Training a rabbit to do circles may sound odd, but it is not much different from training a dog to do circles. Teaching rabbits to do circles is not only cute but will also help them reach their full potential. Learn how to teach your rabbit interesting and complex behavior!
Steps
Part 1
Part 1 of 3:
Preparing to Train
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1Prepare rabbit-safe treats. The treats will work as a guide for the act of circling and for positive reinforcement.
- Treats for rabbits can be purchased online or at your local pet store.
- Fresh fruits can also be good as treats.
- Make sure to limit the number of treats you give to your rabbit, as too many treats can cause health issues.
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2Find or create a safe training environment.
- The rabbit will feel the safest where you and the rabbit spend most of the time together.
- Remove any obstacles that might distract the rabbit
- Make sure you are in a fairly quiet space, as rabbits are sensitive to loud, sudden noises.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:
Start the Training Process
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1Use a treat to grab the rabbit's attention. Use one treat at a time as a guide for the rabbit to follow.
- Hold the treat near the rabbit's nose and allow the rabbit to follow the treat around in a circle as you move your hand with the treat in a circle.
- As the rabbit follows the treat, say a command word such as "circle" or "spin."
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2Give the rabbit the treat that was in your hand as positive reinforcement.
- After the rabbit follows the treat, give positive reinforcement.
- You can also pet the rabbit for positive reinforcement; however, petting alone will be ineffective, as rabbits are food motivated.
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3Repeat grabbing the rabbit's attention and giving a treat as positive reinforcement, daily.
- Animals need constant training to learn complex behaviors.
- Try to stay consistent with the training, as it will help help the speed of learning a certain behavior.
- Patience is key to successful training.
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4Eliminate the use of treats to guide the rabbit after a few days of training with the treat.
- Use your hand to motion a circle without the treat; the rabbit should follow your hand.
- While moving your hand, remember to say the command word.
- Make sure to positively reinforce the rabbit with a treat after they have successfully circled without the treat.
- Continue this until the rabbit has perfected the skills.
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Tips
- To grab your rabbit's attention, try shaking the treat bag or lure them by putting the treat near their nose. Rabbits know the presence of food by the noise of the food bag and by scent.Thanks
- Use your rabbit's favorite treats.Thanks
- Pellets are a healthier option as a treat; they contain less sugar.Thanks
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Warnings
- Do not overfeed your rabbit as it can lead to health complications.Thanks
- Treats should not exceed 2% of the rabbit's daily diet; hay 70%, fortified food 20%, and 8% fresh greens.Thanks
- Make sure to look up if certain treats or fresh fruits are safe for consumption.Thanks
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