Successfully Litter Training Your Pet Rabbit

Some first-time rabbit owners, accustomed to thinking of rabbits as being more similar to a rat or gerbil than a dog or cat, are surprised to find out that rabbits are some of the most litter training-ready pets around. This is partly a function of their natural intelligence, which makes the receptive to training of all kinds, and also of their natural history. Feces and urine, of course, bear strong odors, and in the wild this is a major cue for predators who might fancy a rabbit for lunch. To better prevent detection by such predators, wild rabbits designate specific locations away from the nest as "bathrooms". This same instinct makes it a fairly simple matter to litter-train a house rabbit, requiring only a few litterboxes and some patience on the owner's part.

At the beginning of litter training, keep in mind that rabbits use their waste much the same as dogs do- to mark their territories and establish "ownership" of an area. When introduced to the unfamiliar environment of its new cage, your rabbit is likely to spread its droppings and urine over every available space. This is to be expected, and you should not make any effort to discourage this- the only effect punitive measures are likely to have is to make the rabbit less secure in its ownership of the cage, impelling it to continue its territory marking. For this same reason, you should try not to invade the cage space any more than necessary while the bunny is inside of it- try to save cleaning and other chores for when the rabbit is enjoying free time outside the cage. Similarly, you should avoid forcibly removing your rabbit from his cage, or physically placing him in it. Let it come and go at will, with some non-coercive "encouragement" if necessary.

Once the rabbit begins feeling secure in its new home, it should begin designating a certain spot as its preferred litter area. Once it has made up its mind, there's not much point in trying to convince it otherwise. Your best bet is to place its litterbox in the spot it has chosen. Including some hay, and perhaps a small treat, will encourage the rabbit to explore the litterbox and become accustomed to using it. If your rabbit chooses to use the litterbox as a play area or bed, don't worry- this isn't a problem. You'll want to clean the litterbox out frequently at first, since this will encourage the rabbit to reapply its "markings" to the box.

The rabbit should quickly begin to form a habit of using a litterbox. Rabbits, by nature, love routine, and it won't take long before using a litterbox begins to feel "normal". Now you can begin training him to use litterboxes outside the cage environment. This will require supervision, so set aside an hour or two for this activity. Set aside a small area for the rabbit to run free- too much space will be confusing. Place a litterbox or two in the corners of the area. Watch your rabbit as it explores, and be on the lookout for the tell-tale signs of a bunny about to pass waste. If it heads for a corner that doesn't have a litterbox, or lifts its tail as if about to pass, you need to interrupt the act with a sharp burst of sound- a shout of "NO!", or a loud clap. You want to get the rabbit either back into its cage, or over to a litterbox, without creating the impression that the litterbox is a place of punishment or confinement. Herd the rabbit with insistent noises, clapping, or other pressures without actually physically forcing it anywhere. Once it's in the box, reinforce the positive behavior with some hay or other treat.

Repeat this process daily, always using positive reinforcement, never punishment. It shouldn't take long for the rabbit to get the idea that using the litter box is a good way to get a treat, whereas urinating elsewhere brings an annoying human around. Once this becomes habitual, you shouldn't need to use any cues to induce the rabbit to use a litterbox. Persistent difficulties in litter training may be a sign of psychological or physical ailments in your rabbit, and you should talk to a vet or other expert.

Most owners don't ever have these kind of problems. Rabbits are one of the naturally cleanest pets available, and you will most likely find that litter training is a speedy, easy process. Good luck to you and your rabbit!