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A rabbit can be a great pet but it is very different from a cat or a dog. Unlike dogs, rabbits are not naturally obedient.[1] They are super smart and independent and thus need the incentive to do what you want them to do. In order to train a rabbit to come to you, you need to figure out what will motivate it and use repetition and kindness to make the action attractive to complete.
Steps
Provide for your rabbit's basic needs. Give your rabbit adequate food and shelter. You need to make sure that your rabbit is healthy and happy before attempting to train it. If a rabbit is unhappy or ill, it will be less likely to be interested in completing training sessions with you.
Use a calm and even temperament with the rabbit. Rabbits, and other pets for that matter, don't usually respond well to anger and aggression. The saying "you catch more flies with honey" is very true when it comes to training an animal. Having a positive attitude and being nice will build more trust with a rabbit, and thus make the rabbit more likely to follow your commands, than brute force or hostility.Advertisement
Devote plenty of time to training. Spend a bit of time every day on training. Training should be done in short sessions, consisting of only 5-10 minutes. The goal is to do training consistently but in short bursts.
Use your rabbit’s favorite treats. Since training is based on incentives, you’ll need to find a treat that provides the most positive response. If you don’t know what your rabbit’s favorite treat is, experiment a little. If the rabbit leaves a treat alone, then it won’t work as a treat. If the bunny munches a treat right down, you have a winner.- You can offer a new food, in small amounts to avoid digestive upset, once a day and watch the rabbit’s response.
Sit on the floor near your rabbit. Bring healthy rabbit treats, such as carrots and celery. Hold out the treat and say "[your Rabbit’s name], come.”
Give the rabbit a treat and verbal praise if it approaches you. This will positively reinforce the rabbit's actions. Also, repeat the command as it approaches.
Move a little further away. In the beginning, don’t move very far; just a couple of feet will do. Overtime can move further and further away from the rabbit.
Hold out a treat and again give the command. If the rabbit follows you without you having to say the command, then simply say it as it approaches. If the rabbit doesn't respond to your command and the promise of a treat, move back to your closer position and repeat.
Repeat this training frequently. During the course of the day, occasionally call your rabbit. Use treats each time for the first few weeks to get your rabbit to associate the command with the treat. When your rabbit comes every time from a close distance, start calling it from further away.
Replace the treat with a toy or petting. In time, reward your rabbit with petting and toys, but use food occasionally to keep the behavior strong. This will keep your rabbit coming when called but will also keep your pet healthy.
Consider using clicker training. Many people suggest using clickers to reinforce the association. Each time you feed the rabbit, click the clicker so that the rabbit associates the click with food. Then, when you’re training, a click from the device tells the rabbit a treat is coming.- Try to click right as the desired behavior is happening so the animal knows what it did to get the reward. Give the rabbit a treat or something else they enjoy within a few seconds of the click for each and every time you click, even if you click accidentally. The rabbit will learn that a click means a treat and try to earn clicks.
Expert Q&A
- QuestionHow do you teach your rabbit to jump?
Pippa Elliott, MRCVSDr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
VeterinarianStart with a low barrier, such as a stick resting on the ground. Use a treat to lure the rabbit over. As they jump, say a cue word such as "Jump," and gradually increase the height of the hurdle. - QuestionDo rabbits know their names?Pippa Elliott, MRCVSDr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
VeterinarianA rabbit can be taught to recognize their name. Use reward-based training methods. Tempt the rabbit close with a treat and say their name as they move toward you. Then give the reward. - QuestionHow do you get your rabbit to like you?Pippa Elliott, MRCVSDr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
VeterinarianThis is a matter of building trust. Less is more with rabbits, so spend time sitting near them talking quietly. Offer some tasty treats and never force the rabbit to do something they are uncomfortable with.
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About This Article
To teach your rabbit to come when called, start by sitting on the floor near your rabbit with a bag of healthy treats, like carrots or celery. Hold out a treat and say your rabbit's name in a calm voice, giving the rabbit the treat and verbal praise if it approaches you. Then, move a little further away, hold out another treat, and repeat the command. Be sure to train your rabbit every day for about 5-10 minutes for the best results! For tips on using a clicker for rabbit training, read on!
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