Nine tips for earning a rabbit's trust by understanding their behavior and respecting their space. The video covers how to build a calm, positive relationship with rabbits through patient, consistent interaction.
Foreign rabbits are naturally wary and fearful animals, so you should know that the relationship with your rabbit needs to be built little by little, with patience and a lot of tact. In this video from Animal Expert, we give you nine key tips to gain your rabbit's trust, pay attention and take note. 1. Get to know your rabbit. Rabbits are mammals used to being prey, so they interpret any larger being as a possible predator. This means that your main task is to make them understand that you are not. The first step to starting the relationship on the right foot is to know what things intimidate or unsettle them. If a rabbit is scared, they will try to hide and may even be a little aggressive. This means that something you have done has indicated to them that you are a danger to them, so it is best to AVO. 2. Let them get to know their space. If they have just arrived home, you should let them identify their new surroundings and feel safe with them. Let your pet roam freely in different areas of the house, always under your supervision. Be especially careful with cables, as chewing on them can cause an electric shock. We recommend that you make the area a safe zone for your pet before letting them go. Let them sniff everything they want, nibble and jump around and explore every nook and cranny. When you accompany them on this journey, remain attentive but slightly distant so as not to scare them, and allow them to explore calmly without feeling threatened. If this is your first time with a rabbit, don't forget to watch the video included in the card where we explain all the care they need. 3. Give them their space. Respecting their space is another key point in your relationship. If at any time they don't feel like playing with you or being petted, understand that. Let your pet be at their own level without overwhelming them with too much attention. 4 Put yourself at their level. Literally. When you spend time with your rabbit, sit or lie down on the floor. This way your height and figure won't seem so intimidating. Five Give him time. Watch what he does and let him approach you when he's ready. Don't pressure him. One false move can cause any progress you've made in gaining his trust to disappear. 6. Have treats on hand. Keep a tasty rabbit pellet nearby that you can offer him if he's too shy. When he approaches to try the treat, pet him gently without startling him. This will serve as positive reinforcement and you'll gradually get him to associate your presence with pleasant situations. 7 Don't pick him up. Rabbits hate to be picked up. It makes them feel very insecure so try not to pick him up unless absolutely necessary. 8 Use a soft tone of voice. Always use a soft, calm tone of voice when talking to him. Avoid yelling or making loud noises at all costs. You should always try to convey calm and relaxation. 9 what you should never do. There are some things you should avoid if you want your little friend to be afraid of you. To begin with, it is important that you never approach him from behind or by surprise. This will only scare him. Also, do not yell at him or play chase as he will feel like you are a predator and will stop trusting you. If he is nervous, do not try to touch his face, nose or chin as he will bite you and interpret it as a sign of dominance on your part. Likewise, if you try to take him out of his cage and you notice that he is nervous and does not want to go, it is best to wait until he calms down. On the other hand, it is essential that you do not force spaces for affection. Let him come to you when he feels comfortable. You should also not pick him up without protection. It is preferable to place a towel on your lap and the rabbit on top of it. This way you will prevent him from jumping or slipping from your hands. Finally, don't miss the video we left you up here in which we explain the signs that indicate your rabbit loves you. Tell us, do you think you're earning your rabbit's trust? Until next time experiment.
