Tan rabbits are runners. Rooftop patio play time? Agility training

[mango]

Hi everyone,

I know the general consensus is not to take a house bun outdoors, and I’d normally be right there with you. However, we also know there are some exceptions and the Tan breed might be one of them.

Tans are runners. Here is an excerpt I found about Tan temperament:

“They have as much energy as a cheetah who just had a double espresso. If they can’t run… well, think of eating a Hershey bar the size of an iPad before bedtime, then trying to sleep. It’s not going to happen. When these rabbits have a chance to run on a regular basis, they become sweeter and gentler animals.”

Also, my Tan will be from a breeder and will have already experienced the first 3 months of his life with lots of spacious outdoor playpen time.

Given these considerations, perhaps outdoor time might be suitable for this bun. Perhaps 2 extra large x-pens hooked together in a long rectangular shape on my rooftop patio (cement) with some kind of flooring for softness & traction.

What are your thoughts?

[LittlePuffyTail]

You would need to supervise 100% of the outside time due to the danger of predators. We’ve heard sad stories of dogs terrifying buns through a fence and hawks swooping down. Depending on where you live, there could also be the danger of bot flies and illnesses.

[mango]

Supervised, absolutely! Pests & related illnesses might be a concern.

I’m in downtown Toronto. This is a condo rooftop patio on the 12th floor. Hawks are extremely unlikely. Some do live around the larger parks, which are not near me. Just dense buildings around, nothing for them here. Not sure about insects. I’ve never seen anyone bring their dog up there but would have to watch for that.

[mango]

So I think I found the answer… Agility training! It’s a bit of a different mentality/lifestyle than your typical house bun, but I think it’s perfect for a Tan! I found a local club and a handful of posts in this forum about it too.

[LittlePuffyTail]

That’s awesome. Always something I wanted to try.

[mango]

Turns out the local club is only for youth aged 9-21. So I guess agility training will be just at home for fun.

It’ll be a good outlet for some of that pent-up Tan energy, keep him stimulated & occupied & out of trouble, and provide a good way for us to have fun together & bond.

I’ll throw in some bunny logic games too to engage that foraging & digging instinct. http://bunnyapproved.com/product-category/smartbunny-toys/

We’ll see if that’s enough. May not have to do the rooftop patio excursions after all.

[LongEaredLions]

Home agility training sounds great. I have done a bit of it with a clicker. I would be too nervous to do it with a club, could be very stressful on the bunny.
Interactive toys are great as well. I encourage you to try a variety of them, not only ones aimed at bunnies. I have several meant for small dogs that my bunnies love!
I can’t wait to hear about your bunny when he arrives!

[mango]

Yup, I plan to try out some clicker & target stick training as well. Seems very effective! And logic toys for dogs, for sure! Several at the link I provided were originally intended for dogs.

Regarding nervousness about agility clubs/competitions being too stressful for rabbits, I used to agree strongly. But after watching many videos, I saw the rabbits’ behavior & body language surprisingly very relaxed, curious, & unafraid in these noisy, unfamiliar environments surrounded by lots of people, rabbits & other animals. I’m now more open to the idea. I think they can be properly socialized for this – approached slowly & cautiously in controlled environments, supervised by people who know what they’re doing, of course.

It may also be that certain breeds are more receptive to this than others. I know there is much debate about whether certain rabbit breeds really do have inherent temperaments or not. I can talk about this at length but, in sum, I believe they do, if purebred (which most are not), especially Tans. Besides being high energy, Tans are known (moreso than some other purebreds) to be very intelligent, trainable, curious, not timid, and highly bondable with humans, rabbits & other animals. They were intentionally bred for this temperament, not only for appearance. We’ll see if this holds true.

At any rate, I don’t see that I’ll actually have any safe opportunity for such socialization outside my home anyway. Though I hope to pair bond my Tan in 1-2 years with a shelter/rescue bunny and maybe even get a Great Dane dog someday.

Yes, looking forward to posting pics, vids & stories of my bun!

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