how to tell a bunny no

[minilopbuns]

I tend to clap or tap my foot if hes doing something wrong, but he seems to get a little frightened when i clap maybe?

Just want to know whats the best way :))

[LittlePuffyTail]

My bunnies both stomp when I clap. I honestly have no idea how to say no to a bunny. My two are out of control. 😆

[minilopbuns]

wow that’s so cute! I know they give you the eyes. Bunny eyes should be a thing

 

[LBJ10]

A sharp “NO”? You can reinforce the “no” by redirecting bunny.

[minilopbuns]

will try it with the reinforcing!

[Hazel]

You can tell a bunny no?? 😆

[DanaNM]

Hahah yeah if anyone has a good method I would like to know! 😀

. . . 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.  

[LBJ10]

Of course you can tell a bunny no. Doesn’t mean they will listen. LOL

Seriously though, I had a lot of luck with using a sharp “no”. Bunnies can most definitely learn what it means. You say no, they stop, and then they watch you to see if you’re still looking. Hahahaha!

To teach them the meaning of the word, there needs to be an action that follows the no. So if bunny is digging on the carpet, for example, you say “no” and then you direct them to something more appropriate (dig box, fleece, etc.). Of course, if they won’t give up on a particular spot, you can help them “forget” about it by blocking it off or covering it with something heavy. I had to do that a few times.

(Note: this does not apply to deaf bunnies, although I have had some luck with redirection… it just takes a lot more work)

[Hazel]

Well I just asked Oscar and he told me no.

[LBJ10]

Like I said, it doesn’t mean they will listen. 😛

[DanaNM]

All joking aside, I’ve had the best luck with redirection to safe alternatives and blocking off problem areas (ceramic tiles for carpet, cube grids to block under the bed, etc.).  When Bertha would get really obsessed with digging in an area I would occasionally sprinkle her with water from a spray bottle. Not a full stream, more like a few drops hitting her ears. I usually tried to make it seem like it was just “raining” and not coming from me, and I didn’t do it often! She would shake her head and run off to do something else. 🙂 I don’t consider this training exactly, more a method of distraction/ redirection when all else failed.

Bunnies do respond very well to positive reinforcement training though, and most pick up clicker training very well! So rather than telling the bunny “no”, you could prob tell them to do something else (such as to come to you, a target, or some other command) and reward them for that better alternative.

 

. . . 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.  

[Beau Bunny]

If I hear anything being audibly destroyed in the house I just say “HEY!” sharply, and then it get’s reeeaaally quiet. At least for a spell. It’s pretty funny actually. If he can reach it, it’ fair game. It’s hilarious to see him fling children’s books off the bottom shelves with utter abandon. If he seems hell bent on wrecking something, I’ll go grab him a paper box or bag to shred or take him to his outdoor run to blow off steam.

@Dana, I’d love to see your rain technique sometime! 😆

[DanaNM]

@BeauBunny Hahah it’s not really a technique! I just set the sprayer so it’s kinda drops instead of a stream and aiming it more above her rather than at her. Again I didn’t used to do this very often! Just when all else failed! I considered it more of a distraction technique than a training method.

. . . 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.  

[Beau Bunny]

@Dana make it rain! 😆

[Louiethebunny]

My bunny Louie loves hiding behind the curtains, but I don’t want him back there, he also tries to dig at the rug instead of the towels and blankets I give him. I give a loud “Uh uh” and he usually stops, if he doesn’t I just get near him and move his little body over a little, he’s still skittish so sometimes just walking over to him is enough to redirect.

[Lops4Life!]

I just say a sharp ‘no’ and try to be as gentle as possible and carry my bun away 🙂

[Lops4Life!]

Like @DanaNM said, I used the spray bottle and it works a treat. Be careful not to spray too much/up their nose/in their eyes bc this could cause sniffles/maybe even infections:)

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