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14 Aug 2014
Clicker Training Your Rabbit
Posted By : Guest Filed Under : Rabbits
Clicker training your rabbits happens the same way it does for dogs and other animals. It is simply a matter of getting your rabbit to associate the clicker with a treat. From this point, it is possible to introduce the cue for a desired action (such as “come”, or “stand”) before clicking; this enables your rabbit to discern key words and the actions that go with them.



To begin with clicker training, you will need to have a supply of fresh, tasty treats available along with your clicker. With your rabbit nearby, make noise with the clicker, and then wait just a second, so the sound has a chance to register. Then, reward your rabbit with a treat. Wait until the treat is gone and repeat the action.

Once your bunny associates the click with a treat, you can be more discerning about how and when you offer it. If, for example, you want to get your rabbit to come on command, you should wait for your rabbit to approach. When she does, click and reward. Then, move to another area of the rabbit run, or room, and repeat. Once a bunny learns that hopping to their person earns a click and treat, you can start using the word “come” just before your bunny begins to do just that. With enough practice, your bunny will come when you call.

A Few Tips for Clicker Training

As with any animal training, you should ensure that your rabbit is in good health before you begin training sessions. A bunny with sore teeth or a rumbly tummy will not be able to focus on the task at hand. Additionally, you should:
  • Work in a quiet area so that your rabbit does not become confused by other noises. And, you should avoid speaking until it’s time for verbal cues.
  • Note that the clickers used for dog training are often too loud for rabbits. Use a retractable pen, your fingers, or the tsk of your tongue.
  • Remember that not all rabbits like the same treats. Work with the one that each rabbit likes best. Also, these should be bite-sized nibbles; not meal sized portions.
  • Keep in mind that just like humans, all rabbits learn at different speeds. You may have one rabbit in your warren that learns faster or slower than the others.
Top Tips to Take Away:
  • Rabbits can be clicker trained to elicit the behaviours that you want, as long as you are patient throughout the process.
  • Remember that clicker training is a progression of small steps. If you try to work too fast, your bunny will become confused.
  • The clicker should never lie. Never make the mistake of clicking without a reward or you will need to start from the beginning.
  • All bunnies are individuals. They will learn at different speeds and may prefer different treats.
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