Question: How Can I Socialize An Angry Rabbit For Adoption?
Dear Kim,
I have been fostering rabbits from the animal shelter for several years now. What is the best way to socialize an angry rabbit so she/he can learn to trust and be adoptable?
Marisa
I have been fostering rabbits from the animal shelter for several years now. What is the best way to socialize an angry rabbit so she/he can learn to trust and be adoptable?
Marisa
Answer: Dear Marisa,
Angry rabbits can be a real challenge. These rabbits tend to be very intelligent and learn early on that exhibiting bad behavior gets them what they want (keeping people away who want to pick them up being the usual reason). So they will bite, snarl, lunge, or otherwise act in an offensive manner. There is some good information at www.rabbit.org. Realize that this process may take months. However, once the rabbit realizes that you are a source of good things (food, petting, treats) rather than bad, then you frequently have the problem of convincing them that really, you can’t spend 24 hours a day snuggling with them and petting them!
Best,
Kim Meyer, Nov 4 2005
Free Advice: Ask An Animal Communicator
Disclaimer: Kim Meyer shares insights derived from animal communication. Any advice she offers is not meant as a substitute for veterinary care or basic dog obedience training.
Angry rabbits can be a real challenge. These rabbits tend to be very intelligent and learn early on that exhibiting bad behavior gets them what they want (keeping people away who want to pick them up being the usual reason). So they will bite, snarl, lunge, or otherwise act in an offensive manner. There is some good information at www.rabbit.org. Realize that this process may take months. However, once the rabbit realizes that you are a source of good things (food, petting, treats) rather than bad, then you frequently have the problem of convincing them that really, you can’t spend 24 hours a day snuggling with them and petting them!
Best,
Kim Meyer, Nov 4 2005
Free Advice: Ask An Animal Communicator
Disclaimer: Kim Meyer shares insights derived from animal communication. Any advice she offers is not meant as a substitute for veterinary care or basic dog obedience training.