Adaptations: Let the Wookie Win!
Okay, so he is a smart critter. I conditioned him to be aware that biting me would not result in being put back in his cage and that I mean him no harm. We were to the point where I can hold him pretty much like a “normal” rabbit. He loved being cuddled.
But then came the puppies….
Yippy, excited, playful puppies. He does NOT like them.
In an effort to maintain some normalcy I still get him out each night. The last 2 nights he has figured out a new trick to get put back in his pen—-urine.
When he bit, I accepted he was scared and comforted him. He has figured out how to defeat me…at least temporarily. Not only does he spray me with copious amounts of urine, but he will continue to pee and poop as he hops around until I put him back in his pen. And no, he will not use the three litter boxes in the room. Grrrrrr…. I am sorry,
I cannot just sit there with urine dripping all over me. As they say on Star Wars… “Next time try a different strategy, let the Wookie win!”
So what to do? Well, he is clearly telling me he does not feel safe and he has found a way to go back to his safe place. Therefore, I need to bring a safe place (his small carrier) in with me. THis will provide him a safe place to go without going back to his pen. I surely do not want him to regress to being afraid of people again. He needs to learn that he is safe with me and I will not let the puppies bother him.
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