afFURmation

Rabbit Adoptathon- Thursday

dawn — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:00:56 +0000

Parsnip and Turnip are a pair of rabbits who are looking for an understanding patient home. They need someone who is willing to work with them a bit so they can become outstanding bunny members of the family (check out the guest post on how using clicker training can help a rabbit.). They are available for adoption from the Griffon Pond Animal Shelter.

There’s still time to join in the Rabbit Adoptathon. Just share an adoptable bunny on your blog or Facebook page.

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Helping Rabbits Build Confidence with Clicker Training

dawn — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:00:39 +0000

Many people don’t think that animals like rabbits can be trained. This is a guest post by Melissa Jolene Viera of The Dog Trick Project on how clicker training helped her rabbit.

Rabbits can be playful and outgoing animals when they are comfortable in their environments, but some rabbits are very timid. Rabbits are prey animals, and even if we understand that they are safe, they might not. It is our job as pet owners to keep our pets stress levels to a very minimum. They should not have to feel unnecessary fear. The good news is, we can help our rabbits understand that they are safe, and encourage them to be their true lively selves. Using science based clicker training, you can help your rabbit build confidence.

Clicker training is a way of training animals using rewards and a marker, like a click, to tell the animal exactly what they are getting rewarded for. The possibilities are endless when using clicker training. Positive reward-based training gives the animal an opportunity to experiment with their behaviors and movements to earn rewards. The animal is not physically manipulated, or told they are wrong, instead they are rewarded for desired behaviors. When teaching a new behavior, it is broken down into tiny steps that build up to the finished behavior. Any animal can be trained using clicker training, including rabbits.

When I first brought Mia home, my New Zealand Rabbit, she was very shy and nervous. She had no interest in exploring her new home, or interacting with people. I wanted her to feel comfortable rather than fearful. I needed to make her understand that she was safe, and help her build confidence. I hoped Mia and I could share a trusting bond.

I started clicker training Mia, hoping for the best. The first few sessions were nothing more than rewarding Mia for showing interest in the clicker game. Once she made the connection that the click meant a treat was coming, I started to click and treat her for various movements, like making small movements toward me, perking up her ears, and showing curiosity. She was realizing that her body movements could earn a reward.

I taught Mia to touch a target stick, which she quickly started following to earn a treat reward. The target stick gave Mia a focus point while moving around, and learning that her environment was safe. Mia learned how to do a number of tricks in short sessions, like spinning, sitting up, and putting her feet up on a box. The change in Mia was amazing to watch. I could see her confidence growing

With clicker training, Mia learned to accept handling, and soon she started to enjoy it. Just like when teaching tricks, I taught Mia to be calm for handling by working in baby steps. At first she got rewarded for being still for a few seconds, but later she was able to calmly accept having her nails clipped, and other necessary handling. With time, Mia went from a rabbit who was afraid of being touched, to a rabbit who nudges you to get pet.

Mia has been with me for two years now. She continues to amaze me with her learning ability. She is a very bold rabbit, who is never afraid to let you know when she wants attention. She enjoys interacting with people. Her playful nature is fun to watch, but most importantly she is comfortable and confident.

Clicker training has many benefits. Training animals gives them mental exercise, and strengthens the relationship between human and animal. Often times, rabbits need some help to build their confidence, and clicker training is a great way to help them. Spending time training your pet and watching them progress is a rewarding experience.

Melissa is a dog trainer, and Certified Trick Dog Instructor, who uses reward-based positive methods and clicker training. She believes in giving animals both mental stimulation and exercise through training. Melissa also has a special interest in the care and behavior of rabbits, and other small animals.

Thank you Melissa for sharing how clicker training helped Mia. You can find Melissa online at her blog The Dog Trick Project and her website Mj’s Dog Training.

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Pet Pop Quiz Answer

dawn — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:00:10 +0000

Did this week’s question have you reminiscing? I actually picked it because of the rabbit due to this being our Rabbit Adoptathon week. It’s not too late to join in and help promote rabbit adoption!

Q: This children’s novel is about a beloved stuffed animal that turns into a real animal. What is the name of this story first published in 1922?

A: The story is The Velveteen Rabbit written by Margery Williams and Illustrated by William Nicholson.

(Source- Wikipedia)

Was your answer right? If so you get an entry into the May Pet Pop Quiz and Contest. Come back next week for another pet Pop Quiz and another chance to get an entry into the May contest.

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Rabbit Adoptathon- Wednesday

dawn — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:25:44 +0000

Help Lucky live up to his name by giving him a furever home! This is a bunny with a sense of humor and a flair for decorating. You can adopt him form the Luzerne County SPCA.

Rabbit Care- Health

Knowing what diseases and conditions rabbits are prone to will help insure they get to the vet as soon as they start showing any symptoms.

Some common conditions:

Malocclusion- Some rabbits have a bite that is wrong and prevents some of their teeth from wearing down. They usually need regular vet visits to keep them down so the rabbit is comfortable and can eat.

GI Stasis- This is when the rabbit’s intestines slow down or stop moving. This can be due to a variety of causes such as stress, dehydration or intestinal blockage. It is life threatening and requires quick veterinary attention.

Upper Respiratory Infection- Also known as snuffles, there are several different types of bacteria that can cause the infection.

To learn about the symptoms of these conditions and other rabbit diseases, visit H.A.R.E., Inc.

There’s still time to join in the Rabbit Adoptathon. Just share an adoptable bunny on your blog or Facebook page.

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Rabbit Adoptathon- Tuesday

dawn — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:18:18 +0000

Today’s bunny is Mango and pretty brown and white bunny. She is a looking for a family that would be willing to take some time and patience in letting her get acclimated to her new home. She is available for adoption at the Luzerne County SPCA.

Rabbit Care- Toys and Enrichment

A bored bunny is not a happy bunny. Providing a variety of toys will help keep your rabbit mentally stimulated, give them exercise and help keep them out of trouble. Toys that can be shredded, chewed, dug, jumped on, pushed around, or thrown can keep a rabbit busy for awhile. Offer your bun a selection and see what his favorite is. You can find suggestions for toys to buy or make at the House Rabbit Society. Check out this Pet Hacks post for some rabbit toys you can make.