What can you teach a rabbit?

The most suitable age for training is 2-3 months. But if the rabbit is older, you can also work with him.

The question of whether it is possible to teach a rabbit commands will disappear by itself, as soon as the owner shows patience and determination. With the proper approach, rabbits willingly demonstrate all sorts of tricks to everyone’s surprise.

An eared rabbit of any breed has the ability to learn, but it has been noticed that among large rabbits, the Flanders obey best. By the way, its weight can reach up to 13 kg – just like an average dog!

In urban dwellings, decorative rabbits are most often kept. They are human-oriented, responsive to kindness and care. Teaching a happy and contented rabbit to commands is not difficult.

A rabbit of any breed, with the right approach, can surprise its owner and others. But it is worth remembering that the principle of training these panties is fundamentally different from training dogs and cats. Strict intonation with rabbits will not work. These animals are victims by nature, they are very sensitive and it is important for them to feel safe. A loud voice will only frighten them and undermine their credibility. It is impossible to teach something to a frightened rabbit. 

You can start training a rabbit only when you become a guarantor of safety for him. When he starts to trust you and not be afraid of any of your movements.

• Give your rabbit treats, but don’t overfeed. In no case do not offer your pet prohibited foods: potatoes, pasta, chocolate, sweets, cookies, chips, fried, salty, smoked. It is better to purchase a special treat at the pet store or make it yourself: dry the fruit or give it fresh, but little by little. Consult with a specialist in advance what can be given to a rabbit as a motivating and encouraging treat, and what is contraindicated for him. Watch the rabbit’s reaction to a particular product. If your pet is crazy about banana, apple or pumpkin, you can treat them, but in very small portions. Literally for one tooth, so that the animal does not have a gastrointestinal disorder.

• Do not offend your pet, do not make him uncomfortable. If you pick up a rabbit, do it carefully. Do not grab the animal by the ears or withers, it hurts.

• Do not scare the rabbit, behave calmly and carefully. If the rabbit in the house is afraid of something, he will never feel comfortable.

• Make time for your pet. Rabbits need unobtrusive human attention and care, so spending time with a loving and caring owner is the best reward for cowards.

• Professional food, good living conditions, enough space to play and run, the presence of a house or shelter – all this is also of great importance. When contact and mutual understanding are established, you can proceed to training.

1. Give training enough time, but the first session should not be too long. Start with 5-10 minutes a day, then gradually increase the time. Ushastik should not get tired and lose interest in learning.

2. Start with the simplest exercises. With the help of treats, you can teach your pet to jump on your lap or stand on its hind legs. Reinforce the command with words, such as “jump” or “stand”. When your rabbit completes a task, immediately praise him and give him treats.

3. With the same delicacy, ask the rabbit the direction of movement, holding it in your hand. If you need your pet to stand in a column, bring a treat to the nose of the animal so that he is interested in him, slowly raise his hand until the baby reaches for it and stands on his hind legs. As soon as this happens, give the treat, praise and gently stroke the rabbit.

4. Gradually, when the eared learns to clearly follow the command, reduce the number of treats. Treat the first time, don’t treat the second time. In the end, the need for sweets will disappear. Try to encourage the animal with caresses and toys. Goodies can also be offered, but not as often as it used to be.

5. Forget about physical punishment, screaming and sudden movements. This is unacceptable with any pet, but rabbits are especially sensitive to any negativity. In nature, they are victims and are sensitive to any sounds. Once you break loose – and your whole process will throw a few steps back. It will be very difficult to regain the trust of a cowardly bunny.

The rabbit, of course, will not bring you slippers and will not guard your home. But eared can easily master some simple actions. For example:

• rising on hind legs;

• jumping over an obstacle or a ring;

• jump on hands or knees;

• circling around the legs or in place;

• ball game;

• turning or moving objects with teeth or paws;

• skateboarding.

The list is not long, but it will be very cool if the eared one can execute all these commands, and you will help him with this. Patience, perseverance, unconditional love for your pet – and everything will definitely work out!