Bunny training question

[OverthinkingBun]

Hi,  I have a rescue bunny who is about 4 months old.  I found her as a stray the week after Easter   She’s my first rabbit, but I’ve been reading a lot and got care advice from a rabbit shelter and a vet.  She is great, and the only problem I have is that she will start nibbling on my clothes when playing.  This usually leads to her biting me through the clothes, sometimes hard.  She doesn’t show any signs of aggression and I don’t think she understands she is hurting me.  I’m trying squealing when she bites, saying “no no no” when she chews, gently pushing her head away, and getting up and leaving her for a “time out” when she doesn’t listen.  Right now, she likes to sit in my lap for attention, or jump all over me to play, and I don’t want to accidentally discourage her from that or break the bond we seem to have.  Any tips?  Are these training methods going to upset her?  (I also praise and pat her when she is being good). 

She has a variety of toys to play with and healthy foods to eat, so I don’t think that’s the problem.  Other than that, she is a very sweet, cute bunny!

[Hopzandbig]

My female rabbit was like that before she was spayed. She would nibble me pretty hard and pull on clothes. After being spayed, she has calmed down so much! Your rabbit obviously isn’t old enough to be spayed yet but in a few months you should look into it! She might also grow out of it with age. For now, continue to gently push her head away when she bites and use a firm voice. It can be hard but try to stay patient with her!

[OverthinkingBun]

Thanks – that’s reassuring to hear.  I am planning on getting her spayed when she is around 6 months or so, and have a clinic picked out and everything.  In the meantime, don’t worry, I’m not mad at her.  She is way too cute and friendly for that. 

BTW, is that your bunny in your profile pic?  She’s very striking looking.  I’ve never seen one who looked like her.

[Author]

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