We've learned about how rabbit aggression escalates, and what may trigger these unwanted behaviors.  How do we turn that bad behavior around?

There are 3 over-riding rules to modifying rabbit aggression:

1. Meet everything your rabbit does with affection and friendliness

2. Use no negative reinforcement

3. Don’t let the aggressive behavior chase you away

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One of the most important things you can do to start building a trust relationship with your rabbit is to stop picking them up. Yes, they are so darn cute, and our instinct as humans is to pick them up and snuggle them. Just because we can doesn’t mean we should. Think of how big and strong we are in comparison…and think of how helpless they are in our hands. Consider how much trust they must have before they can relax in to that kind of situation! Sit on the floor and give your rabbit the gift of choice. Allow them to come to you, climb up on you, by choice.

Respect their language. Pay attention to their signals. Understand what may be scary or upsetting.

If your rabbit goes for your hand:

Your rabbit must learn that your hands are bringing good things, so your hands must always bring good things. In other words, your hands cannot bring a toy you have identified as scary into the play area. Your hands cannot bring the scent of a dog, if you suspect your rabbit is afraid of dogs.

Your rabbit must also learn that biting will not chase your hand away. Wear some thick protective gloves and when your rabbit charges, do not move away. While your rabbit is trying to bite your hand, stay still. When possible, use that gloved hand to gently stroke your rabbit’s head and forehead. Say soothing loving things.

When your rabbit calls off the attack for moment, give him so high value treats with that gloved hand.

If your rabbit bites your ankles/legs:

Your rabbit must learn that your feet and legs will never kick out or do harm, and that biting is not a way to get you out of the area.

Put on some boots. Move slowly. Allow your rabbit to do her worst, all the while saying soothing, friendly things. Do not move away. Move in…move closer. With a gloved hand, reach down and stroke your rabbit’s head and forehead. (Even if your rabbit does not typically go after your hand, in this situation gloves are a good idea – your rabbit is in aggression mode and may lash out without noticing whether the target is a hand or foot.)

When your rabbit calls off the attack and gives in, even for a moment, use that gloved hand to feed a high value treat.

If your rabbit chases you away:

Well, you get the idea. Put on your gear and have at it. Treat for any small success.

If your rabbit lunges and nips when you are trying to clean the ex-pen and litter box:

Rabbits are very territorial critters, and also big on things not ever changing. They want things where they want them, and they don’t like any decorating advice. Make sure when you clean their area that everything goes back just the way it was, exactly as your rabbit likes it. Rabbits have a great sense of smell, so avoid any bedding that has been laundered with a scented detergent and might smell foreign to them. Use only unscented litters. Just by respecting their space, some rabbits will learn that cleaning time isn’t a big deal.

If you are physically able to stand during the entire process, then put on those boots and gloves and have at it. Don’t swat your upset rabbit away – hold your ground and allow her to do her thing. She can have her tantrum, you aren’t going to stop. Say nice friendly things. When she gives up, she gets a yummy from your gloved hand.

If you are unable to stand during the entire process, then is best to let your rabbit out to play, go in to the ex-pen, close the door, and do your cleaning. If you have to crouch or kneel, you open up unprotected leg area and you may end up injured. When you are done, your rabbit gets a treat, to show that good things happen when it is cleaning time.

If you are more experienced with positive reinforcement training, or even clicker training, these situations can be broken down even further. Rabbits are stars at clicker training!

You and your rabbit can grow together and become best friends. If you need additional help, reach out to your local animal shelter or rescue for a positive reinforcement trainer.

We wish you and your Bunzilla all the best in growing closer.