The idea of trying to assert dominance over a rabbit via holding their head down or similar methods, to me personally, makes no sense and I have not heard of cases where it is reliably effective. If anything, it simply creates a negative association and the rabbit distances themselves from the owner, therefore eliminating whatever problematic behavior there is, but that is the result of distancing/fear, rather than successful dominance assertion. It is likely 100% apparent to rabbits that humans are very large predators. They do not readily incorporate us into their social hierarchy like other rabbits so I do not find behavior modifications rooted in dominance logic as an effective framework.
Some things to keep in mind are 1) how novel the idea of bare skin, lips, and a human face in general is to a rabbit, 2) that rabbits cannot directly communicate with humans (and other rabbits really; they don’t talk obviously, haha) and licking and nipping are literally some of the only ways to try and get a response, and 3) human bodies are huge and confusing for rabbits so the recognition that xxxx extremity is you, is capable of feeling pain, etc., may be a bit of a learning curve for a rabbit. Sure, you smell like you, but so does your clothes, your couch, etc… and those aren’t things that are giving pain feedback when your rabbit digs or chews at them.
Rather than restricting space or trying dominance-logic feedback, I think more time spent passively in his presence to increase learning opportunities for both of you is needed. You just got him (I assume since he’s 10wo), and he’s a growing, learning rabbit who fundamentally is not going to understand humans. It’s going to take a while for you to learn how to decode what he is trying to communicate with you and for him to learn what are the most effective ways to communicate with him. For example, nips can mean many things. For young rabbits especially, it can be curiosity about a thing. It can be a request for the object to move out of the way, it can be a request for attention of a different kind (ex. if your rabbit hasn’t had any socialization/interaction since you’ve been in meetings all day, he might be searching for a way to engage pent-up chewing energy that a rabbit naturally has), it can be a request for food…. many different interpretations. Notably, a rabbit wanting attention typically never means they want to be picked up — rabbits, by default, do not like being picked up and would rather be cuddled/pet on the ground.
In terms of what to do to promote learning on your rabbit’s end, I recommend redirection/guidance. For my Fable, who came to me as a very nippy, 1yo rabbit with very effective nips (her nips drew blood by default, which is not great…), I would use the back of my hand (as opposed to the palm side, where skin is more sensitive) and gently push her face away from me from me. I would repeat this every time she nip me, even if it meant doing it 5 times in a row. Paired with learning more about her personality, ways of communicating, body language, and being more effective in making the environment engaging for her to expend energy, she has successfully learned to just nose boop me continuously to communicate, rather than nip.
This may be a helpful resource to read through: https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Behavior_FAQ#My_bunny_never_wants_to_come_to_me._I_can_never_pet_them._What_can_I_do?
… in addition to this: https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Understanding_your_rabbit
…. and also, yes, being a young rabbit is going to make things more tricky. Arguably at 10wo your rabbit may not even be hormonal yet, so there’s a chance that territorial aggression will see to it that your rabbit gets more actively lungey/aggressive upon your attempts to encroach on his space or pick him up. It is not a choice to make you upset or angry, but a reaction to protect itself as your rabbit cannot read your mind and know your intentions.
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.