How to Teach Your Rabbit to Come when Called

Co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Last Updated: June 24, 2024 Approved

A rabbit can be a great pet but it is very different from a cat or a dog. Unlike dogs, rabbits are not naturally obedient.^{[1]
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Research source} They are super smart and independent and thus need the incentive to do what you want them to do. In order to train a rabbit to come to you, you need to figure out what will motivate it and use repetition and kindness to make the action attractive to complete.

Part 1

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Building Trust with a Rabbit

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Give your rabbit adequate food and shelter. You need to make sure that your rabbit is healthy and happy before attempting to train it. If a rabbit is unhappy or ill, it will be less likely to be interested in completing training sessions with you.
Rabbits, and other pets for that matter, don't usually respond well to anger and aggression. The saying "you catch more flies with honey" is very true when it comes to training an animal. Having a positive attitude and being nice will build more trust with a rabbit, and thus make the rabbit more likely to follow your commands, than brute force or hostility.

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Spend a bit of time every day on training. Training should be done in short sessions, consisting of only 5-10 minutes. The goal is to do training consistently but in short bursts.
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Use your rabbit’s favorite treats. Since training is based on incentives, you’ll need to find a treat that provides the most positive response. If you don’t know what your rabbit’s favorite treat is, experiment a little. If the rabbit leaves a treat alone, then it won’t work as a treat. If the bunny munches a treat right down, you have a winner.
- You can offer a new food, in small amounts to avoid digestive upset, once a day and watch the rabbit’s response.

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Training a Rabbit

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Bring healthy rabbit treats, such as carrots and celery. Hold out the treat and say "[your Rabbit’s name], come.”
This will positively reinforce the rabbit's actions. Also, repeat the command as it approaches.
In the beginning, don’t move very far; just a couple of feet will do. Overtime can move further and further away from the rabbit.
If the rabbit follows you without you having to say the command, then simply say it as it approaches. If the rabbit doesn't respond to your command and the promise of a treat, move back to your closer position and repeat.
During the course of the day, occasionally call your rabbit. Use treats each time for the first few weeks to get your rabbit to associate the command with the treat. When your rabbit comes every time from a close distance, start calling it from further away.
In time, reward your rabbit with petting and toys, but use food occasionally to keep the behavior strong. This will keep your rabbit coming when called but will also keep your pet healthy.
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Consider using clicker training. Many people suggest using clickers to reinforce the association. Each time you feed the rabbit, click the clicker so that the rabbit associates the click with food. Then, when you’re training, a click from the device tells the rabbit a treat is coming.
- Try to click right as the desired behavior is happening so the animal knows what it did to get the reward. Give the rabbit a treat or something else they enjoy within a few seconds of the click for each and every time you click, even if you click accidentally. The rabbit will learn that a click means a treat and try to earn clicks.

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How do you teach your rabbit to jump?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Start with a low barrier, such as a stick resting on the ground. Use a treat to lure the rabbit over. As they jump, say a cue word such as "Jump," and gradually increase the height of the hurdle.

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Question

Do rabbits know their names?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

A rabbit can be taught to recognize their name. Use reward-based training methods. Tempt the rabbit close with a treat and say their name as they move toward you. Then give the reward.

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Question

How do you get your rabbit to like you?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

This is a matter of building trust. Less is more with rabbits, so spend time sitting near them talking quietly. Offer some tasty treats and never force the rabbit to do something they are uncomfortable with.

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