Lead gentle play by example and keep it toy focused. If your Pet can handle it without play biting, add lots of head and back rubs. Keep play light-hearted, fun, and interesting. Stop the play session before your rabbit shows declining interest. With clear instruction from you, your Pet will quickly learn what is acceptable.

Independent Play

Providing your rabbit with means to occupy themselves when alone will help keep destructive behavior at bay. Countless bunny owners have come home to find the chair next to the cage has a leg with a big chunk missing. Since rabbit teeth constantly grow, chewing is an opportunity for them to keep the length under control. Ask yourself, "Is this a toy I would give a baby?" Nine times out of ten, your rabbit will end up with their toys in their mouths. Be mindful of harmful paints, toxic materials, unsafe glue, and small parts before giving your new Pet anything to play with. When selecting toys for your new Pet, keep in mind that rabbits like chewing, burrowing, and occasionally tossing things around.

Favorite toys for rabbits include:

- Paper bags
- Socks filled with hay
- Cardboard boxes with a holes cut out
- Small blocks or chew sticks
- Wicker baskets (not treated or painted)
- Dried pine cones and non-toxic tree branches
- Cardboard paper towel rolls
- Hard plastic baby toys
- Old towels (cut off frayed ends as they occur to prevent strangulation)
- Stainless steel bells or toys that make lots of clanging noises
- Small cat toys with no removable parts
- Cat climbing structures with ramps, tunnels, and platforms
- Food puzzles (Available at any Pet store)

These ideas are just the beginning! Use your imagination when deciding what your rabbit will love to play with and remember to look around your house. Food puzzles are an excellent choice for playtime as they provide both mental and physical stimulation. Alternate toys on a weekly basis to keep your guinea pig interested and excited.

Setting up and cleaning up after playtime is important, especially when you take your Pet out at least once a day. Line the area your rabbit will be spending time with newspaper, when finished, simply roll up the newspaper and dispose of it.

Don't overlook the power of quiet time together. Simply spending time cuddled up together on the couch will do wonders for you and your Pet. Those quiet moments spent together while gently stroking your rabbit will be tops on your list of positive interactions. You may even look down to find your rabbit sound asleep on your lap!