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biting and growling/grunting

22 11:07:56

Question
My son has brought home his class pet. Sometimes when we try to pick her up (mostly directly from her cage) she grunts and bites? She does this to the kids in class too. While at school, she roams the room all day so she is very free. I tap her on the nose and tell her NO when she bites? Is this ok? But why does she do this. When we get her out and hold her she cuddles for hours and is so sweet?  

Answer
Dear Chrisi,

P.S. - I forgot to mention that tapping the bunny on the nose and saying "No!" is not the right way to deal with her aggression, as she will read your "frontal assault" as simple aggression towards her.  

Instead, stroke her head and back firmly and act loving towards her.  She will respond much more positively to that.  Rabbits are not at all like dogs, and do not respond well to negative conditioning.  Positive reinforcement, patience and love are the only ways to get a rabbit's true love and respect.

Dana