How To

How to teach your rabbit to follow a target

By Isaiah, eHow Editor
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Rabbits are naturally curious creatures, so getting one to follow a target is very easy. As usual, the key is persistence and positive reinforcement. Gradually you will be able to get the bunny to spin in a circle, follow you into another room and even go back into his hutch by using the target.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Sit near the rabbit.

  2. Step 2

    Hold a target in front of the bunny. A short dowel with a small rubber bouncy ball (the kind you can get out of quarter machines) glued to the end of it works well.

  3. Step 3

    If the rabbit looks at the target, give him a treat and some praise.

  4. Step 4

    If he doesn't look at the target, shake it around a bit until he notices it. Then give him a treat and some praise.

  5. Step 5

    Repeat this several times, teaching him to associate paying attention to the target with receiving a treat.

  6. Step 6

    As you proceed, begin to withhold the treat until the rabbit approaches or touches the object.

  7. Step 7

    Try moving further away, while moving the target around.

  8. Step 8

    Once you train the rabbit, you do not need to give him a treat every time. Remember to reward him sometimes, however, or else the rabbit may stop following the target.

Tips & Warnings
  • Some rabbits take a lot of repetition to learn a trick. Do this one at least several times a day until yours learns it.

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