How to Introduce Your Rabbit to People

Rabbits are very sociable creatures. They enjoy interacting with their human companions once they learn to trust them (see the Bond With Your Rabbit eHow). Their social nature makes most rabbits happiest when they have a rabbit companion or another companion. (see Choose a Rabbit Companion for Your Rabbit.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Coach the people before they meet your rabbit, so they know not to touch your rabbit, until you give permission to do so.

2. Make sure that visitors keep their voices at a regular speaking decibel or lower, so they won't hurt your rabbit's sensitive hears with all the noise.

3. Ask visitors to approach your rabbit in the same manner you have taught him to accept from you.

4. Hold your rabbit the first few times your visitors approach to make sure your rabbit knows he's safe.

5. Do not ever leave your rabbit alone with a houseguest because your rabbit may panic and bite or scratch when he thinks he's alone with a stranger.

6. Supervise all interactions between your rabbit and any visitors to make sure your rabbit remains calm.

7. If your rabbit panics at any time, stop the introductions and return your rabbit to his room or play area, so he can romp about undisturbed.

Tips & Warnings

• Go slowly with the introductions and stop them completely, if you rabbit becomes agitated at any time.
• Rabbits are intuititve like children. Sometimes they decided they just don't like somebody. If this should happen to your rabbit, trust his instincts and separate him from the visitors before he harms both your visitor and you.

on 9/16/2006 Rabbits do nip as part of communication. They often don't realize that they are nipping too hard. To get along with a rabbit, it should think that you are just another rabbit. If your rabbits nips you too hard, let out a short, high 'eek!'. It will startle him a bit, make him realize that he was too rough, and make him further believe that you are just another bunny friend to play gently with.

on 6/30/2006 When your bunny nips, don't tap her on the head, just put her in her cage and don't bother her.

on 11/22/2005 Many people don't know that rabbits have a blind spot directly in front of their face. Most rabbits approached head on will be startled and afraid, and will growl and lunge at even their owners. Always approach a bunny slowly from the top or side of their head, and talk as you approach them so they know you are coming. Many bunnies get a bad rap for being mean or aggressive, but they simply can't see you coming.