‘Here, Hoppy!’ – how to train a rabbit to come on command.

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Rabbits are a social species, and while their instinct is to interact with other bunnies, your pet will also enjoy being sociable with you. Here you will learn how you can use that special time to train your bunnies to hop over when you call.

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Rabbits have a built-in survival mechanism, rabbits are instinctively frightened of anything new or unknown, so it’s vital to ensure that your bunny trusts you before engaging in training. It’s important to really bond with your rabbits so they feel confident being around you. Training a bunny is most effective done on a one-to-one basis. 

 

Begin by quietly sitting near to your rabbits’ enclosure. If your bunny is new and unused to your presence, or is especially timid, it’ll be his natural instinct to hide from you. Leave him be although still be nearby. Give your bunny a small snack every time he pops his head out of his hiding spot, or even hops towards you. When they discover that you won’t chase or try to grab him, your rabbit will feel comfortable enough to explore around you. 

 

Training time

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Once your bunny trusts you enough to sit near you, gradually start to drop treats closer and closer so they will have to move towards you to get them. As you drop the treat and they begin to hop over, call his name. Do this at least twice a day for two to three weeks, but make sure to always keep your voice calm, rabbits have acute hearing and hate loud or sudden noises.

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To reinforce their name, also call it out every time you fill up their food and hay. As they grows used to their name, they will soon start to come when you call, even when there may not be a treat involved!

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This will build up your bunny’s confidence and your bond with them. Rabbits are very intelligent animals and will learn quickly. However, to ensure your training sessions remain fun for your furry friend, keep them to only three or four minutes long. If your bunny shows any sign of stress, such as wanting to move away or freezing up, stop immediately and give him his own space.

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Be treat wise

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It’s best to avoid commercially sold rabbit treats, as some can lead to weight gain and many can even cause damage to your bunny’s teeth.

Instead, get fantastic, healthy snacks straight from nature. Try tempting your bunny with dandelions, for a special treat, buy fresh herbs like parsley and basil. Rabbits love their greens, just make sure to do your research on what is health for them. Soon your bunny won’t just come on command, but will start to follow you around too!