*SIGH* I hear you on this one. I have had bunnies for a year and a half now and have a particular problem with my Nutmeg (the alpha) and occasionally her bonded sibling Moose. I have literally tried everything including getting a new couch and sadly, she continues to mark her territory at least once a week. Moose far less frequently. My only suggestion is waterproof couch covers…..?…. several of them so that when one is soiled you have another to put on the couch. I think the only thing I didn’t try are those spikey pet strips you can put on things that you don’t want your pet jumping on…….. It’s definitely a negative reinforcement so, for me personally, I didn’t want to do that as I think negative reinforcements don’t really work with bunnies.
We have 5 Holland Lops, all fixed and 3 are free range and sadly M&N are not to be trusted so require someone to be in the family if they are out and not outside or in the bunny play room. Sometimes, we will go a week or more without any “accidents” but eventually, it WILL happen. I never let my guard down and remove the covers. I’ve learned that lesson.
We tried litter boxes on the couch sprays, blocking, spray bottle of water, foil…….you name it and nothing helped. They just figured out a way around the block and just moved the foil and litter box out of their way. As I already stated, even bought brand new furniture. Which I DID promptly cover with brand new covers that matched the brand new couch thinking that perhaps the old covers would retain a bit of the smell. Didn’t work. They also like the throw pillows. If it’s soft, Nutmeg is gonna pee on it!!!
They also pee on my fireplace but I solved that with a litter box.
I’m not suggesting you give up. Every bunny is different. However, you may want to keep in the back of your mind that you may just need to work around it. We are to the point where we don’t shoo them off if we are on the couch with them and just pay close attention to their little fluffy tails…….if they start to lift I shoo them.
If you try something that works, please let me know!!!
Chrystie
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