How to Train Your Rabbit

Rabbits are incredibly intelligent creatures. Many teach themselves to use a litter box; others need a bit of guidance. Most rabbits learn after just a short period of repetition to understand certain words, phrases, or commands. Don't expect them to obey you every time, however, because their intelligence also propels them to make their own decisions. Many's the time I've felt I could see them considering a decision only to reject it. Rabbits are fiercely independent creatures.

1. Step 1

   Always use positive feedback; praise your rabbit. Do not criticize, scold, or hit; this will only serve to alienate your rabbit.

2. Step 2

   Speak softly and gently to your rabbit to induce him to listen to you.

3. Step 3

   Use repetition. For example, when you want to litter box train your rabbit, you might say the following while letting the rabbit smell the contents of the litter box: 'Do pebbles, Smokey. Do pebbles.' Or 'Do puddle, Smokey. Do puddle.'

4. Step 4

   Don't force your rabbit to do something. Just guide him and let him go, if he resists or tries to hop away.

5. Step 5

   Spend at least an hour or two each day for one or two weeks working on the new behavior with your rabbit.

6. Step 6

   Remember that rabbits are rabbits. They are not cats or dogs or any other animal, so they will not act like any other animal. They will only manifest rabbit behavior.