Cheeks, the rabbit

We are constantly trying to think of new behaviors to train the residents at Animal Wonders. It's not only good for stimulating their minds and spending quality one-on-one time with them, it's also a lot of fun for us! This week I have been spending more time working with Cheeks the Netherland Dwarf Rabbit. He has been slightly skiddish and I wanted to reaffirm his comfort around us two legs. He is a snuggle-bug in small spaces and when held, but in a large open area he tends to want to explore rather than hang out with me. So I offered him a treat at one point as he was passing and he stopped and investigated. He thoroughly enjoyed his snack and was eager to get more. I waited until he took a few steps toward me and offered him another treat. Over the next few days I worked on a "target" behavior with him. I hold my hand in a fist near the ground and get his attention. He sees my fist and comes hopping over just as fast as he can. He has now taken to following me around and if I stand still for a long while he will hop circles around my feet.

It never fails to amaze me how effective positive reinforcement training is. It puts a smile on my face every time I am able to form a communication with an animal. Whether they let me know they want something and I feel good about giving it to them. Or whether I let them know I want something and they do it and I reinforce it with something positive. The communication goes both ways and it's a wonderful thing to be a part of. Thank you Cheeks for reinforcing my interest in animal behavior. I am also a student of positive reinforcement.