Rabbit Training
Rabbit Training – A Quick Guide for Success
Some pet owners are concerned about keeping pet rabbits inside the home, with rabbit training a major part of that concern. However, rabbits are very easily trained, and can become a valued family member with some simple guidelines.
Many people who keep rabbits in the home have had real satisfaction with their pets. Rabbits can be litter box trained quite easily, especially when the process is introduced to the very young bunny. Rabbits are very fastidious animals, and will choose their own preferred area in which to do their “business”. By litter box training your pet rabbit, you will be reducing the amount of time you will need to invest in cleaning a rabbit cage. The added bonus is that your pet rabbit will be able to freely roam the house after a short period of rabbit training, with your mind at peace knowing there won’t be any “mistakes” to clean up unexpectedly.
At the same time you bring your new pet rabbit home, be sure to have on hand the items needed for the litter box. A rabbit will probably want to lay in the litter box, so comfortable materials are best. Absorbency and safety are also features you will want to take into consideration. Common litter box materials include paper-based litters, which are widely available for purchase in most pet supply stores and will make rabbit training sanitary. The litter box itself can be one that is commonly used for cats, although a small pan would be sufficient for smaller rabbit breeds.
When a new pet rabbit is brought into the home, keep it in a confined area and closely observe its habits. Inside rabbits, like any others, will choose a spot and then return to it time and time again. The rabbit owner will need to be somewhat flexible in allowing the pet to choose the spot when rabbit training, but you can limit the areas from which the rabbit can choose.
A rabbit cage or pen may be used, with the prepared litter box inside. The rabbit may or may not use the box immediately. It may like the opposite corner from where you placed the box. Once you see the rabbit use an area, and then return to its chosen “potty”, try placing the litter box in that spot.
As time passes and you see your pet rabbit regularly using the litter box, allow him to roam outside of the cage or pen to some degree. Observe your pet to ensure that he returns to the litter box. If it doesn’t do so on its own, you may need to closely watch the rabbit for signs that it needs to urinate or defecate and, when signs are evident, move the rabbit to the litter box to complete.
With time and patience, your rabbit training efforts will pay off. You and your pet rabbit will be comfortable living together inside the home, and enjoy each other’s company for many years to come.