Tricky Rabbits

The purpose of this website is to provide information to pet rabbit owners on trick training and clicker training of domestic rabbits. This page is currently under construction, and will contain information on recommended tricks, what to use for treats, training tips and so on. Here are some links to information to help get you started while more rabbit specific articles are written.

This article was written by Heidi Greer specifically about training rabbits. It was published in the March 2001 newsletter of B.U.N.S. (Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter).

I wrote an article for B.U.N.S. which was published in the June 2002 newsletter [plain text version]. That newsletter also has an article on the sport of Rabbit Hopping.

You can search on the web for more info on clicker training in general (Google is your friend). You may find sites on clicker training birds to be more easily translated into clicker training rabbits.

This site shows you what a clicker looks like and gives the basics.
http://community-2.webtv.net/@HH!7C!43!A8DCB5F36F99/Lincomacaws/GS/

This is for dogs, but gives basic elements of the procedure from start to finish.
http://www.wagntrain.com/OC/GetStarted.htm

A book by Karen Pryor, "Don't Shoot the Dog" is worthwhile reading even for people who don't have furry companions. I highly recommend it. Available in many libraries. Despite the name, it's not about dog training, but animal behavior modification. This includes human behavior modification; your own or others.
http://www.clickertraining.com/

You don't need to buy anything to start, not even a clicker. The clicker is an indicator which means, "yes, that's it, you're doing the right thing at this exact moment". You can use a dog leash clip to click. Or click a ballpoint pen. Or say "good". Note, that's not "goooood buuunnnnyyy", but a very short "good". If you are in the habit of saying "good" frequently, pick something else. I click my tongue. You can also make a "tck" sound, commonly heard as "tck, tck, giddyup horsie".

The rewards are great for both me and my companion rabbits. I get a close-up realtime nature show, learn about animal behavior, and improve my training skills. The girls enjoy the game, expand their minds with new concepts, gain increased self-esteem, and get treats.

I'd love to hear from anyone else who has tried trick training of any sort, or clicker training for behavior problems with rabbits. Promotion of this activity might help rescue thousands of rabbits from dull, boring lives in cages. Anyone with ideas along these lines, possibly working with the House Rabbit Society, doing demos, or whatever, please get in touch.

Lissa