New to rabbit show jumping

[Bunbuns]

Hey guys! I really want to get involved in the rabbit jumping show. I want to train Bunbuns but i wont be taking him to shows any time soon! My little bun needs practice. He loves to hop and jump and he is trained to come when called. He has a harness but will be getting a new one as it is too big for him. So how do i start off? I am already requesting the programs from Emily. Thanks.

-April and Bunbuns

[MIKOLI. =)]

Is he trained to accept the harness? If so, you need to begin to get him used to turning, stopping and moving signals. Different people do this in different ways. Some people use the leash to give light tugs to the sides to encourage the rabbit to turn, and others actually move their body behind or next to the rabbit to ask him to turn. It's up to you how you decide to give signals, and there's not too much advice that I can give in regards to that, but if you want some specialised advice, I'll try to write up a training program.

Next you can try him over some very small jumps. He very patient with him, as it would all be new to him. Make the jumps only a few centimetres, maybe an inch high. Put him right in front of it, and encourage him from behind or lure him over with a treat. If he steps over it, even if he knocks in down, give him a big pat and a treat. Try it over a very small jump a few times in one day, then leave it for that training session.

The next day, get him to hop over the little jump a few times, before raising it maybe another inch. Repeat the excerise. Do this over a few training sessions to help him to learn before you start moving the jump around. Once he's comfortable with jumping little ones, you can add another jump behind the first jump. Take everything nice and slow, and before long he'll be high jumping with the rest of them!

Remember, if he seems nervous or scared over any height, lower it to somewhere he is comfortable with. Always let him have a short run before training session, to get him muscles moving and his blood flowing before attempting any jumps.

Good luck!
Rachel.

[Bunbuns]

Thanks Rachel for the reply, he isnt used to a harness. He'll kick and struggle. What harness do you reccommend?

[MIKOLI. =)]

For pet use in general, I'd use a vest/coat type harness.

For rabbit hopping, I'd use a Figure H Strap harness. Ollie is wearing one in the below picture.

[welonheadmoo]

Hey, Mikoli and anyone else.

I was wondering if you have further advice on harness training, especially directing turns. Sometimes if Cinnamon's feeling lazy he'll follow if I tug, but most times he'll sit tight, even when I pull, stand behind him, etc.

[danay]

I wouldn't recommend pulling. My rabbits don't like it at all and usually they start to pull back - once they got free from harnesses by pulling.
I say you should push softly your rabbit's bottom. That's what we do and specialists recommend it, because it works.