Comment réapprivoiser son lapin
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WHAT CAN I DO IF MY RABBIT IS ALREADY AGGRESSIVE?
The first thing is to try to find out why your rabbit is being aggressive. If your rabbit is showing aggression towards you when you try to pick him up, and you think this is due to fear or nervousness, you will need to introduce a gentle programme designed to teach your rabbit that you are not a threat:
- Stop trying to stroke or pick up your rabbit for a period of two weeks. In that time start to hand feed your rabbit treats and speak calmly to him.
- If your rabbit is now more relaxed, start to stoke him whilst he is eating the treat.
- If your rabbit will take a treat but won't let you stroke him, you may have to spend longer on the first stage. If your rabbit tries to bite you when you stroke him then replace your hand with a long handled brush so that the rabbit bites that instead. When the rabbit bites the brush, stop touching the rabbit until it goes back to the treat and then repeat.
- Once your rabbit will accept stroking (by hand or brush) increase the time and the areas that are being touched. If you are using a brush, try to introduce your hand (this may take several days)
- You are now ready to start picking your rabbit up. This should also be introduced in daily stages using treats at each level i.e. initially your rabbit can be scooped onto your lap to eat his treat.
Never use punishment as a training method. In most cases of aggression, the problem worsens as soon as the owner tries to reprimand the rabbit, as the owner appears ene more threatening.
Most forms of aggression can be improved by giving a rabbit more space, daily exercise and access to a stimulating environment with lots of toys and areas to climb on or hide under. More information is available in the RWF leaflet "Rabbits need SECS".
If this information sheet hasn't helped, contact the RWA National Helpline on 0870 046 5249, or visit our website www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk. Your veterinary surgeon can refer you to a member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors who will be able to offer advice once they have seen your rabbit(s).
This leaflet is brought to you by the Rabbit Welfare Fund - the charitable wing of the Rabbit Welfare Association. If you love rabbits, please consider supporting the Rabbit Welfare Fund. You can make a donation, or you may like to join the RWA. As well as fund-raising activities, most RWA members kindly make a small donation to the RWF in addition to their annual RWA membership fee. RWA members receive a fabulous quarterly magazine packed with health, behaviour and care advice to help you to build a wonderful relationship with your bunny - whether she/he lives indoors or out.
To contact the RWA/ Rabbit Welfare Fund:
Ring the RWA National Helpline on 0870 046 5249
Write to us at PO Box 603,
Horsham, West Sussex RH13 SWL.
Log onto our websites
http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk
http://www.rabbitwelfarefund.co.uk
Contact the National Helpline to order bulk supplies of leaflets or send
SAE for single copies.
For sponsorship or advice on organising a fundraising event, please contact
Claire King
Because rabbits deserve better