3 Things you can do now to train your rabbit.
Yes, you read that right. Rabbits can be trained! Every time I tell people that I’m training my rabbit, I get the most confused expression back.
The best thing I can relate a rabbit to is a cat. Bunnies have a mind and an attitude of their own but will learn to take direction. I hope your interest has peaked because we are just going to dive right into it.
Coming when called
3 things you can do now to train your rabbit
This is the first thing you can do know to train your rabbit and one I start very young. Once I know my rabbit is comfortable with me a relationship has been started, I begin with very basic commands. Coming when called is going to be the foundation as far as skills go.
What you’ll do is be in a distraction free or quiet place and get closer to the ground or level with your rabbit. Place an open palm a few inches from your rabbit’s nose. More than likely your bunny will reach out and sniff your hand. Reward the bunny with a quick pet or treat, however your rabbit responds best. Keep doing this moving your hand further and further away each time.
What you’re training your rabbit to do is a target point. Your open palm is a target point for their head.
Pro tip, just like training animals it’s good practice to integrate voice commands at the same time.
Example
One of my bucks is named Filbert ( I know so cute haha) . Filbert can be clear across the yard and I can call him by name.
I say “Filbert, come!”
I place my hand near the ground he comes running and puts his face in my palm. When I rewarded his behavior I pet his head and say
“good, come”
Notice I’m not saying good boy or good bunny. I’m rewarding the command itself, essentially tying the two together.
Leash training
3 things you can do now to train your rabbit
The second thing you can do now to train your rabbit is leash training. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve felt like the crazy bunny lady while standing in my front yard with my rabbit on a leash. But leash training is such an awesome way to practice long distance commands or keep your rabbit safe while practicing outside.
Pro tip: don’t buy leases made for rabbits. Seems silly but they just don’t work for most smaller rabbit breeds.
I’ve had greater success with using cat leashes, simply because there is more opportunity for better sizing and customization depending on the size and breed of your bunny.
First things first, get your expectations in check.
Your rabbit isn’t going to hop into the harness and follow you around the yard like a dog. It’s most likely not going to like the hardness, because it’s nervous and will probably hunker down in the grass, and generally forget what she is supposed to do. Don’t worry about it, it’s all a part of training.
On the first day of training, just get the harness fitted and on the rabbit inside. Refrain from putting on the leash just yet, your bunny needs a chance to get used to it. Let the rabbit walk around the house or sit in its hutch for a little bit. The goal here is to desensitize her to the feeling of wearing the harness.
Your bunny is used to the harness and you’re outside, great job!
The goal here is to practice target training like before. Use the same tactics to entice your bunny to follow you around the yard. Before no time, you’ll be able to ditch the leash and trust that your rabbit will listen.
Potty training
3 things you can do now to train your rabbit
The third thing you can do now to train your rabbit is potty training! Again rabbits are like cats can easily potty train using a litter box. I mentioned in a previous blog post how rabbits always choose the same spot to relieve themselves within their living space. If you choose to raise an indoor rabbit, potty training is going to be a must to practice.
Where to start
After several days it’s pretty apparent where your bunny is going in their space. Decide on a type of litter box that is going to work for your house and one that will fit appropriately in their hutch. The goal here is to make sure that the style of litter box is consistent. Clean the area and replace it with a litter box….. it’s kinda gross but put some of the poo in the box to remind the rabbit that’s where it goes. After a while the rabbit will be comfortable hopping into the litter box.
next….
Purchase another litter box in the same style and place in the desired area of the indoor space you wish to keep your rabbit. For starting out keep the box in a visible area. When the rabbit hops in reward them. We want the bunny to know that that portable toilet is their space.
What to use in the litter box
You don’t want to use cat litter for a rabbit. If they try to eat it it can be quite harmful, instead use absorbent pellets, white pine shavings or Timothy hay.
Wrapping up
Give yourself some praise!
Training a rabbit is a slow process but so rewarding. Spending one on one time with your bunny is so good for their health and really helps establish that close bond. I promise the time and commitment will be well worth it and you’ll be so much happier with the experience of owning your bunny.
