How do you discipline a pet rabbit?

Here are some tips for what you can do to discipline your rabbit:
  1. Voice Training. When your bun does something he shouldn't be, use his name and say 'NO', firmly and sternly. ...
  2. Nose down. Take your index finger and firmly but gently push his nose down toward the floor while saying 'Oliver, NO'. ...
  3. Time out. ...
  4. Water. ...
  5. Squeal.
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How do you fix bad rabbit behavior?

Accept Certain Behaviors and Refocus Habits

As rabbits appreciate having something to chew on, support them by offering plenty of options. Your rabbit may have a favorite toy, for example, so offer the toy for them to nibble on rather than allowing them to chew something you don't wish to see damaged.
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How do you establish dominance over a rabbit?

To make sure you're not getting in the way of your rabbit's coexisting relationship:
  1. Pay attention to the pecking order. Give the dominant rabbit their treats first and give them their first choice of toys. ...
  2. Give the dominant rabbit enough attention. ...
  3. Don't prevent dominance rituals.
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How do I control my pet rabbit?

Hold rabbits gently but firmly - ensure one hand supports their back and hindquarters at all times. Help them feel secure by holding all four feet against your body. Never pick rabbits up by their ears - this would be extremely stressful and is highly likely to injure them.
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Can I hit my rabbit?

You must NEVER hit a rabbit. Some people try to “teach” their bunnies not to bite by swatting their noses or even hitting them with newspapers. This will only aggravate the problem tenfold. Your hands MUST be seen as only a source of affection, bringing hay and food, and petting/love.
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Get Your Rabbit to Stop Chewing Up Your House (and other disciplining techniques!)



How do you scold a rabbit?

Here are some tips for what you can do to discipline your rabbit:
  1. Voice Training. When your bun does something he shouldn't be, use his name and say 'NO', firmly and sternly. ...
  2. Nose down. Take your index finger and firmly but gently push his nose down toward the floor while saying 'Oliver, NO'. ...
  3. Time out. ...
  4. Water. ...
  5. Squeal.
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How do you know if your bunny is mad at you?

Rabbits will try to make themselves look larger and more threatening by sitting up on their back legs and raising their front paws in a 'boxing' motion. Other signs of an angry rabbit include ears that are pointed upwards and facing outwards, bared teeth and making threatening noises such as growling.
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What should you not do with a rabbit?

Here are the top 9 mistakes new rabbit owners make - and how to avoid them.
  • Keeping your rabbit outside. ...
  • Buying a rabbit for your children. ...
  • Trusting the pet store. ...
  • Locking your rabbit up. ...
  • Not spaying or neutering. ...
  • Bathing your rabbit. ...
  • Not paying attention. ...
  • Trying to cuddle.
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Can a rabbit bite your finger off?

Can a rabbit bite your finger off? Although highly unusual, it is technically possible for your bunny to bite your finger off. Studies show that a rabbit's average bite is around 70 Newtons in force, approximately a third of an average dog bite.
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Why has my rabbit started attacking me?

The most common reason a rabbit will attack a person is because they are afraid. While a rabbit's first instinct will be to run away and hide from anything that scares them, they can easily become aggressive and attack if they feel cornered.
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Why did my rabbit bite me?

Generally, rabbits bite because they have a need to assert dominance, defend their food, or protect themselves from a predator. A dominant rabbit may bite an owner for no apparent reason. Indoor rabbits may suddenly nip at their owner's hands and/or feet when they move too close to the rabbit's territory.
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Do rabbits hold grudges?

Depending on the severity of the offence, a rabbit can hold a grudge from hours to several days. Sometimes, a simple stroke on the forehead or an apologetic treat can remedy a miffed bunny, but if your rabbit is truly offended, they can sulk for quite some time!
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How do you know if your rabbit is unhappy?

The signs of an unhappy rabbit
  1. Chewing cage bars, if they're kept in a hutch.
  2. Pulling at their fur and over-grooming - or not grooming at all.
  3. A change in feeding or toilet habits.
  4. Drinking a lot more.
  5. Repeated circling or pacing up and down.
  6. Biting and destructive behaviours.
  7. A lack of energy and curiosity.
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What does hitting a rabbit mean?

obsolete slang To receive a positive result on a pregnancy test. (From an early pregnancy test developed in 1931 in which the urine of a woman thought to be pregnant was injected into a female rabbit; if the woman was pregnant, the rabbit's ovaries would react.
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Why is my rabbit aggressive?

Rabbits can display aggressive behaviour towards their owners or perhaps companions during the spring – the rabbits' natural breeding season. This aggression is hormonal and indicates a normal desire to defend their territory and ward off any rivals.
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How long should a bunny be in its cage?

To keep your rabbit happy and healthy, let it out of its cage at least once a day, giving it time to roam. Though at least one hour is necessary, aim closer to three or four. As a rule, never keep your rabbit cooped up for 24 hours at a time.
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Do rabbits get attached to their owners?

Rabbits are very social creatures that form strong bonds. As such, rabbits may form a strong attachment with its primary caregiver, which can be interpreted as the rabbit having a favorite person.
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Should I lock my rabbit up at night?

Bunnies are often active long after humans retire for the night. This means they need to feel safe and secure. Leaving a rabbit to run free overnight is a bad idea for the following reasons: Rabbits chew everything in sight.
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Is it cruel to keep a rabbit in a cage?

In a small hutch her body fills the whole living area. She certainly can't stretch and run freely, and there is nothing in here to keep her occupied. In reality, all she can do is sit. Rabbits need to run, jump, stretch up, dig and forage – it's cruel to keep a rabbit alone and in a hutch.
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How do I get my rabbit to stop pooping everywhere?

The best way to prevent your rabbit from pooping everywhere is to get them spayed or neutered. This will reduce the territorial instincts that cause the rabbit to scatter their droppings. You should also make sure they have a welcoming and easy-to-reach litter box available at all times.
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Can you keep a rabbit in your bedroom?

Yes a rabbit can live happily in a bedroom size area. I know several devoted rabbit parents that have bunnies living in bedrooms. If the room is carpeted they can get traction to run REALLY! fast, they will have room to jump and stretch, they will (usually) jump up on the bed.
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How do rabbits Apologise?

Rabbits apologize by touching heads. Bonded rabbits rarely fight, but it can sometimes happen. If the rabbits groom each other after touching heads, then the apology has been officially accepted. Rabbits are usually keen to make amends, but can be stubborn about doing so.
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Do bunnies thump when they are mad?

Rabbits will also stomp for attention, or as an expression of anger and annoyance. Your rabbit is trying to let you know something important to you. If you don't take action, they'll keep on thumping their feet until you do. This can cause stress or injury to your pet.
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Why does my bunny bite me when I pet her?

The most common reason is that they are guarding their territory especially if your rabbit is caged most of the time and is not desexed. Thus, there are four simple solutions to help reduce biting if this is the cause: Ensure your rabbit is desexed, whether male or female – find an experienced rabbit vet to do this.
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