Most people believe that only cats can be trained to use a litter box, but in reality, a rabbit can also be trained, although they are not as intelligent as a cat. Training your bunny to use a litter box is also much more difficult to do than to train a cat. But if you are sick of picking up little pellets from the floor every day, training your bunny to use a litter box may be a good idea.
Before you begin your training, there are a few things you must do. First of all, very young bunnies are almost impossible to train. Wait several months before beginning. Also, it is futile to attempt training your rabbit if it isn’t spayed or neutered. A non-neutered male rabbit has a very short attention span, with their interests lying in the pursuit of the fairer sex. Non-spayed rabbits on the other hand are more interested in getting pregnant or searching for a mate than to worry about using a litter box. Rabbits in general have a fairly poor attention span, so the add interest in reproduction serves only as a distraction.
The first thing you must prepare is the litter box itself. Unlike a cat’s box, a bunny box should not be filled with sand, clay or clumping kitty litter; these can be potentially hazardous to your critter’s health. Use wood pellets, or apsen shavings as the base, and then use fresh hay on top. This is usually an attractive place for a rabbit, and if not try using some form of treat, like a slice of apple, or your bunny’s favourite toy. This will make the area welcoming.
With the actual training, avoid negativity; never punish your bunny for not using the box. Be aware of your pet’s body language, specifically his tail and ears. The tail will go up and the ears will relax. When you see this, immediately pick up your rabbit and place it in the box. Soon your critter will learn to only go in the litter box.
Pay attention to this update: I have some important news about the horse ride, it has surfaced that there is something about horse liability that we need to look into before we leave. I know nothing about this, so Dean if you could look after this particular aspect it would be great.