How to Train a Rabbit to Come When Called

Hello, fellow rabbit lovers! Today, we’re going to discuss something that is going to make your existence with bunnies so much easier: teaching your furry friend to come when called.

From personal experience, having spent years with rabbits, I can tell you it’s nothing impossible; it’s also pretty fun!

Getting Started: The Basics

Before we dive right into training, let’s outline some ground rules:

• Be patient: Rabbits are not dogs—they won’t learn in a day.

• Keep sessions short: 5-10 minutes at a time.

• Only positive reinforcement: Your best friend here is TREATS.

•  Choose a quiet spot: Start training in a no-phase area.

Picking the Perfect Call

First, you have to choose a call. It may be your rabbit’s name, a special word, or even some kind of whistle—just something consistent will do.

Mine comes when I call my rabbit’s name—Mango. You might find something else that works best with your bunny, though.

Treats

Now, here’s where the fun begins. Rabbits are smart cookies, and they learn fast if you give them food. So, pick a treat that really drives your rabbit nuts.

In my experience, small carrot or apple pieces do wonders. Just remember that treats should be given sparingly!

Step-by-Step Training

• Start Close: Sit near your rabbit and say their name or call.

• Treat Time: Whenever they look at you, give them a treat.

• Create Distance: Back away from your rabbit gradually.

• Add the Come Command: Once your rabbit is obeying the calling of their name, add a “come” command.

•  Practice, Practice, Practice: Go through this process in other rooms and various situations.

Remember that every rabbit is different. Mango picked it in pretty fast, but Tango and Rupa have both taken a little while longer.

So if right away your bunny doesn’t catch on to it, don’t get discouraged.

Making It Fun

Training shouldn’t be a chore for you or your rabbit. Make it fun! Hide behind furniture and call your rabbit, rewarding when he catches up to you. It’s hide and seek, bunny style!

Troubleshooting Tips

• Stubborn Bunnies: If he doesn’t seem to be coming try a different type of treat or a quieter environment with less going on.

• Distracted Rabbits Gradually add some distractions once your rabbit has really caught on to the skill.

• Scared Rabbits: If your rabbit seems nervous, then back up a step in the training process.

Real-Life Applications

By now, your rabbit knows how to come when called in a really controlled setting; it’s time to take it out into real life. Here are a few examples of how I use this skill with my bunnies:

1. Dinner time: I call Mango in for dinner veggies.

2. Playtime’s Over: A quick call spares me the hassle of running after them to get them back in their hutch.

3. Safety First: If I see something that could be dangerous, I immediately call them to me.

Keep in mind that even the best-trained rabbits have their ‘off’ days. Do not worry if they do not respond perfectly at all times or try doing what you want.

The Benefits of Bonding

Training is not just a matter of getting your rabbit to do what you want; it’s also bonding time. Since I started training Mango, he’s become so comfortable with me now that he sometimes even sleeps near me!

Keeping It Up

Now that your rabbit knows how to come when called, do not let them forget it. Make sure to practice this skill regularly and continue rewarding your bunny.

This keeps the behavior strong and your rabbit happy.

Final Thoughts

Patience and time—these are what you need to make your rabbit learn how to come when called.

Not only will it be useful for special purposes, but it’s also an excellent way to build trust with your furry friend.

Ready to get started training your bunny? Trust me, with a little patience and copious amounts of treats, you’ll have your rabbit hopping right to you in no time. Happy training!