Clicker training

[nugget]

 

Just wondering if anyone has any experience, or advice, on clicker training rabbits. Our last bunny would return to her cage with a snap – point and a “cage”….and I am very excited to try clicker training with our new bunny. What would be a acceptable reward?  One suggestion I found online was Cheerios…is that ok ? My instincts tell me no, but not sure.

Pointers anyone????

[AbigailBW]

There are several posts about clicker training if you do a search on this forum.  We’ve been doing it with our two buns and I’m pretty impressed with how their doing.  They can pick up a simple, one step trick in as little as 2-3 ten-minute sessions.  Do make sure to get either the i-clicker on this website or a similar one with a plastic button.  The ones they sell at Pet-co with just the metal clicker are very loud.  One of our buns was downright scared of the clicker for the first couple days.  Our rabbits already knew “go in” for go in the cage, but we started the clicker training with “touch,” which means to touch a target.  Once they get that you can use the target to teach them other things.  We taught them “How tall are you?” which makes them stand up on their back legs.  I think its hilarious, but they are a little superstitious about it and look like prairie dogs whenever they want something I’m eating (bananas mostly).  We taught them spin and now I’m introducing a little jump that my husband made with a couple uprights and a dowel.  Its fun!  Anyway, I use a treat made by oxbow called Timothy Treats that look like Cracklin Oat Bran.  They are nice because they break into thirds very easily with little mess.   The buns seem to like them, though I don’t see the appeal.  I also cut a couple raisins into thirds with a pairing knife and use these to switch it up and reward especially good accomplishments.  

[foxtailskies]

I tear Craisins into little pieces when “training” (I haven’t yet tried clicking with my rabbits, though I’ve used the method with dogs). My guys didn’t care for the Timothy Treats but they’re probably just picky The key is just to find something that motivates them, it doesn’t necessarily have to be food either… I’ve seen dogs clicker trained with a tennis ball toss as a reward, and cats trained using play with a laser pointer. I’m betting my rabbit Peanut Butter would work for head rubs… but you get the idea!

[jennyrabbit]

I use cheerio’s for my little monster.. just keep in mind the “clicker training” is a methode, a “clicker” is a tool, I clicker train without the use of a clicker.. too much stuff to fumble with lol I just pick a cue word for the animal in question, I just use a simple “good” as Jenny’s cue, my mom uses “ta” for one of her dogs and “yes” for the other. the only importent thing is that the cue, wheather clicker or word or sound be “charged.” how fast your rabbit catches on depends on the individual(that goes for any animal). Jenny catches onto fairly complicated tricks within 1-2 10 min. sessions, and simple tricks in about 2-3 reps. it depends on how keen your rabbit is to learn really!

[Chazz]

I use banana chips cause Larry goes absolutely crazy for them.

[nugget]

Thanks for the pointers! I will have to do a search on this to see what else I find….I’m still new at this :o/. Very helpful though, thank you all! My daughter and I are really looking forward to having fun with this. (hopefully the bunny will enjoy it too)

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