Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko
Rabbits are playful animals. They have their unique way of playing; they have their own type of fun! Sometimes, owners are stressed with their bunnies for their bad behaviors. Rabbits are indeed cute and fluffy pets that you wouldn't think of them as bad bunnies.
When you look at them loafing or sleeping peacefully, you wouldn't think they can do naughty things and unexpectedly chew or ruin something.
We know the feeling that you can't get mad even though your shoes are chewed, couches smell like pee, and curtains have holes because they act too cute. We get that! We're here to help you improve your rabbit's bad behavior.
Why Do Rabbits Have Bad Behavior?
Rabbits have bad behaviors because of fear caused by unsafe places and neglect. They will not do these bad things if only they are properly nourished. If a rabbit has bad behavior at a young age, it could still be changed and improved when an owner cares and has the time to do it, even if it takes longer.
Rabbits' Bad Behavior: 5 Ways to Improve It
Here are ways to improve your bunny's bad behavior. Remember to do these with patience.
1. Use Positive Reinforcement
Because of lack of attention, there are good things that your rabbit is doing, but you didn't see it because you've been busy. All you see is the bad behaviors it does. You should also see the positive things it does.
Reward your rabbit so it can associate treats with something good. Rabbits are intelligent animals to understand you are praising them but remember to use a gentle voice while you give them treats.
2. Potty-training
Bad behaviors include urinating anywhere. It's natural for rabbits to mark their territories by peeing, but it could be worse if they're not litter-trained. To improve this bad behavior, you should train your bunny to use a litter box to avoid urine in the corners of the house.
3. Mental Stimulation
Create games that would keep your rabbit entertained. You can make puzzles or mazes with treats to keep them excited. If your rabbit has fun games like these, its attention will divert to playing games rather than doing bad things. Fun games lessen destructive behavior.
4. Bond With Your Bunny
Make your bunny feel you can see what it's doing, either good or bad. If you bond with your bunny, you will be able to see the behaviors that need improvement. This is also the best time to see the good it does and give the reward it deserves.
5. Check the Essentials
Bunnies show destructive behavior when they want to communicate something. Check the hay feeder if your bunny destroys things because it may tell you it's running out of hay. Your bunny might want to tell you that the hay or the water must be refiled.
Disclaimer: We are not professional veterinarians or medical doctors. We created this blog based on our experiences with pet rabbits, volunteered hours in the rabbit shelter, extensive pet product research, and experienced peers. The purpose of this blog is to provide information about properly taking care of rabbits. Please know that it is still best to visit the vet regularly. For medical emergencies, contact a rabbit-savvy vet. Always observe your rabbits around new products or environmental changes.
Final Thoughts on Ways to Improve Rabbits Bad Behavior
Rabbits have strong associative skills. We put positive reinforcement at number one to emphasize that you could improve a rabbit's bad behavior when given the reward at the right moment and situation.
It's not yet too late to develop good habits when you have patience in teaching your bunny.
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