How to assert dominance over rabbit – cage aggression

[thegreenjudy]

My little sweetheart got spayed last Friday but she has now become more fierce than she was before. When I attempt to open the cage she is already there grunting although I haven’t even put my hands in yet — It’s difficult to even feed her, lol. She hasn’t been out as much because she was spayed so maybe it’s that. But generally she is quite cheeky and before she would demand petting by putting her head down (she does that with the cat as well) which I believe is her trying to assert dominance. Can someone give me tips how to change her behaviour? Some say to put their head down but others say to associate my hand with positive things – what’s right or wrong?

[sarahthegemini]

Many rabbits go through a post spay craze which means that their hormones go a bit wild til they settle. This could be the reason behind her fierceness.

You are a human. You do not need to assert dominance over her. 

[Sirius&Luna]

This stopping rabbits asserting dominance thing comes up a lot and I don’t really get it. If you rabbit is asking you to pet her, just pet her! Lots of people would love their bunnies to approach them for pets. Rabbits don’t see humans as part of their hierarchies so she’s not trying to ‘dominate’ you.

If she’s doing something bad (eg, chewing a wall) and you want her to stop, say ‘NO’ firmly and clearly, and redirect her to something she can chew (eg a willow stick).

[Harley&Thumper]

I think the idea is the dominant bun gets groomed. So if I, the human, am the dominant one, then I will be groomed by my bunny. I will admit that I will try this every now and then in hopes of being groomed

[Wick & Fable]

Mirroring what they’re saying above in a slightly different way, in no circumstance does a rabbit feel like it’s dominant over a human. Rabbits are prey species, and observing how fast, strong, and large humans are, they will never try to dominate you.

This does not mean that they won’t bite you or try and scratch and fight you though. A child doesn’t feel domination over a parent, but my goodness do children still act out.

If you find a rabbit that is completely obedient and non-aggressive despite circumstance all-around, it’s most likely afraid of the owner rather than seeing them as being “dominant”. Wick loves me dearly and he listens to me, but it makes me happy knowing he feels comfortable vocalizing his objections.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Mikey]

“I think the idea is the dominant bun gets groomed. So if I, the human, am the dominant one, then I will be groomed by my bunny. ”

Thats the thing: the dominant bunny gets groomed more often. Humans are not rabbits and rabbits do not see humans as rabbits. Rabbits will always see humans as humans and rabbits as rabbits. Youll never have a dom/sub relationship with your rabbit, because humans arnt in the rabbit totem. Youll only ever have a human/bun relationship with your rabbit.

You dont want her to do something, say no. Maybe do a soft clap or thump on the ground. Positive reinforcement works well with rabbits so if she does something you like, pet her and/or offer a treat. Many people have also clicker trained their rabbit to avoid certain behaviors.

[Author]

Messages