The best way to bond with your rabbit is by spending quality time with them. This is key to having a good relationship with your rabbit and building trust. Trust is the foundation of a relationship with your rabbit and the only way to build it is by spending time with your rabbit.
Why Is Trust Important?
You may be wondering, “Why is trust so Important? No one ever talks about the importance of trust with a dog or cat.” The answer is that rabbits are simply much different from dogs and cats. Rabbits are prey animals which means that their instinctive nature is to constantly be on the lookout for danger and to be ready to run. Dogs and cats on the other hand are predators, meaning, they are hunters. They are not constantly fearing for their safety. This difference plays a major role in how we interact with our pets.
Rabbits need much more reassurance that you are not a threat to them. This does not happen overnight and it can be frustrating when your rabbit is not responding as you had hoped, but don’t give up! Your rabbit is doing the best they can with their instincts so continue to show them love, patience, and grace.
There are many ways to bond with your rabbit but today I am going to dive into my 3 favorites!
Quality Time #1: Sit With Your Rabbit
Sitting with your rabbit is a great way to begin the bonding process. What you will do is simply sit or lie on the floor in your rabbits’ area. I recommend reading a book or going on your phone while you do this. The key is to ignore your rabbit, if your rabbit thinks you are trying to “get them” in any way they will hide. However, rabbits are naturally very curious animals, if you are simply doing your own thing, eventually, they will come to investigate. Don’t feel like you need to rush this (that’s why I suggested reading for a while). Once your rabbit comes up to you they may hop on you, sniff you, or nudge you. If your rabbit is engaging with you in any way like this you can engage back by gently petting their head. Rabbits do love attention and pets, just when they feel comfortable.
The nice thing about this way of boding is you can do it whenever! Anytime you are having some downtime just do it on the floor! The key is to get on their level in a non-invasive way.
Quality Time #2: Treats
The next way to spend quality time with your rabbit is through treats! Treats are a great way to show your rabbit that spending time with you is a positive experience. If your rabbit knows that you provide treats, they will remember that spending time with you is fun and not something to be afraid of.
You can do this by adding treats to #1. Sit on the floor and have treats in your hand, when your rabbit comes up to you give him or her a treat! Of course, you need to be mindful of how many treats you give them being that rabbits have very sensitive digestive systems. Around 1-2 tablespoons is a healthy amount of treats per day.
Quality Time #3: Introducing a Challenge
Another great way to spend quality time with your rabbit is through introducing a challenge. Rabbits are extremely smart animals, therefore they need mental stimulation to thrive. A great way to keep their brains active is through a challenge such as a toy or even through training. Puzzle toys or activities that simulate natural activities such as foraging or digging are great for your rabbit’s brain. I like to give my rabbit stacking cups with treats in them for him to pull apart and eat. I will sit with him while he plays with it to provide quality time. He enjoys this and honestly, it’s fun for me to watch him figure it out.
Maintaining the Bond With Your Rabbit
Not only is it important to create a bond with your rabbit but it is equally important to maintain it. Your rabbit needs regular reassurance and attention to maintain a bond. If you neglect your rabbit it will show in how they act and respond to you. I learned this the hard way when I went to college and had my dad take care of my rabbit Leo while I lived in the dorms. He had lost his trust in me and was desperate for my attention and love. Now, 2 years later I have regained his trust but it is not yet the same as before I left.
All that to say, it is important to keep spending quality time with your rabbit. Even if you are busy, sit on the floor with your computer or phone and respond to emails and texts. It is simple but pays off in the long run. Your rabbit will appreciate spending time with you because you are their best friend whether they act like it or not.