Do you want an active, high-energy pet rabbit that can master impressive tricks? With proper training, rabbits can become agile jumpers capable of clearing hurdles, racing through obstacle courses, and even competing in hopping competitions! In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to teach your rabbit to touch targets, follow directional commands, and safely develop the skill and confidence to effortlessly bound over jumps higher than you ever imagined. Whether you want a fun hobby or aspire to enter the competitive rabbit agility scene, this guide will equip you to train your own champion rabbit hurdler using positive reinforcement and safe, gradual progressions.

How to Train Rabbits to Jump Hurdles

Part 1: Pointer train your rabbit

Rabbits are intelligent, social animals that can be trained to follow simple commands and perform tricks like jumping over hurdles. Pointer training is an effective way to teach a rabbit basic obedience and maneuvering skills in preparation for hurdle jumping.

Equipment You Need

To get started with pointer training, you will need:

• A target stick or dowel rod – Use a stick about 12-18 inches long so you can hold one end while pointing the other end toward your rabbit. Mark the end your rabbit will touch with a bright color.

• Clicker – The clicker serves as a bridge to mark the precise moment your rabbit completes the desired behavior. The click is immediately followed by a treat reward.

• Treats – Use small, bite-sized treats that your rabbit loves like pieces of fresh vegetables, herbs, or rabbit pellets. Treats should be soft enough to eat quickly.

• Rabbit harness & leash – Control your rabbit's movement during training with a figure 8 harness attached to a light leash.

Step 1: Teach Your Rabbit to Touch the Pointer

The first goal is to teach your rabbit to touch its nose to the end of the pointer on cue. With your rabbit on leash and harness, hold the pointer close to its face so it only has to move slightly to make contact. Click the clicker the instant your rabbit touches then feed a treat immediately after.

Repeat this process until your rabbit is consistently touching the pointer when presented. Always reward with a click and treat upon contact. Gradually increase the distance so your rabbit has to move more to reach the target. Add in the verbal cue "touch" as your rabbit starts figuring out what you want it to do. Aim for just a few short training sessions per day of 5-10 minutes each.

Step 2: Train Your Rabbit to Move Toward the Pointer

Once your rabbit reliably touches the pointer when held close up, it's time to start asking for movement toward the target. Hold the pointer 6-12 inches in front of your rabbit's nose and use your verbal "touch" cue. When your rabbit moves to touch the pointer, click and treat immediately.

Gradually increase the distance between your rabbit and the pointer over multiple training sessions. Work up to positioning the pointer 1-3 feet in front of your rabbit when giving the "touch" cue. Change up the height and angle of the pointer so your rabbit learns to follow it in different directions. Keep training sessions short and reward generously with each completed touch.

Step 3: Train Your Rabbit to Slowly Follow the Pointer

The next step is getting your rabbit to follow the pointer for longer distances vs just moving to touch once. Hold the pointer out in front of your rabbit and slowly walk backward, keeping it in position for your rabbit to follow. Use your verbal cue and click & treat each time your rabbit walks forward to touch the target.

Build up from just a few steps toward the pointer to following it for 5-10 feet or more. Reward your rabbit for sustained interest and movement. You can also drag the pointer along the ground in different patterns, like circles or figure eights, and cue your rabbit to follow its movement. Go slow with changes in direction and generously reward progress.

Step 4: Start Teaching Your Rabbit Basic Maneuvers with the Pointer

As your rabbit becomes proficient at following the pointer for longer distances in multiple directions, you can start teaching basic agility skills. Try using the pointer to guide your rabbit in a circle, through your legs, under chairs, up & down ramps, and through tubes or tunnels. Work on one new maneuver at a time and keep training sessions short and positive.

The goal is to build your rabbit's confidence following the pointer into different positions and over low obstacles. Allow your rabbit to set the pace and provide ample encouragement through verbal praise, treats, and pets. Once your rabbit has mastered some pointer basics, you'll be ready to start incorporating small jumps into training.

Part 2: Teach Your Rabbit to Jump Hurdles

Now that your rabbit understands how to follow and maneuver toward the target pointer on cue, you can begin introducing jumping exercises. Start with low upright objects and progress slowly to higher adjustable hurdles. Use the pointer to guide your rabbit up to and over each jump.

Equipment You Need

In addition to your clicker and pointer, you will need:

• Adjustable hurdles – Start low at just a few inches high and gradually increase the height as your rabbit's jumping skills improve.

• Uprights – Use boxes, flower pots, stackable blocks, or other sturdy upright platforms your rabbit can hop up on and over.

• Treats & rewards – Continuously motivate your rabbit with verbal praise, pets, and treat rewards as you incrementally increase jump heights.

Step 1: Low Jump

To start, set up an upright platform or box 2-4 inches high that your rabbit can easily step up onto and over. While your rabbit is on leash, cue "touch" and use your pointer to guide it up onto and over the low platform, clicking and treating each time it completes the jump successfully.

Start with just 5-10 repetitions per session and keep the early jumping experiences positive. If your rabbit seems unsure, lower the jump height and go back to targeting exercises to rebuild confidence. Only increase height by an inch or two each week as skills progress.

Step 2: High Jump

Over multiple training sessions spanning weeks or months, gradually increase your jump uprights or hurdle heights as your rabbit demonstrates readiness. A good rule of thumb is to raise jumps by no more than 1-3 inches each week, allowing your rabbit time to get comfortable with each new height.

Always let your rabbit set the pace and adjust hurdle heights accordingly if they seem to be struggling. Verbal encouragement, pointing the target stick over jumps, and rewards will help build confidence in your rabbit's jumping ability. Most rabbits can eventually be trained to clear hurdles 8-12 inches high or more.

Step 3: Add a Voice Command

Once your rabbit is reliably jumping a few different low hurdle heights following the pointer, you can add in a verbal jump command like "hop!" or "over!" Use your pointer to lead your rabbit up to the jump, then say your verbal cue just as your rabbit is about to leap. Click and reward immediately after it clears the hurdle.

With consistency, your rabbit will associate the verbal command with the action of jumping. Over time, you can rely more on the verbal cue vs using the pointer for each jump. Introduce the verbal command gradually and use the pointer as needed until your rabbit understands what the cue means.

Step 4: Phase Out the Pointer

When your rabbit is consistently responding to verbal jump cues by easily clearing a variety of hurdle heights, you can start phasing out use of the pointer during training. Continue to reward jumps prompted only by your verbal command. Vary the hurdle height and placement in each session to keep your rabbit actively engaged and learning.

Reinforce verbal-only jumping skills through short, fun training sessions that keep your rabbit motivated to respond. Target training with the pointer can still be useful for teaching more advanced skills like jumping through hoops or onto raised platforms. But for basic obedience hurdle jumping, a verbal cue will suffice once the behavior is learned.

The Benefits of Training Your Rabbit

In addition to being fun for both rabbit and owner, agility jump training provides many benefits including:

Exercise

Jumping small hurdles and obstacles provides vital exercise to keep pet rabbits fit and healthy. Obesity is common in house rabbits that lack physical activity. Agility training is an enriching way to engage a rabbit's natural inclination to jump and get exercise on a daily basis.

Bonding with Your Rabbit

The training process builds trust and strengthens the bond between handler and rabbit. As you patiently work together through incremental steps and positive reinforcement, your rabbit will come to see you as a supportive guide and rewarder. This enhances the quality of your relationship outside of training too.

Confidence

As rabbits master new skills like targeting and jumping, it increases their self-confidence. Rabbits learn to overcome obstacles and seek out challenges through training. This boosts confidence that translates to less fearfulness and more engagement in other areas of life too.

What Types of Rabbits Do Well with Jump Training?

While all rabbits have the physical ability to hop over objects, certain breeds and personalities tend to thrive more with agility training. Key factors that make a good agility rabbit include:

Medium to Large Breed Rabbit

Very small rabbit breeds may struggle with repeated high jumping. Focus on low hurdles and appropriate progression for dwarfs and mini rabbits. Medium to large breeds like French Lops, Flemish Giants, and Checkered Giants have the musculature and structure best suited for jumping.

Young to Middle Aged Rabbit

Begin training between 6 months to a year old, before aging changes mobility. Very elderly rabbits may not be able to take on new vigorous activities. An older rabbit can still learn but limit jump heights and difficulty.

Energetic Temperament

Look for rabbits that love to climb, explore, and naturally jump onto platforms and furniture. Shy or laid back rabbits may not have as much interest in learning jumps. Seek out intelligent, people-focused personalities that engage with activity and new challenges.

Spayed/Neutered

Training is easier after a rabbit is spayed/neutered and sex hormones have calmed. Female rabbits should never be worked heavily when pregnant. Time training around bonding/pregnancy to avoid strenuous activity.

Healthy

Ensure your rabbit has a clean bill of health before undertaking intensive training involving jumping. Issues like arthritis, limb deformities, vision/hearing loss, heart conditions, and respiratory disease make hurdle work unsafe.

Good Diet

Feed an appropriate diet for health, weight management, and energy. Overweight rabbits will have difficulty with agility training. Consult your vet to ensure your rabbit's diet supports an active lifestyle.

Rabbit Hopping and Agility Competitions

Once your rabbit has mastered basic jump training, you may want to get involved with competitive rabbit hopping. Here's an overview of what's involved:

Rabbit Agility

Much like dog agility trials, rabbit agility features a timed obstacle course with elements like jumps, tunnels, ramps and weave poles. Handlers guide their rabbits through the course without leashes, relying on training and commands. Popular competitions include:

• AKC Rabbit Agility Trials

• North American Rabbit Agility Club (NARAC)

• UK Rabbit Agility Network

Straight Line Hopping

Rabbits race against the clock to complete long jumps over a series of 10-12 evenly spaced hurdles in a straight line. Speed, accuracy, and conditioning are key. Competitions include:

• ARBA Rabbit Jumping

• Michigan State Rabbit Breeders Association

• East Coast Rabbit Agility

High Jump

See which rabbit can clear the highest bar in this jumping competition. Records are kept for highest jumps in small, medium and large rabbit divisions.

Triple Jump

A triple jump competition consists of 3 adjacent hurdles with a 4th placed several feet away at the end. Rabbits go for maximum distance after bounding over the first 3 hurdles at once.

Combination Jumps

Combination jumps involve varied sequences of small & big hurdles, like a triple jump into a long jump over a final high hurdle. More complex arrangements test a rabbit's overall jumping prowess.

Other Events

Some fairs and shows offer additional fun rabbit hopping contests like long jump for distance over a single high hurdle and high & wide jump combinations.

Training Rabbits for Competition

Preparing a rabbit to compete in organized events takes considerable dedication and skill. Key factors for success include:

Conformation Evaluation

Have your rabbit evaluated to ensure proper structure for jumping. While any rabbit can learn for fun, competition puts greater physical demands. Look for strong hindquarters, straight limbs, a level topline and good muscle tone.

Gradual Skill Building

Competitive jump heights require months of gradual training to condition muscles, ligaments, joints and bones for impact. Rushing progress risks injury. Build your rabbit's skill base slowly with care and patience.

Focus on Safety

Check jump construction and placement to prevent injuries. Eliminate sharp corners or collapsing elements. Position jumps with ample run-up and landing space. Discontinue training if your rabbit seems hurt or lame.

Positive Reinforcement

Competition training takes accuracy and enthusiasm. Maintain your rabbit's motivation using clicker training and rewards for correct jumping techniques. Lavish praise when your rabbit succeeds.

Balance Conditioning

Compliment jump training with other exercise like running, ramps, balancing exercises and massage. Maintain your rabbit's whole body fitness – don't overdo specific muscle groups when conditioning.

Frequent Health Checks

Monitor your rabbit closely before, during and after high intensity training. Note signs of sore hocks, joint/limb issues, breathing changes, appetite issues or behavioral shifts that could indicate problems.

Supportive Diet

Feed a diet high in quality protein and fiber to support muscle development and energy needs. Supplement with joint supporting compounds if recommended by your vet. Keep weight lean.

Rest & Recovery

Intense training should be followed by ample down time in a safe exercise pen for rabbit to fully recover before the next session. Ensure your rabbit gets proper sleep/rest cycles and soft bedding.

Pre-Competition Prep

Expose your rabbit to competition settings through visits and mock trials. Get them comfortable with travel, strange environments, noise, crowds and distractions you may encounter. Reduce stress.

Consider Your Rabbit's Personality

Not every rabbit enjoys or responds well to the demands of high level competition. Consider your individual rabbit's temperament carefully before committing to an intensive training program aimed at organized events and trials. Signs your rabbit may not be suited for competition include:

High Stress

Does your rabbit seem to feel overwhelmed, frightened or anxious when faced with new environments, loud noises, crowds or travel? Competition could heighten these fearful reactions and cause more harm than good.

Poor Focus

Rabbits that are easily distracted, impulsive or have difficulty concentrating may struggle with accuracy required in competition. Training frustration could ensue.

Low Energy

Laid back rabbits may not have the drive or stamina needed for athletic competition. Pushing an inactive rabbit too hard risks overexertion injuries.

Disinterest

While treats and praise keep some rabbits engaged in training, others simply may not care about perfecting complex skills like jumping. Don't force an unwilling or indifferent rabbit.

Timidity

Shy, insecure rabbits lack the boldness needed for competition. The pressure and demands can heighten timidity instead of building confidence.

Independence

Rabbits that ignore people and training commands may find competition stressful when having to closely interact with a handler. They tend to do better with free run vs structured play.

If your rabbit seems unhappy, anxious or unmotivated when you step up jump training intensity for competition, return to just having fun at your pet's pace and skill level. The companionship and mental enrichment of basic training provides ample benefits without the pressures of competition. Gauge your rabbit's personality and adjust goals accordingly for their wellbeing.

Leash Training

In addition to teaching your rabbit to follow voice commands and jump over hurdles on cue, leash training is an extremely useful skill for control and safety during any type of agility training:

Start With a Proper Harness

Use a figure eight style harness designed specifically to distribute pressure evenly across your rabbit's torso if resistance occurs. Never use collars which can choke or injure. Introduce the harness gradually with positive associations.

Attach a Short & Light Leash

Clip a lightweight leash 2-3 feet in length to the harness so you have close control but rabbit has a little freedom to move. Allow your rabbit to drag the leash around while supervised to get used to the sensation.

Reward Following

With the leash attached, walk a few steps coaxing your rabbit to follow using a treat or target stick as needed. Reward each step your rabbit takes with you with enthusiastic praise, petting, or a treat.

Prevent Pulling

If your rabbit tries to dart or pull away, gently hold pressure on the leash and stop movement until the rabbit settles. Praise calm behavior before continuing to walk together using positive reinforcement.

Practice Everywhere

Gradually increase situations where you use the leash so your rabbit learns to respond reliably indoors and outdoors around any distractions. Having good leash manners will make jump training safer.

Leash skills combined with basic commands, targeting training