This is binx, he’s ~17 weeks old and i’ve had him for 3 weeks.
He comes up to me to sniff me all the time, jumps on my back when I lay down, and has no problem sitting right next to me.
He lets me pet him sometimes when he’s eating, but other than that it startles him and he will walk away from me.
I’m wondering how to help him trust me when it comes to petting? Maybe just some tips on how to get closer with him would be amazing! I feel like I’ve made a lot of progress already but I can’t wait for him to completely trust me.
by carlenielsen
7 Comments
Just continue what you are doing. Give his fluffy, handsome boy some more time.
It sounds like you’re doing great so far! It definitely takes some time and patience. What helped us with ours is to feed him treats right out of our hand. This really allowed him to associate us with food and build trust that way. Best of luck!
Time and treats is often the answer. after a bit they will realize how good it feels to the point that they claw at you to pet them ( at least that’s what mine does)
Just make sure you’re within his view, to one side of his face. Then slowly reach your hand out to pet him and talk gently. Beyond this, it sounds like you’re already doing great, as many people have said. It takes time to build up trust, but it will be in his own time, just go at his pace. You’re doing so well 😊.
Gently and slowly show him your knuckles, curl your hand up and guide it towards him. Never make sudden movements and keep your hand closed.
When he’s used to that (might take a few days), slowly start opening your hand more each time with a few pellets or treats in your palm.
Give or take a month and you should be able to give him head pats!
Beautiful floof
What helped me and my son is giving treats when called with name training, but I also took the time to love on him before the treat. Also rabbits will sleep together with their heads. It’s a way of showing full trust. Do that to your rabbit and I’d give kisses as a way of grooming. The best way to bond is to become a rabbit kind of thing.