Nipping

[nachokisses]

My 7 month old Lop buck Nemo has been nipping lately. Not just the little nips to say " pet me" or I'm here where is my dinner?" but full on biting at the backs of my calves. When he started this I would pick him up thinking he wanted that. So he would sit on my lap for a few cuddles then go back down and start this all over again. is this normal "buck" behavior that will stop once I have him neutered next month? Or is this a discipline issue that I need to correct? He nips at my dog too, so badly that I've had to separate them. ( my dog is a chihuahua and they *usually* get along) Any ideas on how to get him to stop? Someone told me to use a spray bottle, but I think that is a little too harsh. I've tried saying " NO!" loudly while pulling my leg away or placing him back in his pen immediately after he nips.

 

[agnesthelion]

As far as it being buck behavior or something that needs disciplined...it's probably a little bit of both.

First of all....definetly stop giving him positive reinforcement by picking him up and loving on him after he bites. That just further teaches him that biting gets him good things.

When he does bite, I would eeek in a high pitched voice (a sound they recognize to indicate pain) but also hold his head down for a few seconds. This is a behavior that mommas do to kits to discipline them.

Neutering could definetly stop some of the behavior but at the same time you don't want to let him think biting is okay or encourage him to bite more.

Bunnies are just little creatures but they can learn to "train" us before we know it

 

[nachokisses]

Thanks! Thats what I was thinking too. That by picking him up I was rewarding him, and when I didnt he would bite harder. He's a spoiled rotten little bunny lol :brownbunny

 

[agnesthelion]

It's VERY easy to spoil them

 

[nachokisses]

I'm not sure if its his nose or his little paws, but he definitely has me wrapped!

 

[missyscove]

I second the high pitched squeal suggestion and I'm glad to hear that you're keeping him and the dog apart because if I were a dog and a rabbit bit me, I'm sure I would bite it back.
Maybe also try wearing thicker jeans or something so you're not hurt and won't necessarily flinch but can just give him that verbal squeal to get him to stop.