Rabbit aggression: good rabbits gone Rabbitzilla
Rabbits are too cute to be real. Furry little adorable beasties, with soul-searching eyes and tails that just make us squeeeee. What is cuter than a binky? Nothing, that’s what. Nothing.
So what do we do when we run across an aggressive rabbit? What does an aggressive rabbit even look like? Why is this rabbit acting like this? Can we help this rabbit get back to being a happy, friendly bun?
photo credit: trinity transamedia
Let’s address that last question first: yes, you CAN help an aggressive rabbit overcome the behavior. No rabbit is born a monster. An aggressive rabbit has learned to be aggressive in certain situations, or has ended up using aggression to get her point across because nothing else is working.
Working through aggression issues can lead to an incredibly rewarding relationship with your rabbit. As you learn to understand their “thought” process and body language, and work with them to establish trust and rules, you may end up being closer to your rabbit than people who never have to pay such close attention!
Aggression happens when a rabbit is frightened or feels threatened. The aggression may be directed towards humans, other rabbits, other animals (cats, dogs, birds, etc.), or even objects (vacuum cleaners, toys that make noise, any number of things). Aggression is far more common and harder to overcome with rabbits who are “intact” – not spayed or neutered.
Overcoming aggression is not an overnight thing. It can take a week or more to see the first hints of progress, but don’t despair. Once on the right road, you will see improvements come faster and faster. There may be a few setbacks, or plateaus. Keep at it. It gets easier and easier.
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER HIT YOUR RABBIT. Don’t even thwack or tap them on the nose. Nothing at all like that. Don’t smack them with newspapers or towel rolls. Never use a foot to kick away a rabbit who is biting your ankles. This will make the problem SO SO VERY MUCH WORSE. Remember, aggression comes from fear or a feeling of being threatened. You and your whole body must remain affectionate and friendly at all times. Seriously. This can’t be emphasized enough. Wear boots, or gloves, or both if you must. Negative training does not work on rabbits, and will feed the problem.
Next we’ll break down aggressive behavior, and take a look at each component.
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