Handbanana

Rabbits Online Forum

Help Support Rabbits Online Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

Handbanana

New Member
Joined
May 25, 2010
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Location
Tampa, Florida, USA
Hi there, my husband and I own a little Lop Ear called Handbanana Stamm-Ouillette (Aka The Smashing Machine). He is a very good boy but there is room for improvement in a few areas.

Theone major issue we are having is that he knows to use the bathroom in his litter box, but seems to "enjoy" peeing and pooping on our couches. (the one from Robb and Stuckey is his favorite... he has good taste I guess!)

The other issue is that he likes to digthe carpet up from corners of rooms.

Hopefully we can find a solution to these issues on this forum or find a trainer who can help. Thanks!

(I posted this in the Introductions Section and since then have had a couple thoughts.)

Seems like from what I have read that both of these issuesmay becorrected in the same way.

[size=[font="Times New Roman"]Digging:[/font]]

[size=[font="Times New Roman"][/font]]

[size=[font="Times New Roman"]Monitor HB closely while out of his Condo.[/font]][size=[font="Times New Roman"][/font]]

When he starts to dig at the carpet issue a firm “NO” and re-direct him to his own personal scratching toy

[size=[font="Times New Roman"]Peeing and Pooping on Furniture:[/font]]

[size=[font="Times New Roman"][/font]]

[size=[font="Times New Roman"]Monitor HBSO closely while out of his Condo.[/font]]

[size=[font="Times New Roman"][/font]]

[size=[font="Times New Roman"]When he starts to make the “Bathroom Posture”, issue a firm “NO” and re-direct him to his own personal litter box, butNOT towards his Condo, as this is his safe place and should not be associated with punishment.[/font]]

Looking for input so let us know what you think of these ideas. If these techniques don't work we will have to find a strong negative reinforcement for him as he seems to think getting sprayed with the water pistol is a great game and lots of fun! What isa strong negative reinforcement for a Bunny Rabbit. I know they remember well but if my husband has to become the bad guy / discipline guy then I guessthatiswhat we will have to do, although it will break his heart. He is the size of an NFL line backer and tears up when watching Bunny vids on you-tube. Who knew!

:p
 
If your rabbit is not spayed or neutered yet then having this surgery done will greatly improve litterbox habits. It is normal for adolescent rabbits to be very active and accommodations should be made for the rabbit
You really need to look at a rabbit's behavior from a different perspective.
Digging is normal rabbit behavior and rather than discipline him you need to alter his living situation so that he will be able to have the opportunity to practice normal rabbit behavior

I have removed carpeting and replaced it with soft vinyl flooring that mimics hardwood..way easier to clean and there is nothing tempt them .

I provide each of my rabbits with very large cardboard boxes. (50 lb hay boxes)

Many of my rabbits spend hour after after hour either digging on the floor of the box or shredding them entirely. I replace each box when it has been totally destroyed .


Some folks actually make digging boxes for their rabbits using a box and clean sand (sold for children's sandbox )

maybe you have a room without a rug

You could buy several x pens and make a large exercise area for your rabbit with a lot of things to play with inside this.
We have mnay links in the library explaining how to rabbit proof your home and also set up play areas for them

http://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=12079&forum_id=17
http://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=15238&forum_id=17

http://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=12433&forum_id=17

Articles on training ; strong discipline should never be used

http://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=12065&forum_id=17

http://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=11792&forum_id=17

http://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=12056&forum_id=17

http://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=12051&forum_id=17

A lot of reading here :D
good Luck

 
Thanks so much. I am with you in regards to the behavior being natural. Did you see my possible solutions? What did you think? Is that a good place to start?
 

Latest posts

Back
Top