How to litter train your rabbit

If you have a new rabbit in the house that you would like to let free range, you'll find that things are going to be much easier for you if your rabbit is litter trained! When we think about litter training, we often only think about dogs or cats, but the truth is that rabbits are naturally tidy animals that can be trained to use a litter box quite easily. Check out a few tips to get you started.

The first thing that you should consider is neutering or spaying your rabbit. Especially as they grow to adulthood, rabbits are going to be prone to urinating and defecating to mark their territory, and you'll find that spaying or neutering can address this. Furthermore, rabbits that have been spayed or neutered will tend to be less aggressive than those who have not, and this can be another concern.

When you first bring your rabbit home, keep him confined in his cage with a litter box. This will let him get used to his surroundings and it will be very helpful when you are looking to observe his habits. Check to see if he is using his letter box... If he is not, figure out what corner of the cage he is using and move the litter box there. While they do not have an instinctive scratch reaction like cats do, they will tend to gravitate towards the designated area after a while. To encourage this, you may want to leave toy tied to the cage in that area.

When you feel that the rabbit is ready, bring him outside of the cage, but don't let him free range right away. This is something that he needs to work on, so you should keep things restrained for a while. Use obstacles or baby gates to build a small run for him, and let him get used to the larger space. Bring the litter box out with him, and chances are good that will gravitate towards it as something familiar. If you notice that he is backing up with his tail erect, this is the time to push him towards the litter box.

Whenever your rabbit has used the litter box correctly, praise him and considering rewarding him with a treat. Rabbits are able to connect cause and effect and if you can instill in them the idea that using the litter box is positive thing, they will grow accustomed to using it. On the other hand, remember that rabbits have very short memories. You can direct your rabbit towards the pan if catch him the act of making a mistake, but it does no good to be angry with him after the fact. If you are angry or scold him when he is not sure what he has done wrong, you are going to make him more stressed out and jumpy.

Take some time to teach your rabbit proper manners. It is entirely possible to litter box train your rabbit and it can give him many more opportunities to come out and play. All it takes is time, patience and understanding!