clicker training

[lulu the bun]

Can someone write a detailed, step by step process for clicker training? I’ve looked online but I don’t feel like I totally understand what to do. 

For simple tricks, such as standing up and spinning, you just lead them with your hand that’s carrying a treat, right? But for more complicated tricks such as coming when you call out their name and going into their cage, what exactly do you do?

Thank you!

[RabbitPam]

Hi, it would be much more helpful for you to understand and begin clicker training if you check out this website: http://www.clickerbunny.com
She is the author of the book pictured, which I own and like very much. To write out a thorough step by step description would mean paraphrasing this book, and I think there’s several pages of free information there on the site to get you started.

Nutshell definition of mine would be that it is training by positive reinforcement ONLY. You either reward or ignore. You do it step by step, with immediate, small rewards for each step leading to your final goal. Bunnies are very smart and learn this process fast and well. It can be used for tricks, responses, moving from place to place, or other desirable behaviors. It makes for fascinating reading, so I recommend any books by Karen Pryor (“Reaching the Animal Mind”) to learn just how positive training was started and is used on the most surprising animals. She was a pioneer in the subject.

[tanlover14]

You need to start out with something simple for both him and yourself first. I had to do this with one of my buns who had really poor litter habits when out in his play area. And now I’m starting on getting my three little ones into a carrier with it.

You really should check out the site RabbitPam listed, it’s awesome and the first free chapter really helped quite a bit.

What specifically do you want to teach him to do first? It’s easier to figure out a process if we know what you’re trying to achieve with your bun. And also small steps with him! You want to teach him what you want him to do only through reward and he’ll catch on a lot quicker if your actions are easier for him to pick up on. Like for litter training with my bun, during a session I’d say Fluery, Litter! And nudge him into the box. He’d get a treat. He quickly caught on. And I would do small sessions early on to make sure you don’t frustrated if it’s difficult at first and so he doesn’t run out of attention span. I typically did 5 minute sessions twice a day with my boy and he caught on within a week of what I wanted him to do. Now as soon as he comes out of his house he knows to hop in his box and go to the bathroom before running around. It makes for a much happier momma and bunny!

Rabbits really do enjoy learning and I’m glad to hear you’re using this means to teach your bunny things and get closer to him!

[Author]

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