Have you thought about teaching your rabbit new tricks?rabbits are trainable, but you may not know it.The mental and physical challenge of learning something new will be enjoyed by the intelligent and inquisitive animals.It will take some time and patience to teach your rabbit to jump over something, but he will benefit from the experience.
Step 1: A metal clicker is available for purchase.
Clicker training is a great way to train rabbits.When your rabbit has done the right thing, you will use the clicker to let you know.When used with positive reinforcement, the clicker is even more effective.Clickers can be found at your local store.The sound of the clicker is more consistent for rabbits.A click is a more immediate reward.You could use a pen as a clicker.
Step 2: Make a stick.
Some rabbits don't need a lure to jump over something, but other rabbits may need some motivation.A target stick is used for training rabbits.A jingle bell is tied to the end of a stick to make a target stick.The jingle bell and stick can be found 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.When he looks at the stick, click and give him a treat.This is done about 15 times.
Step 4: The stick should 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.Click and reward him when he moves his head to follow the stick.This is done 15 times.
Step 5: Reward your rabbit if he touches the stick.
The ultimate goal is for your rabbit to reach out and touch the sick target.He should give him six treats the first time he does it.Move the target stick farther away from his nose in order to challenge him after this first time.As you move the target 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.He will be taught to be patient before earning the reward.It's possible that your rabbit enjoys the challenge.
Step 6: Target training is practiced each day.
Your rabbit will be more comfortable with a target stick if you practice daily.Instead of doing one long training session, schedule several training sessions throughout the day: early morning, early evening, and late at night before your rabbit sleeps.Your rabbit will be hungry in the morning, which will make him more receptive to a food reward.A lot of repetition can make your rabbit get bored.If your rabbit starts to lose 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 stick, it's time to get to the fun part of the training.Think about where you're 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 would be too slippery.
Step 8: Pick an object that your rabbit can jump over.
To begin 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 that the item you choose is light enough for you to hold above the ground.Pick up a small object for your rabbit to jump over at 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 looks at the object.
Step 10: Close the object to the ground.
Although your rabbit can jump high, you can start training by holding the object low, about two inches above the floor.The height is high enough for 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 have 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 jump over an object.
Step 12: The object should be raised higher.
Try to raise the object higher off the ground.How high you hold 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 too high, your rabbit will not be able to jump over it and you will be at risk of injury.
Step 13: Your rabbit should be given a verbal cue.
The goal of training is for your rabbit to jump on command.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 softly the verbal cue.If you say the cue in a loud voice, your rabbit will run away from you.You should only say the cue once.You may need 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.
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 give him a reward.You should gradually use the stick less and less.
Step 15: Do you know how to challenge your rabbit?
You can also 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 you should phase out the treats eventually.
Step 16: Determine if your rabbit jumps.
Some rabbits are more dangerous than others.Large breed rabbits can hurt themselves when jumping.rabbits that are overweight or out of shape can hurt themselves when trying to jumpEnglish, French, and Americans rabbits are large breed.The bones and joints of younger rabbits are still being developed.They could get injured with too much jumping.Take your rabbit to the vet for a checkup before you teach him how to jump.Your doctor can tell you if your rabbit is good for jumping.
Step 17: Positive reinforcement can be used when training your rabbit.
Positive reinforcement is very effective for pet training.Positive reinforcement can be different for a rabbit and a dog.Because rabbits are not naturally obedient, they don't follow a leader like a dog would.Rabbits are not a pack animal and thus do not have an alpha rabbit.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 to him.If treats aren't appealing to your rabbit, give him other forms of reward, such as head scratches.
Step 18: Don't punish your animal.
Good behavior should be rewarded when training your rabbit.Don't shout at or physically punish your rabbit.He will remember how you punished him if you do so.Punishing your rabbit can make him more aggressive.