Rabbit School: How to train your rabbit?

Rabbits are intelligent animals but are often under-estimated. As a mechanism of survival rabbits are afraid of anything new, so it's important to have your bunny's trust before engaging in training. Training is most effective with one rabbit at a time, although they are usually rared in pairs.

For a new bunny it's important that he builds trust in you. Spend time hanging out with him but be patient. Give him treats whenever possible and when he realizes that you won't cause harm, your rabbit will feel comfortable enough to hang around you.

Once your rabbit builds trust in you, you may start training him.

1. Call out your rabbit's name every time you fill up his food supply. With time, he'll soon start appearing as you call. Do this two to three times a day for two to three weeks but always keep your voice calm -rabbits hate sudden and/or loud noises

2. Train to use a litter box: carefully observe where your rabbit usually eliminates. Place a little of the dirty bedding in the litter box that you have bought and keep the litter box on the place your rabbit has chosen to eliminate. Reward your bunny with his favorite treat whenever he does it right

3. Address aggressive behaviors. Let your bunny know who is in charge. Address any aggressive behavior. Investigate the underlying cause of such behavior and find solutions

The best thing about rabbits is that they can be trained easily. Here's what to do to train your bunny to follow commands

1. Devote time to train. Practice. Practice and practice!!!!

2. Use his favorite treats (carrots, green leaves such as Parsley)

3. Position for training. For example, if you want your rabbit to be in his crate, place the bunny first in his crate or if you want your bunny to sit on your command place him facing you. Always be consistent. Give specific and short names to your commands and only use that name to train him. Be consistent in the verbal and environmental cues to get your bunny go

4. Plan your training and prioritize your training schedule

5. The most important step. Reward with your bunnie's favorite treat whenever he does it right. Wean off the treats gradually but once done make a big deal out of it and praise wholeheartedly

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