Changing Behaviour in Rabbits

Many rabbit behavioural problems can be prevented and treated when understanding the behaviour of domestic rabbits and their wild ancestors. Many problems can
be solved by information about species-specific management and advisement on enrichment. Other behavioural problems need a thorough analysis; this is where a behavioural therapist or counsellor comes in. The analysis consists of a full description of behavioural elements, the context and stimuli that provoke the behaviour and the diagnose including all motivational factors. All possible motivations should be ruled out by asking questions and observe management and environment. With a careful diagnose, the right treatment can be advised.

The ethology gives us insights of the why and how a rabbit performs (problem) behaviour. Behaviour can be changed by directly influencing the needs/motivations of the rabbit. Daily free hopping and running space, fresh hay as main food source and social companionship diminishes problem behaviour in many cases (even in abnormal behaviours(1,2)).

When these needs are provided in the right way and the problem behaviour isn’t changed, it’s important to look at the learned component of the behaviours. Emotions and learned behaviour of rabbits can be changed by using behavioural modification techniques such as counterconditioning (classical and operant), desensitisation, extinction. Classical counterconditioning and desensitisation are easy to do and a good way to influence the emotion of the rabbit, in order to change problem behavior. […]