Rabbit Training
Training
Rabbits are extremely intelligent, and will quickly pick up things that you want to train them to do. The best way to train a rabbit to do something is to use lots of praise, and a little bribery with some tasty treats. Telling your rabbit off for doing something wrong does not work, it is better to praise and treat for doing the right thing instead.
Toilet Training
Probably one of the first things that you will want your rabbit to learn is toilet training or house training. A rabbit can be trained to use a litter tray, and as rabbits are very clean animals naturally, toilet training comes easily. Use a litter tray with quite high sides, and a paper based litter or wood shavings (don't use cedar or pine wood shavings as there are possible health risks). Rabbits naturally choose their own toilet area, and will stick to this. If you place the litter tray where the rabbit has chosen, it will start to use the litter tray. Placing some of its droppings in the tray will help the rabbit get the idea of what it's for. After the rabbit gets used to the litter tray, you can gradually start to move it to where you want. Make sure that your rabbit can always get to it, if it can't, it won't use the litter tray!
Behaviour Training
Rabbits will also pick up certain commands or requests. For example, you can teach your rabbit to come to you when called. A rabbit will learn its name through repeated use, and often just calling the rabbits name will get their attention and they will come to you. At first, calling the name whilst offering a tasty treat will encourage your rabbit to respond, although after practising this for a while, you won't need the treats so much. Other things can be taught easily, as rabbits are very intelligent, and will work out what you mean if you are prepared to spend a little time practicing. All it takes is a little patience on your part - the rabbit will put in as much effort as you do.
