New bunny owner..wants to know how to do indoor training

[Jennifer Lynn]

Hi just got a two year old polish bunny and we would like to have him roam freely in the house in time. Any advice would help on the best way to get started. Can you teach an “old” bunny “new” tricks ?

[Beka27]

By “indoor training”, do you mean litterbox training?

Your first step, if he isn’t already, is to have him neutered. After that, things seem to fall pretty easily into place.
Check out the bunny info page on litter training: https://binkybunny.com/BUNNYINFO/LitterboxTraining/tabid/62/Default.aspx
and let us know if you have any more specific questions.

[Jennifer Lynn]

I am not sure about neutering yet. I have him almost littered trained , not totally. Does neutering really make a difference? What I want is for him to be able to roam freely. I have made sure all cords are out of the way but should I start with a small area in the house and then increase?

 

[LBJ10]

Neutering can make a big difference in some rabbits. Start with a small area first. If he is good about using the box, then gradually increase his freedom.

[bunnyfriend]

Yes, it does make a difference. A male who is not neutered will spray. Once neutered they have better behavior, habits, and are better companions. Much easier to completely litter box train. And yes, start out small and gradually let him have more space. You will likely have to set more litter boxes around outside of his cage/habbit/ect.

[peppypoo]

Welcome to the forums!

If you are absolutely 100% sure that you have a male, neutering is more optional. Spaying is a must for females though, due to the unfortunate high rate of reproductive cancer in unspayed females as they mature. Neutering can do a lot to curb unwanted behaviors in both males and females like territoriality or aggressiveness, and improve litter habits as well. Since it isn’t nearly as risky health-wise to have an unfixed male, males don’t necessarily need to be neutered if their behaviors are in control.

Because of the possible health issues, it’s really important to make sure first that you do indeed have a male. Sexing a rabbit is quite difficult, and breeders, pet store workers and inexperienced shelter volunteers mess it up all the time…it’s not uncommon at all for someone to show up here on the forums saying that their bunny who they thought was a male turned out to be a female, or vice versa! In fact, the same happened to one of my bunnies. Your best bet is to take your bunny in to a well-bunny checkup at the vet…the vet will verify the sex for you, and it’s always a good idea to establish a relationship with a vet and get a baseline health check to make things easier if health problems ever come up.

[Sam and Lady's Human]

Bunnies are destructive by nature, keep that in mind. They dig, chew, dig, and chew some more. You said your cords are up, but are your electrical outlets covered/blocked as well? Start small, one room under supervision. Make sure that everything is OK by you to be “tasted” And know that habits can come out of nowhere, although with a 2 year old I think you have a much better chance of less surprises( Like dug up carpet or a severed Macbook Pro charger )

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