Imagine being a rabbit, small prey to basically everything, and you are living in a world where you do not understand the language of those large-sized leaders that are walking around the house. One of those leaders comes over to you and begins speaking to you in words you do not understand. Frightening? Absolutely! Put yourself in the shoes of your rabbit and remember they are looking to you for reassurance and direction.
Teaching Rabbits a Human Vocabulary
Did you ever stop to think about what we expect our rabbits to learn from us? When we ask rabbits to respond to words like "come" and "sit-up", we are in fact expecting our rabbits to learn a foreign language. Besides that, language is species-specific. Don't look now, but rabbits and people are NOT the same species. The more you understand how rabbits communicate, the more you will understand how to be an effective teacher for a rabbit student. Before expecting your rabbit to learn an English vocabulary, level the playing field by first learning a little rabbit language.
Can you hear me now?
How your Pet learns is more about vocabulary than volume. Decide on the words, hand motions, and other body language you want your rabbit to learn.
Be deliberate and consistent in how you move your body when you are teaching your Pet. Your body language and facial expressions can work with you or against you when teaching Pets.
Write down the words you want to teach your rabbit and share with the family so that you have ONE word to mean the same thing every time. Post the words on the refrigerator to help everyone be consistent. Consistency helps your Pet learn more quickly.
Make sure you always use one word to always mean one thing. For example, do not say, "Stop" for "No", or "Bye-Bye", for removing a toy if you use it to place your rabbit back in his cage. Consistency is Key! It takes time, patience, and skill to TEACH rabbits to understand and respond to a human vocabulary.
Possible vocabulary words: Sit, Shake, Creep, Take It, Drop, Sit-Up, Kennel, Rub Noses, Kiss, Jump, Under, Over, On Top, Mat, Fetch.
Can I teach my rabbit those things?
Absolutely! While it may seem unimaginable, it is possible. Start by teaching a rabbit to fetch and drop an item on cue. Begin by getting your Pet's attention and showing your excitement about playing a game. Begin by throwing a plastic cat ball with a bell in it or a small piece of paper crumpled into a ball. Odds are your bunny will bounce after it and retrieve it in it's mouth. Follow your rabbit and offer it a treat, when it drops the ball for the treat say "drop it". Do this until your rabbit is excited about this game.
Now toss the ball and when your rabbit picks it up call your Pet to you. As soon as your rabbit looks at you - respond with verbal praise and have a treat in your hand visible to your Pet. Your goal is to get your rabbit to come to you. Praise your rabbit for coming to you. When your rabbit gets there, give a wonderful back rub and praise. Then, throw another toy just a few feet away from you. If your Pet goes anywhere near the toy, praise enthusiastically. Think of the game - warmer, warmer, (colder, colder) when you begin to shape a new behavior. Praise more enthusiastically for the behaviors you are encouraging. If your rabbit picks up the toy - increase your praise and enthusiasm. If your Pet brings the toy to you, give a tasty treat and really fuss over this performance.
The MOST important thing to know about teaching "fetch" is - do NOT take away the toy - as a result of the retrieve. (That's a loss not a win for your Pet.) Instead, trade by giving your Pet something wonderful to show your appreciation for the retrieve. When your Pet is consistently going to retrieve the toy, add your words. Say, "Go fetch!" enthusiastically as you throw the ball or toy. Remember to keep the game short in the beginning and stop after just a few repetitions to keep the game fresh and interesting.
Keep this goal in mind. You want your Pet to learn how fun it is to chase an object and return to you and even more fun when he/she brings back the object to you. Remember, all learning is trial and error. Keep it fun!
Print
Now toss the ball and when your rabbit picks it up call your Pet to you. As soon as your rabbit looks at you - respond with verbal praise and have a treat in your hand visible to your Pet. Your goal is to get your rabbit to come to you. Praise your rabbit for coming to you. When your rabbit gets there, give a wonderful back rub and praise. Then, throw another toy just a few feet away from you. If your Pet goes anywhere near the toy, praise enthusiastically. Think of the game - warmer, warmer, (colder, colder) when you begin to shape a new behavior. Praise more enthusiastically for the behaviors you are encouraging. If your rabbit picks up the toy - increase your praise and enthusiasm. If your Pet brings the toy to you, give a tasty treat and really fuss over this performance.
Improving Relationships
between People and Pets!