Bunny problems

[Jackie]

Hi everyone,
I just got my rabbit as a present and I haven’t had one for a few years so I’m a little rusty with what’s going on. I got her a few days ago and she seemed to be adjusting well. She isn’t cowering away but then again I also think she’s more on the aggressive side. When I’d go to put something in her cage she would pounce on me and does the same when I’d take her out. She hasn’t done it in a couple days but that’s when I noticed she has a little attitude. Now yesterday and today when I took her out and was holdin her on the couch she peed on me after a few minutes of holding her. But today I think she was aiming for the couch. I’ve never had a rabbit do this. My other ones were really sweet and just wanted to cuddle in your hands. She nudges and bites when you don’t move for her right away. How do I assert myself as the dominant one?

Any advice will help!

[MrBun&Daisy]

HI! As far as asserting dominance I really don’t think that’s possible! if she is on the aggressive dominant side then you will need to teach her that she cannot bite you but she will probably always think she’s the boss (which lets face it most buns are the boss of their humans!) when she bites you let of a sharp “ow” or “no!” to let her know she can’t do that. she also may just be on the defensive side right now since she is in a new place with a new person. I would recommend not trying to handle her too much right now but instead let her come to you. open her door (if she has one) so she can come out and explore while you sit on the floor quietly. even if she comes over to you do not talk to her or tough her unless its to tell her ow if she bites. let her figure out you aren’t there to capture her. how old is she? and is she spayed? the peeing thing could be hormonal and her marking her territory. if you’ve only had her for a few days you still have lots of bonding to do and will need to have patience. you can’t really tell if her personality is truly aggressive until she is settled in. right now her behavior is being dictated by her stress. let her get to know you on her terms. after that, unfortunately not all buns are cuddly and if that is not her then you will need to respect that. patience is key right now!

[Jackie]

Thank you! She is 14 weeks old and I believe that she isn’t spayed.

[MrBun&Daisy]

oh yes! you’ve got a young hormonal bun on your hands! Of course we always recommend spaying as it solves not only behavior problems but health risks too. at 14 weeks she is right around the perfect age to spay- as long as she’s not super tiny. my vet wanted our daisy to be AT LEAST 3 pounds but preferably 4 just to reduce anesthesia risks. I would definitely begin thinking about having her spayed if that’s an option for you. unsprayed females tend to spray urine more than males as a territorial thing.

so besides spaying her- you definitely still have a ways to go before she settles. she needs to get used to the new environment and you. give her space and let her come to you. be patient, keep working on potty training, and let her know it is not acceptable to bite you. She will learn and over time you will both settle into your relationship. Most buns don’t like to be ignored so after a while of you paying no attention to her behavior she will come to you. go ahead and give her some pets if she seems like that’s what she wants but other wise do not handle her much. good luck!

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