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Advanced Learning
Now that you and your Pet are understanding each other, you may be interested in some advanced learning!
Teaching desired behaviors such as tricks can be fun, but time consuming. Rabbits are capable of learning several simple tricks. They won't, however, learn as quickly as dogs and cats so
the right amount of patience and persistence is critical.
Set up for Success
It can be frustrating if it seems your rabbit isn't learning a trick right away so set your Pet up for success. Choose an appropriate trick. Rabbits like to jump, so teaching them to jump over items, through a hoop, or up on a stool may be fun. Choose a motivator! The best incentive you can provide your Pet is a food treat your Pet LOVES. Praise can be helpful but food is often a stronger motivator for rabbits. Start small! Break the whole trick down into baby steps. When you break each trick down into smaller, more easily manageable steps the Pet learns much quicker. Take your time and stay positive. A positive environment will help your Pet learn faster than a negative environment.
 Using Food as a Reward
Using treats is an easy way to tell your Pet they've done something you like. Stay away from nuts or fatty treats, these should only be used for special occasions instead of as a training treat. Your rabbit will prefer tidbits of veggies and fruits for training sessions. Try holding a baby carrot for them to nibble off a bite. Lure your Pet into the desired behavior (trick) using a treat and reward each baby step. Once you can get your Pet to consistently repeat the desired behavior add the word you will say for that trick.
Do It Again, And Again, And Again………
Remember, teaching your rabbit to do tricks takes time. Multiple 5 minute sessions per day will be better for your rabbit than one 30 minute session each day. Short sessions will help keep the attention of your rabbit. Consistency is key! Once you have added a word use the same word each time and keep the tone of your voice stable, but upbeat, throughout your training session.
Tricks to Try
- Come Teach your rabbit to come just
like for cats and dogs. Sit a few feet away, stating your
Pet's name. When you know they are on their way, again say
their name, come! When they get to you offer a treat. Move
farther and farther away from your rabbit until they come on
their own when you call them. For the first few weeks when
they come after being called ALWAYS reward with treats, then you can begin to switch to lavish praise.
- Circling Teach your rabbit to circle through the use of treats. Slowly use a treat to coax your rabbit into a circle. Upon completion, provide the treat.
- Sit-Up for treat Your rabbit can learn to stand on his hind legs if you offer a treat above eye level. Raise the treat slowly in air. A baby step here would be to provide the treat when the front legs leave the ground. Add the word "Up" once your Pet is in the final position you desire.
Pet Shows
 Small Pet or 4-H shows can be a fun experience for both rabbit and owner. Whether you are a spectator or experienced rabbit owner, there is a lot of information to be gained from fellow rabbit owners that are all present together and passionate about their Pets. Check your local area for dates and times.
Once your Pet has mastered the tricks above be inventive and teach the following to "show-off" at the Pet Show! With each item use food treats to lure your Pet and reward along the way. Tip:
Add your word after 6 consecutive successes.
- Teeter Totter
Try a board set on top of a PVC pipe for a starter teeter totter. Make the PVC pipe larger and the board longer as your Pet gains confidence.
- Hurdle
Try building something with PVC pipes.
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Tunnel Use an empty plastic bucket with the bottom cut out and turned on its side for an open tunnel. Lure your Pet through with treats.
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Balance Beam This depends on the rabbit size and may range from a 2x4 to a 2x12 board. Start on the ground and then raise each end up on bricks.
Community Service
Once your rabbit is accustomed to gentle handling and traveling in a kennel you may be interested in community services. Visiting nursing homes (with prior approval) can be a wonderful way to give something back to your community. Many residents of nursing homes enjoy the time they spend with a Pet. Rabbits are typically calm and quiet and do not usually overwhelm the residents who are happy to have a visitor. Giving the opportunity to both people and rabbits to enjoy time together can be beneficial for all!
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Improving Relationships
between People and Pets!