Have you thought about teaching your rabbit new tricks?You might not know, but rabbits are trainable.The mental and physical challenge of learning something new is what they enjoy.It will take some time and patience to teach your rabbit to jump, but he will benefit from the experience.
Step 1: A metal clicker is available for purchase.
Clicker training is a popular way to train rabbits.When your rabbit has done the right thing, you will use the clicker to let you know.Positive reinforcement combined with the clicker is even more effective.Clickers can be found at your local pet store.The sound of the clicker is more consistent for rabbits than it is for humans.A click is an immediate reward.A pen could be used as a clicker.
Step 2: Make a stick.
Some rabbits do not need a lure to jump over something.A target stick is a popular training tool.A jingle bell is tied to the end of a stick.You can find the jingle bell and stick at your local home decoration store.The stick is used to lure your rabbit into doing something.
Step 3: In front of your rabbit's nose, hold the target stick.
Before you can start training your rabbit to jump, you need to teach him how to follow the stick.Hold the stick in front of his nose with a few treats in one hand.Click and give him a treat when he looks at the stick.About 15 times.
Step 4: The stick needs to be moved in different directions.
When your rabbit pays attention to the stick when you hold it in front of his nose, it's time to move it around in different directions.When he moves his head to follow the stick, click and reward him.This is done 15 times.
Step 5: Reward your rabbit if he touches the stick.
For your rabbit to reach out and touch the sick target is the ultimate goal of target training.He should give him six treats the first time he does this.Move the target stick farther away from his nose to challenge him after this first time.As you move the stick further away, your rabbit should try to touch it.If he does not follow, shorten your distance and try again.Do not click immediately after he touches the stick.Wait for a second or two.This will teach him to be patient.It is possible that your rabbit enjoys the challenge.
Step 6: Target training can be practiced each day.
Your rabbit will be more comfortable with the target stick if you practice daily.Rather than doing one long training session, schedule several training sessions throughout the day: early morning, early evening, and late at night before your rabbit's bed.Your rabbit will be hungry in the morning, which will make him more receptive to a food reward.A lot of repetition can get your rabbit bored.If your rabbit loses interest, end the training session and work with him again later in the day or the next day.
Step 7: The rabbit is being trained on a non-slip surface.
After your rabbit knows how to follow a target stick, it's time to get to the fun part of the training.Think about where you are going to train him.Pick an area of your home where the floor is not slippery, as a slippery surface could cause your rabbit to lose his footing and hurt himself when he lands.There is a carpeted area in your home.The tiles on the floors are too slippery.
Step 8: Pick an object for your rabbit to jump over.
To begin the training, you should choose something that your rabbit can easily jump over, such as a pole.He could be trained to jump over a basket or a hula hoop.Make sure the item you choose is light enough for you to hold above the ground.If you want your rabbit to jump over something, you should visit your local pet store.
Step 9: Allow your rabbit to sniff.
Before you start training your rabbit, give him some time to investigate the object you want him to jump.Getting your rabbit to jump over an object may be easier if he is used to it.Allowing him to run around will let him release some of his energy.He should not be rushed while he investigates the object.
Step 10: The object should be kept close to the ground.
Although your rabbit can jump high, you can start training by holding the object low.This height will allow your rabbit to jump over the object, but not so high that he will have trouble doing so.
Step 11: To jump over the object, use the target stick.
A short distance from your rabbit's nose is how to hold the target stick.When he jumps to follow the target, click immediately when he clears the top of the object.You don't need to use the target stick to jump over the object with your rabbit.Click when he is at the height of his jump.Reward him with positive reinforcement after you use the clicker if he jumps with or without the target stick.Pick up your rabbit and place him in front of the object again if he runs away from it.If your rabbit doesn't understand that he is supposed to stay in front of the object and jump over it, you may need to do this a few times.Continue practicing until your rabbit can consistently jump over an object.
Step 12: The object should be raised.
The object should be raised higher off the ground.The object is up to you.Continue using the target stick to lure your rabbit.When your rabbit clears the object, click and reward him.If you hold the object so high that your rabbit can't jump over it, you risk injury.
Step 13: Your rabbit should be given a verbal cue.
To jump on command without using the target stick is the goal of training.Say the command clearly and confidently, show your rabbit the target stick, and click and reward him immediately when he jumps over the object.Say the cue softly.Your rabbit may run away from you if you say the cue in a loud voice.You should only say the cue once.You may have to say the command several times before your rabbit understands what it means.If you have to say the cue multiple times, make sure your voice doesn't sound threatening or emotional.
Step 14: Don't use the target stick.
Say the command without showing your rabbit the stick.When he jumps over the object, click and reward him.Slowly use the stick less and less until you don't use it at all.
Step 15: Do you have a rabbit?
You can challenge your rabbit by moving him further away from the jump by raising the object higher off the ground.Click and reward him immediately when he jumps over the object if he is further away.You don't want your rabbit to become overweight while you teach him to jump, so eventually you should phase out the treats.
Step 16: Determine if your rabbit is going to jump.
Some rabbits are more dangerous than others.Large breed rabbits can hurt themselves when jumping.rabbits that are overweight or out of shape could hurt themselves when trying to jumpEnglish, French, and Americans rabbits are large breed.The bones and joints of younger rabbits are still developing.They could hurt themselves with too much jumping.Take your rabbit to the vet for a checkup before you teach him to jump.Your vet can tell you if your rabbit is good for jumping.
Step 17: Positive reinforcement can be used to train your rabbit.
Positive reinforcement is very effective for pet training.Positive reinforcement can be different for a rabbit and a dog.rabbits are not naturally obedient, so they don't follow a leader like a dog would.Although rabbits are social, they are not a pack animal.A rabbit is not likely to see you and respond to you as his alpha.If your rabbit is hungry, treats may not be very attractive.If your rabbit doesn't like treats, give him other forms of reward, such as head scratches.
Step 18: Don't punish your rabbit.
Good behavior should be rewarded when training your rabbit.Don't physically punish your rabbit.He will remember how you punished him if you do so.Punishing your rabbit can make him more aggressive and fearful.