How to clicker train your rabbit to do tricks

Rabbits are really amazing creatures!

While people unfamiliar with the pets may consider them boring, bunny owners know they have a lot to offer.

They can be trained to use a litter box and learn to come when called. Rabbits can also learn tricks!

That’s right! Tricks are not just for dogs!

The bunny that’s most famous for doing tricks is Bini the Bunny. I’ve seen this rabbit dunk basketballs and paint masterpieces! Not every rabbit has this amount of talent, but you can still get a taste for tricks.

We’ll go over clicker training and how you can train your rabbit to do a simple trick.

What is clicker training?

Clicker training is when you get your pet to respond to a clicking noise. They associate the sound with a good thing (like a treat) and perform a desired action.

From there, you can replace the clicking sounds with specific hand gestures or verbal cues.

Some people have trained their rabbits to run in a circle, come when called, and jump onto couches – all using this method.

What can you use as a clicker?

You’ll need something to act as a “clicker.”

I personally just make a clicking sound with my mouth!

But there are also products out there that you can use that are handheld or can be used in your mouth. It doesn’t particularly matter what you use as long as it makes a sound that’s different than your rabbit would normally hear.

Here are some options:

What rewards should you use during training?

When training your bunny, you should use high value (aka their favorite) rewards.

This should be something they don’t get all the time but that they absolutely love!

Here are some examples:

Cut up dried papaya treats
Cut up fresh or dried carrot bits
Cut up pieces of fresh or dried banana
Cut up fresh or dried strawberries
Just their regular ol’ pellets

Surprisingly, Baby loves pellets enough that that is a significant motivator. This is especially true now that I’ve limited his pellets to encourage him to eat more hay.

When training your bunny, it’s important to set aside all the treats you will be giving out that day. This will prevent you from overloading your rabbit with the unhealthy, sugary foods.

How long should each training session be?

I would let your rabbit determine the training session.

Each rabbit has its own attention span. When Baby has had enough, no amount of treats can make him do what I’m asking.

Make sure you stop the training when you can tell they’re “not having it.” This will keep the sessions fun, tasty, and effective.

A shorter, successful training is better for your bun than a long, drawn out session that feels like you’re bossing them around.

Running out of your pre-portioned treats is also an indicator to stop.

Typically, my training sessions are between 5-10 minutes.

How to teach your rabbit

For this example, we’ll be teaching your bunny how to stand on their hind legs on command.

To start out with any trick, you need to get your rabbit to associate with a clicker sound with a treat.

Your rabbit does something you like. In this case, your rabbit stands up on its hind legs. Naturally, they will do it when they are curious about something high up. Baby does this when I’m getting his food in the morning. He gets excited and tries to reach up for them.
When they do this, produce the clicking sound.
Immediately give the treat.
Repeat when they do this action again. I’d do this for a few days, so they begin to associate the sound with the treat and the action.
Give the action a name. This can be a verbal signal, like “stand.” Or it can be a hand signal. When I was training Baby, I would hold my hand out flat above his head.
When your rabbit does the desired action, say the verbal or hand signal along with the clicker and treat combo.
Repeat this for several days.
Once they get good at this, take away the clicker sound and just use the hand signal. It may confuse your bun at first, but hopefully it will be enough of a routine at that point that they will still understand the ask. If they do not understand, alternate between with the clicker sound and without the clicker sound.

Extra tips

Do not use negative reinforcement for clicker training. Focus on the positive rewards.
Do not give the treat if your bunny “messes up.” Just try again! Remember, this is an extra treat on top of their regular food, so they don’t necessarily need the treat.
Use only a moderate amount of treats so you keep it healthy.
Be consistent. Rabbits can remember the tricks once learned. But when they’re first starting out, you want to make sure training isn’t once in a blue moon.
Don’t force it. Some rabbits are trick obsessed and want those treats. Some rabbits will look at your attempts and scoff. Just respect your rabbit’s decision to not participate if that’s the case.