Do Rabbits Get Attached to their Owners? 12 Ways to Bond with Your Rabbit!

When it comes to pets, it is often said, “a dog is man’s best friend.” But, if you want a pet who will become a true furry friend, and don’t have a lot of time or patience to look after a pet; rabbits can be a great choice. Rabbits will play and react to you in many of the same ways a dog or cat will do, but they don’t need as much caretaking as a dog.

Humans often adopt a pet to form a bond with another creature. To form an ideal bond with your pet, you should pick a pet who suits your needs, personality, and lifestyle.

As a matter of fact, rabbit owners have reported their pets to form as close a connection as do dogs or cats. Rabbits will recognize their owner by sight or by voice. Some rabbits will come when their owners call them. They will follow their owners throughout their homes and will jump right into their owners’ laps once their owner sits down. Once your rabbit settles on your lap, they enjoy being stroked, especially on their head!

Why do rabbits get attached?

There are several good reasons to choose a rabbit as your pet. For example, rabbits are a great choice for a person with a small living space, like an apartment. Rabbits are also easy to train. With positive reinforcement, rabbits can be trained to run through obstacle courses. to jump through hoops or to fetch objects.

Once you have chosen a rabbit as your pet, you may wonder how to increase your connection with him or her. Here are some science-based tips on how to form a close relationship with your rabbit.

12 Ways to get your rabbit to bond with you

Give Your Rabbit A Treat

Treats will allow your rabbit to associate you with good things. This is the first thing you should do; when beginning a relationship with your rabbit. You shouldn’t even try to pick up the rabbit until they are used to enjoying some treats from you. As time passes, the rabbit will begin to approach you for treats, and your connection to the rabbit will begin to grow.

Take your time!

Stay very quiet

Elmer Fudd was right! Rabbits are calm creatures and you should approach them quietly. Keep your voice low and stay still when you go near them. If you shout or move too quickly, they will get startled.

Limit Your Holding Time

Rabbits can take a while to get used to being held by someone. Before you pick them up, stroke them and just sit near them. Once you do pick them up, watch their behavior to be sure they seem comfortable with you. Support the rabbit’s body firmly but gently with your arm. Keep your stroking gentle and don’t allow young children to handle them unless you are sure of how they will treat the bunnies.

Reward Your Rabbit

When your rabbit reacts well to being picked up – and, later on, when they learn how to do tricks – you can reward them by using a clicker. Rabbits like clicking noises and will associate the noise with doing a good job. This will be useful when you want to add new tricks in the future.

Be Consistent

When a new pet is getting used to you, keeping your behavior and your actions as consistent as possible will help them be at ease. Rabbits are like most pets; their memories of their owners’ treatment can help them grow in their connection to you. Try to spend some time with your rabbit every day, and plan to keep their feeding and exercise times as a routine.

Discover your rabbit’s personality

Rabbits have a range of personalities. Most rabbits are affectionate. But, rabbits vary in their energy level. Before choosing a rabbit as a pet, it’s a good idea to spend some time with him; so you can see if your personality meshes with theirs. As you spend time with your rabbit, you will learn how best to bond with him.

Play Games With Your Rabbit

Get Your Rabbit Spayed or Neutered

When rabbits get old enough to breed, they can become aggressive and irritable if they cannot mate. Taking them to a veterinarian to get spayed or neutered can eliminate this potential problem.

Give Them Enough Space

Although rabbits are usually content when placed in their cages most of the day, they need to exercise and run for a few hours each day. Whether you allow your rabbit to run through the house or give them a fenced-in area outside your home, they need that space to remain healthy and happy.

Learn When They Are Afraid

Watch your rabbit see a change in her behavior when they go near people, places, or other animals. They will clearly show you who or what they fear. If your rabbit lies low to the ground, and their eyes are round and they seem tense, you can be sure they are afraid.

Choose A Rabbit who Is Used to Being Handled

After baby bunnies are born, they are not automatically comfortable being held or picked up. If your baby rabbit has been regularly handled, it will be easier for them to form a good bond with you.

Conclusion

Rabbits can make great pets, but it is important to understand their needs before you bring one home. By following the tips above, you can be sure that you and your rabbit will form a strong bond that will last for years to come.

References:

Hess, Laurie M., DVM: “Bunny Benefits: 10 Reasons A Rabbit May Be the Pet For You” posted on VetStreet.com on 7/14/14

(http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/bunny-benefits-10-reasons-a-rabbit-might-be-the-pet-for-you)

Stenhouse, Emma: “How To Bond With Your Rabbit: 12 Science-Based Ways” posted on Chewy.com on 7/19/2022

(https://petkeen.com/how-to-bond-with-your-rabbit/)