The rabbit is a pet that is frequently found in French homes, but do we really know it? Not so sure, accustomed to seeing them evolve like small animals that live in cages, the current trend (and so much the better for him) makes rabbits a pet in the same way as a dog or a cat that can live loose in the house and be clean!

The rabbit, a small cat or a small dog?

Well no, a rabbit is neither a small dog nor a small cat, it is above all a rabbit! This being like the cat, the rabbit can use a litter and like the dog, the rabbit educates itself . But that’s all !

How to potty train your rabbit?

Unlike a cat, which will learn to use its litter box by observing its mother and reproducing her behavior, the rabbit needs to be “conditioned” as we do to potty train a puppy.

The principle of the reward works well with the rabbit, as soon as you see him doing his business in the litter, praise him and give him a treat. On the other hand, as soon as he is outside his tank, interrupt him, put him in his litter and observe him; if he finishes his needs, the same, make him understand that you are happy and that he has done well.

The clicker method can also be used in rabbits. Each time he urinates in the right place, we associate the sound of the clicker with a treat. Gradually, we drop the treat to just use the clicker.

For this education to work, you will need to take a little time and observe your rabbit a lot.

A special box?

Rabbits like to urinate and relieve themselves while feeding. So put his bin near his food. In his cage he will tend to do in a particular place – under the hay rack or a cereal bar – if you offer him a box next to it, do not take him too far from his bowl. The tray should be filled with vegetable litter only, not mineral litter which could prove fatal if ingested.

The box must not be covered, with edges allowing the rabbit to enter easily and of sufficient size . Your rabbit should be able to turn around without getting out of the box and slipping.

If despite all your good will, your rabbit still urinates outside the tank, talk to your veterinarian, your animal may be prone to cystitis or mark its territory (generally whole male).