training the non-food motivated rabbit

[prince dorian the bun]

Dorian is not one of those buns that will do anything for a snack… and since he now isn’t supposed to get treats it’s even harder. I really want to get him to come when I call him as it makes life easier, but if he’s playing or sleeping or just not inclined even his favorite greens isn’t going to get him to come over. He does know his name and will look at me, and sometimes even come closer only to then get distracted and wander off again. He’s a pretty smart bunny, so I don’t think it’s a lack of understanding on his end. Though something may be getting lost in translation so to speak.

So far the only work around I have is he is tunnel motivated… move a tunnel and he hops in it and explores where it leads. This is not the most practical solution though! If anyone has any suggestions let me know!

[DanaNM]

I wonder if you just haven’t found the right snack?

This happens with dogs too, where sometimes they just aren’t that food motivated. The advice in those cases is to use a higher-reward treat, keep sessions much shorter, and to be sure to time them to when your bun is hungry.

So since Dorian is pellet free now, doing training before he gets his salad would prob be a good move.

Some high-reward treats that people like to use for buns are tiny pieces of dried cranberry or raisin (like cut up into quarters). Training sessions could be as short as 30 seconds, just a few practices with the clicker.

There are also these Science Selective pellets that are alfalfa based that they use at the shelter as training treats, the bunnies seem to love them even though they are meant to be a base feed not a treat. They are shaped like a guinea pig poop, so it’s kind of hilarious because you feel like you are feeding guinea pig poop to the bunnies LOL.

. . . 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.  

[prince dorian the bun]

he was told not to have fruit or veg, my options are very limited, and I think the alfalfa pellets fall under that. His only exceptions in fruit is papaya, he will pick it out of his bowl and toss it, or pineapple which he likes but isn’t going to do anything he wasn’t going to anyway to get it.  But even before now I couldn’t bribe him with banana and he is not immune to it. He would sometimes start to excitedly run up and then look at me… like hmmm human what is this bribe really for, and then if he even slightly suspected there was a hidden cost go away again, occasionally glancing back and licking his lips. He’s got some serious will power. If I am just sharing a treat because he doesn’t like it when we eat with out him he will happily take it. At night I will also have to eat some of his salad and make a big huge production out of it to get him to stop playing and eat his dinner & go to bed. Another reason I am not sure the alfalfa treats will be a success, I am not sure I want to eat them, especially after your poop description! 😀

I can try adjusting timing to right before dinner or such and see if that helps.

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