you don't scare your rabbit. Sit back and relax on the floor with him. Place some treats on the floor, and reward him if he approaches you. Place your hands on the floor. If your rabbit is coming closer and doesn't seem scared (or showing signs of wanting to bite), try gently rubbing its head for a few seconds.
- If you don't dodge or show the reflex to walk away when your rabbit tries to get hold of you or wants to bite you, it will learn that its behavior isn't working to intimidate you.
- Never hit your rabbit. You (and your hands) are your rabbit's source of food and pleasure (eg by petting or petting his head).
- If you are afraid of getting hurt (because of being bitten or scratched by a rabbit), wear long pants, shoes, a long-sleeved shirt and gloves (if necessary) to protect yourself from the bite.
Step 3. Check to see if your rabbit's aggressive behavior is due to some reason
Changes in rabbit behavior, including aggressive behavior, need to be investigated to reduce the likelihood of developing health problems that provoke these changes. Have your rabbit checked and discussed with a veterinarian who is familiar with your rabbit about this issue to, for example, treat any injuries or illnesses that may be causing your rabbit's aggressive behavior.
Hormonal changes can also affect behavioral changes in rabbits. Neutralizing a rabbit, for example, is expected to reduce aggressive behavior in your rabbit, especially in relation to its territory
Tips
- If your rabbit squeals or dodges when you hold him, lower him safely to the ground to avoid injury or injury. Hold your rabbit firmly for safety so he doesn't get scared.
- There are several books on rabbit training that you can read, including: High Five with Your Rabbit by Bernice Muntz, Training Your Pet Rabbit by Patricia Bartlett, and Getting Started: Click with Your Rabbit by Joan Orr.
- When you hold your rabbit, but he seems scared and nervous, wrap your rabbit in a towel or blanket. He will feel calmer after the bandage.
- Try to be gentle and understanding with your rabbit. Maybe he is going through a major transition in his life. For example, being separated from their mother can be stressful for your rabbit. He doesn't expect any other problems so you need to put yourself in his shoes.
- Make sure your rabbit sniffs or knows you for sure so you can train it.
- Don't hold it violently. Rabbit bones break very easily and, if your rabbit gets angry, he can try to run away and run the risk of hurting himself.
Warning
- Avoid overfeeding during training, and avoid giving your rabbit unhealthy treats. What's more, be careful with factory-made rabbit treats. There are many rabbit snack products that are actually unhealthy, especially if given in large quantities.
- Don't intentionally hide food from your rabbit to get him to join the training. Always provide fresh grass or hay, and water for him. If you hide it, you will only hurt and make your rabbit sick.
- Do not hit your rabbit under any circumstances. Such beatings can result in injury to both you and your rabbit.
- Don't expect your rabbit to always do whatever you want. Even if your rabbit is well trained, it may not be able to fulfill your wishes from time to time. If this happens, don't get angry and don't worry if the given exercise doesn't work. As long as your rabbit shows a lot of the response you want, don't worry if it doesn't show the response you want at any time. Remember, he is just an animal.
