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Forum THE LOUNGE Tips for teaching tricks to your bunny!

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    • Barbie
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        Hi everyone! So I was inspired to start this thread by Jaymie from this thread https://binkybunny.com/FORUM/tabid/54/aff/3/aft/105180/afv/topic/afpgj/2/Default.aspx#150264

        I’ve been working with Leroy on a few things, and now he knows his name; comes to me when I whistle; knows the words “pellets,” “veggies,” “No” ; and does tricks when I say “spin,” “up,” and “walk.”  It’s really fun working with him on these tricks and it gives him some mental stimulation as well as physical activity.   I’m going to describe (in detail) how I did it with Leroy in case any of you want to try this with your bunnies! So a warning… this is going to be a long post




        NAME:

        The name just kinda happened.  I talk to him a lot and address him by his name.  Now when I say his name, even if he’s just loafing on the floor, he’ll perk his ears up and look at me, and sometimes run towards me   I’ve tested him by saying other things (to make sure he wasn’t responding to just my voice) and he doesn’t even look at me, so I’m pretty sure he responds to his name. 

        OTHER WORDS:

        As for the other words… well it helps that there’s food involved – he’s incredibly food driven (especially by the sweet stuff like apple pieces and crasins or pellets!).

        He knows that when I say something along the lines of “Do you want your pellets, Leroy? Let’s go get some pellets” to run to the bedroom where I keep his food.  (He also comes running when I rattle the food container).  It’s not because he’s on an internal clock because I don’t have much of a schedule, I just give him pellets in the morning and evening and then veggies right before bed… so every day meal time varies by an hour or two.  Also, usually when I ask him if he wants his pellets, I’ll be sitting on the couch or in the kitchen or at my desk, so it’s not like I’m moving toward the bedroom and he’s following me to beg for pellets. 

        He knows the word “veggies” too (taught the same way that I taught him “pellets”) and he runs to the fridge and sits in front of the fridge door waitinf for me.  Though, he also comes to the kitchen to beg every time he hears the fridge or pantry door open! 

        To get Leroy to learn the word “pellets” (or almost any word really – I don’t think it’s that he really knows what the meaning is, he’s just learned that certain sounds I make have certain results)  it’s just repetition and positive reinforcement.  Say “pellets” and “veggies” every time you feed your bunny and she’ll start to learn what the words are associated with.

        COME WHEN CALLED:

        He also comes when I whistle (again, because of food) I hand feed him most of the time so as I was feeding him, I’d whistle like you would to call a dog.  Then we graduated to me whistling for him as I got his dinner ready and he could see the food in my hand.  He usually hangs around my feet anyway when he knows he’s getting dinner, so then all it took was for me to move a few feet away, hold out the food and whistle, so he learned that when I whistle it means “run to mommy, she has noms!” 

        Now, I still always whistle when I feed him, but I also whistle to call him – even if I’m in a different room and he can’t see me!  Sometimes I reward him with a treat or a sprig of parsley, other times I just give him a pat on the head.  It’s not fool proof, sometimes he ignores me or takes his jolly old time coming to me, but when it works, it’s a cute trick for my guests and definitely a conversation starter! 

        Here’s a video of Leroy demonstrating the come when called in the first few seconds of teh vid – turn your sound down, my whistle was piercing!   

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1s4U2-G8U20

        TRICKS:

        As for the tricks, the key is just teaching “normal” behaviors, things a bunny would do anyway. 

        I started out with “spin” (spinning in a counter clock wise direction ).  I held a crasin (Leroy’s fave) in front of his nose and then guided him in a circle.  As he spun, I’d say “spin” and then after he went 360, I gave him his treat.  Just do this two or three times per session, one or two sessions a day (don’t over feed the treats thought!)  – Repetition   Once she’s consistently making a circle for you, you can graduate to giving the verbal command without guiding her with a treat, and then give the treat once she does the trick. Make sure that you only teach her to spin in one direction so that when you give the verbal command, she intentionally does the trick, and you’ll know that she’s not just doing random stuff. 

        “Up” and “Walk” are taught similarly.  “Up” is standing up on hind legs – hold the treat in front of her nose and then raise the treat so that you guide her into a standing position – this may take some convincing for some bunnies, but for Leroy, he naturally stands up on his hind legs when begging.  For “Walk” get the bunny into the standing position and then pull the treat out a couple inches in front of her face , she should follow – it may take some bunnies time to get used to the motion and to get their balance, so be especially patient with this one.  

        You could also teach them to go over little jumps or through tunnels like agility dogs.   Those are the next two tricks I’m going to tackle with Leroy once we have the first three tricks down pat.

        I’ve found that the important thing with the tricks is, when teaching the trick, don’t say the word until after/during the bunny performs the trick.  If you just keep saying “spin, spin, spin, spin” while the bunny is sitting there staring at you, the word won’t mean anything, or you’ll confuse the bunny.  Until she learns that “when mommy says “spin” if I make this motion, I’ll get prase and maybe a treat!” you shouldn’t say the word of the trick until the bunny is actually doing the trick.  And you have to be consistent, so don’t give a treat for a half finished spin if you want her to do a full spin.

        Here’s a video I made of Leroy and I working on some of his tricks.  It’s still a work in progress right now, but we’re getting there!

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XarDTxpCxNM

         

         Good luck!  Add your suggestions and videos if you’ve taught your bunny any tricks!!!

         


      • Elrohwen
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          Yay! I loooove training buns! I actually started a blog on it (but then failed update for months … :-P) I love reading about Leroy’s training! Great post. I’m kind of tired tonight, but I’ll have to add some things tomorrow that I’ve picked up from training Otto. And I’m going to ask the shelter director next week if she would mind if I trained some of her “special” buns.

          I’m a big fan of the clicker. Even if it’s not needed for certain buns, I find it very motivating (Otto will come running as soon as he sees it; and seeing it he knows that it’s time to focus).

          I posted a little while ago that I have a theory that buns are really responding to our body language far more than our words. At least with Otto I notice that he pays almost no attention to the actual words I say, but he’s quite sensitive to tone of voice and body language. Unlike a dog, where you might be able to say different commands in the same monotone and have the dog respond, I find that Otto only responds when there’s some other trigger. Though he’s very good at looking for this other trigger! I would suggest you try his normal “Do you want pellets?” trick, but just do it with body language and say some non-sense words in the same tone of voice you’d usually use. I’m really curious to know if he responds anyway. I’ve really adjusted my training style (learned from dogs) to suit Otto who is quite different.

          Otherwise, your post was fantastic. I’ll have to work on updating my blog a bit – my goal is to be a resource to people trying to train their buns. I’m just far too lazy to keep up with stuff like that.


        • Barbie
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            Thanks for the input! What’s the link to your blog? I’d love to check it out! And yes, Leroy is definitely sensitive to my tone and body language. I’ve been thinking about getting a clicker to use with Leroy; that’s encouraging that it works w Otto!


          • Beka27
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              He is so beautiful! Great job! I purchased the clicker and the book, but I have started and stopped so many times. It’s tough when you have 100 different things going on…


            • Elrohwen
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                Erm, maybe I’ll post a link once I update it again. Haha. I’m too embarrassed at my lack of posting to put up a link  I would like to get it back on track a little.

                I was even making plans last night to get some supplies and make jumps. Otto’s never been a jumper, so I don’t think he’s going to get up to 3′ or anything, but I think he’d enjoy low jumps.

                Oh, and another good trick that I’m not sure if you’ve taught yet. I got out an old tupperware lid and threw it on the ground. Every time Otto went up and touched it with his nose I gave him a treat. He got the idea within a minute or two (usually it takes him quite a few sessions to really catch on to things). He loves it! I throw the lid all over the living room and he looks for it and runs over. Bunnies are so cute


              • Elrohwen
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                  I just got a chance to watch your videos. So cute! I love coming when called – so cute that he’s totally across the room and comes running! Otto doesn’t understand his name, but he will come if I tap the floor. Though a lot of times when he’s staring off into space I don’t think he can hear me (maybe he’s sleeping?). I don’t think he’s ignoring me on purpose because if I make a lot of noise he’ll kind of wake up and then come running. Haha. Nothing is cuter than bunnies running towards you.

                  Have you been able to do the spin without leading him? I found that the hardest thing to teach Otto by far. It took me more than a week (with 2 sessions a day) I think and it still takes him a moment of thinking before he does the spin. Hubby was convinced we’d never get it, until one night I said “spin” and Otto just spun around on his own. I think I got some respect from hubby that night 😉 He much prefers standing up on his hind legs, or chasing after the tupperware lid and touching it (or chewing it if I don’t pick it up fast enough)


                • Barbie
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                    The tupperware lid is a great idea! I’m going to try that! And then I just need to teach him to pick it up and bring it back! Fetch with bunnies! Lol. I got him to spin without following the treat once. Just once. We’re still practicing


                  • Elrohwen
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                      You’ll get there with the spin! Once he figured out *that* was what I wanted, he started offering it on his own. He’s still slow to do it when I ask, but sometimes I’ll be sitting on the ground and he’ll randomly start spinning to see if it’ll earn him a treat. Lol.

                      I thought about the fetch thing and I’m trying to think of a way to teach it. Unfortunately everything that goes into Otto’s mouth gets eaten (he actually took a mouthful of the plastic and swallowed it :-o) so I’m not sure how I would get him to bring something back.


                    • Nat
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                        OMG, Leroy is freakin ADORABLE!!!!!!!! Good job, you just made me want a bun even more!  In the first vid when you whistled my dog (who’s hearing is a little off ) ran down the hallway as if someone was whistling from the door  Cute, but sad- as in she has an ear problem. She should’ve come towards the speakers…

                        Okay, okay, off topic.  

                        Leroy walks adorably!  I <3333 him! <3333! lol.

                        I’ll private message you my adress and you can pack him up and send him to Minnesota!

                        (Just kidding, I wish that would happen )


                      • Kokaneeandkahlua
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                          How bout some encouragement in video form!

                          http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YagxDKxbWWY&feature=player_embedded

                          For anyone thinking they can’t do it-or their bun can’t do it. Well watch away Heheheh I personally could not imagine teaching this to a fish!


                        • Nat
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                            Linky no worky…


                          • Jaymie
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                              Barbie! Leroy is such a cutie! Thanks for posting this! Right now I’m working with him on his name. I’m also trying to teach him “bed” being his cage. :]


                            • bunnytowne
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                                that was so cute.    Does your bun move her whiskers back and make her nose pointed when she eats?   Just curious I see Cotton do that and it looks funny.

                                She really caught on to her tricks.   Smart bunny


                              • Kokaneeandkahlua
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                                  Linky no worky…

                                  Just copy and paste


                                • Karla
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                                    Posted By Beka27 on 01/08/2010 08:31 AM
                                    He is so beautiful! Great job! I purchased the clicker and the book, but I have started and stopped so many times. It’s tough when you have 100 different things going on…

                                     

                                    First – Leory is so gorgeous it was difficult to concentrate on anything else

                                    Anyone who has tried with the clicker training? Beka, do you recommend the book and what kind of exercies does it include? I have thought about getting a book on clicker training soooo many times, but I never get around to it.


                                  • Kokaneeandkahlua
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                                      I’ve done clicker-they learned ‘beg’ ‘spin’ ‘target’ and ‘through’

                                      Clicker trainign work like a charm-with almost all animals-but you have to do it right. The book is probably great-but you can get the info online now for free-

                                      The most important things are:

                                      Load the clicker properly

                                      Take your time and click while your bunnies are eating-they first need to associate the ‘click’ with food-it has no meaning whatsoever until you do that. Just click click click while they are eating-or while you give treats.

                                      The reason for clicking-is to ‘mark’ the desired behavior the second it happens, as it takes a few seconds to get a treat to their mouth-and that can weaken the association.
                                      Every single click MUST be followed by a treat.

                                      Then it’s really up to you how to train. I quite like ‘free shaping’ -basically sit down with some cut up raisins and the clicker-and watch your bunny with a goal in mind (say-approaching a stick-to teach target) -then click when your bunnies looks at it. Next change the criteria-click when he approaches it. Then click when he touches it. Voila-you’ve taught ‘target’ (which is very useful for teaching everything else)


                                    • Elrohwen
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                                        I want to ditto everything K&K siad about clicker training. I love it! You can train without it, but I think you can train so much better with it. And the more I train, the faster he catches on to new things. It’s great. It did take a while for my bun to “get it”. Maybe a week of with training sessions every day. But once he got it, he loved it. He gets so excited when I pull out the clicker because he knows that he gets to do his tricks. Now I’ve started using the clicker to get him more comfortable with me touching his feet or picking him up. It’s slow, but it has worked so much better than anything else.

                                        I do own the book because I wanted to get some more ideas (and I bought the i-Click in the BB store and I like it much more than my standard clicker), but really most of my info came from http://www.clickerbunny.com.

                                        I tend to “shape” behaviors by luring my bunny into position. You can lure with food, or you can lure with a target once you teach that (I found target to be, by far, the easiest thing I trained).


                                      • Barbie
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                                          Thanks for all the nice compliments on Leroy, every one!

                                          Also, thanks for the tips! I’m definitely going to get a clicker. KK, like you mentioned I’ve noticed that it sometimes does take me a a second or two to get the treat to Leroy, and I was wondering if it maybe detracted from the training. Also, I hate having to give him so many treats just to train. I do his training before he gets his pellets, so I give pellets as rewards. Sometimes I give him a bit of raisin (I cut them up too KK!). Elrohwen and KK (I’m directing this to you, since you two seem to have the most experience with the clicker training) do you think that eventually, I can use the clicker with out always giving a treat? I know that with dogs, eventually the clicker noise is reward enough, but does it work that way with bunnies? Elrohwen, you said the clicker in the BB store is really good? I think I’ll go buy it!

                                          And… a progress update: Leroy can do the spin with just a verbal command and a hand signal now! I don’t have to guide him with the treat anymore! I’m going to pust a video on my youtube in the near future so you all can see! I think he’s “getting” other tricks faster now; since we have the first trick worked out, he seems more eager to please and more attentive to our training sessions!


                                        • Kokaneeandkahlua
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                                            For clicker training-you never want to unpair the clicker and the reward. Ever.

                                            Now whatever the treat is-whether its you saying ‘good boy’ or it’s five raisins-it’s what works. And it can be variations-whatever your rabbit will work for-pellets, head scitches, raisins or what have you-yes they HAVE to come after the click always (and the same with dogs elephants cats or tigers too -it’s simply the basis of the clicker).

                                            What your talking about is using a variable schedule of reinforcment-so for training a dog you ask ‘sit’ and then give a treat and eventually work up to the point where you use a VSR-and not all ‘sits’ get a treat. You can do this-but you cannot click. It’s the same idea-ask for the behavior and then no click and no treat, and repeat-and click and treat this time. But never unpair the click-reward. Simply use both or neither depending on the schedule but every click HAS to be followed by a reward


                                          • Elrohwen
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                                              KK pretty much answered your question. I eventually start saying “good boy” whenever I’m clicking and treating, then I phase out the clicker and just say “good boy” some of the time. However, I do find that Otto loses motivation quickly when I’m not using the clicker. With a dog, I would need them to respond in all situations whether or not there was a clicker. But with my bun, I don’t really mind using the clicker every time and I find he’s able to focus so much longer when I use it. I’m sure it is possible to wean away from it, but my bun loves it so I use it ;-)  I don’t click ever time, but I do have it present and use it probably half the time.

                                              That’s so cool that he got the spin! It’s kind of tough to get away from the leading, but once they get it it’s so cute! What are you training next? I was trying to do “high ten” where he stands up puts his paws on my hand, but he’s just not getting it. He stands up, and lets me touch his feet, but if I don’t make the move to touch his feet he won’t put his feet on my hand. I can’t quite figure out what else to do … he’s trying, but he’s not really putting it together. I want to try making a jump next and work on more agility type stuff – a jump, a tunnel, etc. I need to train targeting with something other than my tupperware lid for that, but he should get that very quickly because he loves to target.

                                              I also use pellets for training. I find I can give him tons and I’ve still barely gone through 1/8 of a cup or something. I use dried papaya for bigger things sometimes – like if I pick him up or want to work on things that make him uncomfortable. That’s his “big reward”.


                                            • TheBunnyGirl
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                                                Amazing! my 3month-old Lindty now sort of responds to ‘whats this? food..” i don’t expect her to learn different types of food, thats abit out of her league. she sort of tilts her head to you. Buttons sees food and charges over to it so i diddnt teach her food, but stay, and she dosen’t jump of the couch any more! hooray!


                                              • bunnytowne
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                                                  thats so cute.      cotton is trained uh……has me trained           … when i come out of the kitchen he runs up stands on hind legs putting 1 of his wittle paws on me so i run and get him a treat

                                                  love the way ur bun walks on his toes  cute

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                                              Forum THE LOUNGE Tips for teaching tricks to your bunny!