litter training

[callithumpus]

I just adopted a one year old, neutered, Blue Rex rabbit.  His previous owner assured me that he was litter trained, but I believe he spent most of his life at his old home in a cage.  I would like to be able to let him roam around our place, but there’s a problem! He keeps pooping/peeing on the sofa.  He hops up there to sit with us/be petted/explore and without fail he ends up doing his business.  I’ve tried saying NO and putting him in his litter box whenever I catch him about to do it, but it hasn’t helped.  It’s only the sofa. He hasn’t done it anywhere else. What can I do?  If I can’t trust him to use his litter box, I can’t let him out and about, and that upsets me (and him).  

[AriaAndCirce]

I had the same problem with Circe about a few weeks ago and she has finally stopped pooping on the couch! I really think its a territorial behavior because the sofa has your scents on it. Just keep being consistent with telling him “NO” and put him in the litter box. That seemed to work for us. I also tried using a bitter apple spray on the couch that other users had suggested. Im not sure if it was the spray that worked or just be being consistent with encouraging her to use her litter box. Bunnies are so smart, he will def catch on soon! goodluck!!

[RabbitPam]

You can also use a light spray of white vinegar and water for any place that is being chewed or not allowed. Often it is necessary to keep your bunny off the couch when this is happening, but not at all necessary to keep him confined. Just teach him that the couch is not OK to be on. If you really want him up there, then continue removing him quickly to the litter pan when you see his tail go up or he starts to wiggle.

[RabbitPam]

P.S. Put a second litter box very near the couch so he can make it there soon, and not be limited to the habitat litter pan. He may use it regularly when he’s out. My Spockie used to use the spare litter pan when I put it under my desk in a corner, so he could find it and feel sheltered while playing in that room.

[callithumpus]

Thanks for the responses! It’s been helpful to simply teach him that it’s not okay for him to be on the sofa.  We say NO and put him back on the ground when he hops us.  No more incidents so far, so we’ll try to keep that up.  The territorial thing makes a lot of sense.

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