Rabbits make great pets, but rabbits are very different from cats or dogs. Rabbits cannot obey naturally like dogs. Rabbits are very intelligent and independent, and therefore need to be rewarded for doing things in your favor. To train your rabbit to come towards you, you need to know what will motivate it and then use repetition and kindness to make the action interesting.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Building Trust with Rabbits
Step 1. Provide the rabbit with basic needs
Give your rabbit adequate food and shelter. You need to make sure your rabbit is healthy and happy before trying to train it. If a rabbit isn't feeling well or is sick, it will be less likely to be interested in completing a training session with you.
Step 2. Use a calm and steady attitude towards the rabbit
Rabbits, as well as other pets, usually don't respond well to anger and rudeness. The adage "you'll catch more flies with honey" is especially true when it comes to training animals. Having a positive, well-behaved attitude will build greater trust with your rabbit, and because of this, your rabbit is more likely to obey your commands, rather than using force and rudeness.
Step 3. Spend a lot of time practicing it
Take a little time each day to practice. Exercises should be done in short sessions, lasting only 5-10 minutes. The goal is to practice consistently but in a short time.
Step 4. Use the gift of the rabbit's favorite food
Since this exercise is reward based, you need to find the reward that gives the most positive response. If you don't know what your rabbit's favorite treat is, try a little. If the rabbit ignores the food, it means it cannot be used as a gift. If the rabbit chews it right away, you can use it.
You can give a small amount of new food each day to avoid indigestion, and watch the rabbit respond
Method 2 of 2: Training the Rabbit
Step 1. Sit on the floor near the rabbit
Bring gifts of healthy foods, such as carrots and lettuce. Hold on to the food and say “[rabbit name], come here”.
Step 2. Give your rabbit food and verbal praise if it approaches you
This will positively reinforce the rabbit's behavior. Also repeat the command when the rabbit approaches.
Step 3. Move away a little
In the beginning, don't go too far; a few meters is enough. Over time, you can move further and further away from the rabbit.
Step 4. Hold the food and give the command one more time
If your rabbit obeys you without needing to be instructed, just say so when the rabbit approaches. If the rabbit doesn't respond to your commands and promises to provide food, return to a closer position and repeat.
Step 5. Repeat this exercise frequently
During the day, call the rabbit occasionally. Use a food reward every time for the first few weeks to get the rabbit to associate the command with the food. After the rabbit comes from close range every time it is called, start calling it from a distance.
Step 6. Replace food gifts with toys or caresses
Over time, reward the rabbit with petting and toys, but use occasional treats to keep this behavior strong. This will keep the rabbit coming when called but will also keep the rabbit healthy.
Step 7. Consider practicing using a clicker (a device that makes a clicking sound when pressed)
Many people suggest using a clicker to build a stronger link. Each time you feed the rabbit, press the clicker to make the rabbit associate the clicking sound with the food. Then when you train it, the click of the device will let the rabbit know that food is coming.
