Is your bunny digging up your carpets? Chewing through all your baseboards? Peeing everywhere but their litter box? Rabbits are cute, but their naughty behaviors can drive owners crazy! This comprehensive 10,000 word guide will help you understand the psychology behind your rabbit’s mischievous habits. Learn how to properly curb digging, biting, spraying, and more through proven training techniques and environmental changes. With a little patience and persistence, you can turn the devilish behavior around and have a model rabbit citizen in no time. This paw-some guide covers all the common issues owners face so you can build a rewarding, lifelong bond with your hoppy friend.
Digging behaviors
Digging is a natural behavior for rabbits, but it can become problematic when bunnies start digging at your carpets and into their litter boxes. Here are some tips to curb digging behaviors:
If your rabbit is digging at the carpet, provide them with a dig box. This can be a plastic bin or cardboard box filled with shredded paper, timothy hay, or soil. Place it in an area where your bunny tends to dig and encourage them to use their dig box instead. You can also try covering areas they tend to dig with attractive cage liners, rugs, or runners.
To stop your rabbit from digging in their litter box, use a covered litter box or place a hay rack over part of the box to discourage digging. Make sure the litter box is big enough – a box too small will encourage bunnies to dig out of boredom or to make more room. Clean the litter box frequently to minimize odors that attract bunny digging.
If your rabbit digs when bored, make sure they have plenty of enrichment. Give them cardboard boxes, paper bags, and tunnels to explore. Provide digging opportunities in a designated dig box. Increase playtime and supervised time out of their enclosure to help stave off boredom.
Discourage digging behaviors right away by startling your bunny with a loud "no" when caught in the act. Provide an acceptable place to dig instead and praise them when they use that area. Digging at inappropriate items can also signal stress or anxiety, so ensure your rabbit's overall needs are met.
Digging the carpet
It can be frustrating when your bunny digs at the carpet, but this behavior is easily remedied. Start by identifying why they are digging – it may stem from boredom, stress, or a desire to burrow. Next, provide better digging spots like a cardboard box or plastic bin filled with paper bedding or hay. Place these "dig boxes" around their enclosure and in areas where they tend to dig. Discourage digging the carpet by covering tempting areas with attractive cage liners or rugs.
Make sure your rabbit has enough stimulation. Increase supervised playtime and rotate new toys to keep them engaged. Try hiding treats in cardboard boxes or paper bags for added foraging fun. Accompany these enrichment ideas with lots of positive reinforcement when they dig in appropriate areas instead of the carpet.
Remove access to problem areas as you train your rabbit. Keep doors closed and use baby gates to block off under furniture. A squirt bottle of water can also startle them away from the carpet. Be patient – with consistency, they will learn the carpet is not an acceptable digging spot.
Digging into the litter box
Rabbits digging in their litter box make a huge mess! But this behavior is easily fixed with a few adjustments. First, get a covered litter box or place a hay rack over part of the box. This removes some of the space they have to dig in. Next, make sure the litter box is big enough – if it's too cramped, a rabbit may dig to create more room.
Try pouring an inch of orchard grass hay over the litter to entice digging there rather than into the litter itself. Clean the box frequently to minimize odors that draw bunnies to dig. Use litter materials like paper pulp pellets rather than clay, as they are less likely to stick to a bunny's paws.
Sometimes rabbits dig if their litter box is too open and exposed. Make the box more private by placing it in a corner or semi-enclosed area. Reduce anxiety that can trigger digging by neutering your rabbit and providing places for them to hide if desired.
If your bunny only digs in certain areas of the litter box, place heavy ceramic bowls or bricks in those spots to block access. Accompany these fixes with positive reinforcement when they use their litter box appropriately without digging.
Chewing behaviors
Chewing is completely normal rabbit behavior. In the wild, rabbits have to chew constantly to wear down their ever-growing teeth. But that natural chewing drive can wreak havoc on your home when directed at baseboards, furniture, and more. Follow these tips to curb damaging chewing habits.
The most important thing is to provide your bunny with acceptable chew toys at all times. Untreated willow branches, apple tree twigs, and untreated pine cones make excellent chew options. Rotate new toys frequently to keep them exciting. Cover electrical wires with plastic tubing to prevent shocking hazards.
Try spraying or rubbing tempting areas with safe deterrents like lemon juice, vinegar, or bitter apple spray. Use taste deterrents repeatedly and combine with distraction techniques. When you catch them chewing the wrong thing, interrupt the behavior with a loud "no" and redirect to a designated chew toy. Praise them extensively when they focus chewing on appropriate items.
Limit access to vulnerable areas by closing doors or blocking off with cardboard or plastic sheets. Keep your rabbit confined when not supervised until the chewing habit is curbed. Be patient – this may take weeks or months of diligent training to fully resolve.
Chewing baseboards
Rabbits love chewing on baseboards, but this destructive habit can easily be redirected. Start by identifying why they are chewing. Baseboards offer texture and browsing satisfaction. Rabbits may also chew when bored or if they lack appropriate chew toys.
Provide plenty of "good" chewing options like untreated wood sticks and pine cones so they can satisfy their chewing urge. Make sure their enclosure is bunny-proof with electrical wires protected. Rotate new chew toys frequently to keep it exciting. Increase playtime and engage your rabbit so they don't chew baseboards out of boredom.
Use taste and smell deterrents on baseboards to discourage chewing. Apply bitter apple spray, citrus odors, or menthol-scented oils. Reapply multiple times a day for 2-3 weeks. Insert plastic tubing around wires. Block access to problem areas when possible with cardboard or enclosures.
Correct your rabbit calmly but firmly with a loud "no" whenever you catch them chewing baseboards. Immediately redirect to a designated toy and reward them heavily for chewing the right thing. Be vigilant and consistent – it may take 1-2 months to fully curb this habit.
Chewing on furniture
Chewing on furniture can quickly damage wood and fabric. Make this behavior stop fast with training and bunny-proofing. First, provide plenty of good alternatives like wooden blocks, sticks, and untreated wicker baskets. Rotate new toys frequently to make chewing more exciting.
Spray bitter apple, citrus scents, menthol oils, or vinegar on furniture to deter chewing. Reapply multiple times per day. Set up physical barriers such as cardboard around couch legs or table corners. Close doors to problem rooms or use baby gates to limit access until chewing resolves.
Correct your rabbit promptly and calmly with a loud "no" when you catch them chewing furniture. Immediately redirect to a proper chew toy. Praise abundantly when they focus chewing on acceptable items. Be patient and persistent as this may take weeks to fully train.
Ensure your rabbit has enough stimulation and exercise. Boredom can trigger inappropriate chewing. Provide interactive feeding puzzles and schedule daily play sessions outside their enclosure. Meet their basic needs for enrichment, companionship, space and veterinary care to minimize stress-related chewing.
Bad litter box habits
When your bunny stops using their litter box properly, it requires patience and detective work to identify the cause. Look for reasons like stress, medical issues, territory marking, or dislike of litter type. Make sure the litter box setup meets your rabbit's needs.
Provide an appropriately sized box – large enough for your bunny to enter, turn around, and dig. Use litter that is dust-free and absorbent. Scoop waste at least once daily. Place the box where your rabbit spends most of their time and likes to urinate.
Add a layer of hay over litter to promote use. Clean the box with vinegar and water to eliminate odors that may deter your rabbit. Restrict access until your bunny is consistently using their box again.
Correct inappropriate urination/defecation gently but firmly. Never punish your rabbit – this will only cause more stress. Simply interrupt the behavior with a calm "no" and place them promptly in their litter box.
Spraying
When unneutered male and female rabbits spray urine, it leaves a pungent mess. Spaying or neutering typically resolves this behavior entirely. But until your rabbit is fixed, try these approaches:
Clean soiled areas thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove odors that can encourage remarking. Restrict access to sprayed locations and protect surfaces with plastic or puppy pads.
Provide a second litter box where spraying occurs frequently. Add plenty of hay as rabbits are less inclined to spray on their food source. Place the box over spraying “hot spots” to encourage proper use.
Discourage the behavior with loud interruptions like hand claps. Never punish your rabbit when accidently spraying. Remain calm and limit stress during the retraining process.
Schedule your rabbit's spay/neuter surgery as soon as recommended by your vet – usually around 4-6 months old. Spaying eliminates spraying in nearly 100% of female rabbits. Neutering also greatly reduces urine spraying in males in as little as 1-2 weeks.
Peeing on the bed/couch
Rabbits develop strong scent marking instincts, which leads some to urinate on beds, couches, and other territorial spots. Start by having your bunny spayed or neutered to decrease territorial behaviors. This resolves inappropriate urination in over 90% of fixed rabbits.
Until then, restrict all access to problem areas using baby gates or closed doors. Cover spots that have been urinated on with plastic, puppy pads, or waterproof mattress covers. Clean soiled areas thoroughly with enzymatic cleaners.
Provide a litter box where accidents tend to happen and around your rabbit's favorite lounging spots. Add hay as litter box substrate to encourage use. Interrupt and redirect with calm but firm "nos" when catching your bunny in the act.
Ensure your rabbit's core needs are met to minimize stress and anxiety. Give them places to safely hide, proper diet, enrichment, exercise, and veterinary care. Be patient – retraining takes consistency over several weeks in most cases.
Peeing next to the litter box
It’s frustrating when your rabbit pees right next to their litter box instead of inside it. Start by examining the box setup to ensure it matches their preferences. Make sure the box is large enough so your bunny can move freely. Clean regularly and use absorbent, dust-free litter.
Add fresh hay over the litter to entice use. Try different litters like paper or pine pellets if they seem to dislike what you currently provide. Place the box in their favorite bathroom spot. Add a second box where you find urine pools.
Restrict access until litter box habits improve. Clean soiled areas thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove odors. Discourage accidents with gentle “no” interruptions and immediately place them back in the litter box.
Examine the box edges and entryway. Place litter under any overhanging edges to widen access. Consider a lower entry box or ramp if they have trouble stepping into their current one. Ensure the box isn’t crowded by another rabbit.
Continue reinforcing with treats each time you catch them using the box properly. Be vigilant and consistent. Remain patient – retraining takes time but it is very much possible.
Dribbling pee
Rabbits who leave a trail of urine drops likely have an underlying medical issue like a urinary tract infection or bladder inflammation. Schedule a veterinary exam to check for UTI’s, bladder stones, swollen genitals, and uterine disease.
Discourage further dribbling by promptly interrupting accidents and placing your bunny back in their litter box. Limit access to broad carpeted areas that encourage random urination. Clean soiled spots thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove odors.
Try adding more litter boxes around their space since frequent urination is difficult to control. Use hay as litter box substrate, as rabbits tend to avoid urinating on their food source. Continue reinforcing good litter habits with treats and praise each time they use their box appropriately.
Have your veterinarian show you how to gently express your rabbit’s bladder. Learn the signs of obstruction like straining, teeth grinding, and sitting in a hunched posture. If they appear unable to urinate, call your exotic vet right away as this can quickly become fatal.
Pooping outside the litter box
When your rabbit starts defecating outside their litter box, first take them to the vet to rule out underlying illness leading to uncontrolled cecotropes or diarrhea. Providing a second litter box nearby may help catch stray poops until the issue resolves.
Evaluate the location of their current litter box. Place it in the corner where they spend most of their time and tend to eliminate. Make sure it’s large enough for them to comfortably turn around and dig inside.
Clean litter boxes twice daily to keep it smelling fresh and appealing. Try new litters like recycled paper or pine pellets if they seem to dislike what you currently offer. Always provide fresh hay – rabbits are less inclined to eat where they poop.
Limit access to broad carpeted areas where stray poops are hard to find and clean up. Gently interrupt accidents with a calm “no” and place them back in the litter box immediately. Be vigilant and consistent in rewarding proper litter box use with treats.
Above all, use patience and understanding rather than punishment or force during retraining. Your bunny isn’t misbehaving on purpose. With diligence over 2-3 weeks, their habits should improve.
Aggressive behaviors
Aggression in rabbits often stems from fear. Improper handling as a baby, lack of socialization, and genetics can predispose rabbits to biting and charging. Aggressive behaviors like growling, lunging, nipping, and circling must be addressed right away for everyone's safety.
Start by having your rabbit examined by a vet to check for pain or illness that may be causing lashing out. Spay or neuter them, as hormones can influence aggression. Evaluate their diet, environment enrichment, and handling methods to ensure their needs are fully met.
Avoid approaching your rabbit directly from above which can seem predatory. Move slowly and let them approach you first during sessions. Discontinue forceful handling that frightens them. Always provide an escape route when taking them out.
Use positive reinforcement by offering treats when they display calm behavior around you. Provide safe hiding spots in their enclosure. Work up slowly to petting by first hand feeding treats. Protecting yourself may mean wearing thick gloves and long sleeves initially.
Consult an experienced rabbit behaviorist if problems persist beyond 2-4 weeks. Be aware some rabbits are too unstable for family environments. As difficult as it is, rehoming may be necessary if severe aggression does not respond to training.
Nipping
Nipping during petting or handling is common but painful! It typically stems from fear – being touched too soon before trust develops. Start by neutering or spaying, as hormones exacerbate territorial nipping. Provide a hiding spot in their enclosure so they can safely retreat when overwhelmed.
Avoid looming over your rabbit which seems predatory. Sit on the floor and let them approach you instead. Slowly work up to petting by first offering treats from your hand. Read their body language and stop any contact that causes nervousness.
Use a wand toy to rub their head and shoulders until they accept touching from you. Limit handling to 5-10 minute sessions so they don’t become overwhelmed. Stop any aggressive or fearful responses promptly by ending the interaction.
Continue positive reinforcement by giving treats when they tolerate relaxed touching. Phase in gentle petting while they are eating to associate it with good things. Remain patient – it takes many repeated sessions before nipping usually resolves.
Biting, charging and growling
Biting, lunging, circling feet, and growling are more serious aggressive behaviors in rabbits. The first step is to spay or neuter, as hormones fuel territorial aggression. Next, schedule a veterinary visit to check for painful conditions that can cause lashing out.
Aggression often arises from poor handling and lack of proper socialization. Avoid looming over your rabbit when approaching and forcing contact. Let them initiate interactions at first. Provide safe hiding spots and never corner/trap them.
Work up slowly to handling using high value treats. Gently pet only as long as they remain calm, stopping if they get nervous. Protect yourself with thick gloves and clothes in case of biting. Keep children away from aggressive rabbits.
Consult an experienced rabbit trainer or behaviorist If aggressive responses persist after 2-4 weeks. Some rabbits may