How to Train a Bunny Not to Go to the Bathroom Outside Its Cage

Rabbits are extremely intelligent animals that are creatures of habit. In the wild, rabbits live in burrows that have a designated area for waste. They are very clean animals and do not want to live in filth. Because of this innate characteristic, it is easy to train a rabbit to use a litter box. It is important to note that unaltered rabbits are prone to marking their territory, so it is best to have your pet rabbit spayed or neutered early to avoid messes as well as health problems.

Things You'll Need

  • High-back litter pan made especially for rabbits
  • Nontoxic litter made for rabbits; recycled paper litter is best
  • Timothy hay
  • Sprig of parsley, cilantro, basil or mint
  • Treats, like raisins or baby carrots, to reward behavior
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill the litter box with a 1-inch thick layer of litter. Put a handful of Timothy hay in a front corner of the pan. Place an herb sprig on top of the hay to tempt your rabbit into the pan.

    • 2

      Allow your rabbit to hop into and explore the pan. If your rabbit has left pebbles (feces) outside of the pan, put a few in the back corner of the litter pan in order to mark the pan with its scent. Use encouraging words like "Good bunny!" and "Go potty!" to reinforce its actions.

    • 3

      Watch your rabbit while it is in its litter box. If you see it raise its tail, that is a sign that it is urinating. Praise your rabbit, pet it and give it a treat as a reward.

    • 4

      Clean the litter box daily and keep fresh hay in the box. Rabbits like to munch on hay as they do their business. They also like a clean litter box. If you find urine or feces right outside of the box, your rabbit is trying to tell you to clean it.

    • 5

      Say "No!" and carefully herd your rabbit back to its cage and litter box if you catch it going to bathroom on the floor. Rabbits learn best through positive reinforcement, so do not scare or chase your rabbit when it makes a mistake.

    • 6

      Clean up any accidents immediately. Wipe up urine with a paper towel and put it in the litter box to help the bunny learn that is where its business goes.

    • 7

      Reward your rabbit when it uses its litter box. Respect your rabbit's space by not reaching into the cage when it is inside. Open the door and let it come out on its own. Do not force your rabbit back into its cage. You want its cage to be its safe place.