Friday, January 09, 2009

See Spots Learn

Here they are waiting for training. Sydney is seeking reassurance from Tyler who seems to have his eye firmly fixed on the greens bag.

Training is progressing. The other day when I didn't have time to do  a proper feeding training session, I just picked some fresh Chicory from the yard and put it is the Spots bowl. Tyler hung back and gave me a look. Either he isn't too smart and has completely forgotten how to eat on his own or he does think it is a nice way to have a meal. Indeed when I stock up the Bunvention they both seem to think it more fun to be fed strands of hay rather than rummage in the Bunvention.

Tyler with all four paws on my lap, he is getting really good at this. I am trying to reinforce the word "lap", but he seems to think that just hearing "good" means jump in lap and have a snack.

This morning Tyler spent about 75 percent of the time in my lap (that would be all 4 paws on). When he is there I touch his ears a forehead, not too much just a bit, since these are bonding gestures. Sydney seemed to put out  and she sulked under a chair. I addressed her a few times, because she does know her name, so she wouldn't feel forgotten. Finally she came hopping out, did a sort of half bink with a shoulder shake and planted herself in my right knee for her breakfast. She had decided she could play too and wasn't she a good girl!. For awhile I had both rabbits with 4 paws on on my lap (getting mighty crowded). Didn't get a picture of that because my camera batteries ran out.

Tyler firmly on lap with Sydney showing that she can do 2 paws on very well.

Giving credit where credit is due: I have to say that reading Furrybutts tale of Yohji gave me courage/motivation/faith to try training the Spots. Thanks Furrybutts !!!!

13 comments:

Elizabeth said...

They are such very charming rabbits.
You must have incredible patience......!

Unknown said...

I am besotted with Tyler and Sydney everytime I come here, and I dont know why we dont see similar ones here..they do look like they have slimmed down, or its just my morning blurrness as coffee has not done its effect hehe :D

I read about Chicory somewhere..but I am not sure if we have them here. These bunns really makes life much better dont they..poop machine aside.

PJ said...

The buns sound intelligent/habitual much like my dog, Ranger, who was rescued from the street. Literally. He is not well socialized but when he learns to do something a particular way then he always wants it that particular way. As he has gotten older he has begun volalizing and has developed a vocabulary for all his wants. Just lately I have started to feed one of my cats canned pumpkin for health reasons and Ranger got a taste of it and now thinks pumpkin is better than dog food. It just sends him around the moon. This morning he woke me up with a series of three yips. He has NEVER done anything like that before. I think it's a pumpkin yip! I'll be very interested to see what he does tomorrow morning. Hopefully it isn't neurally implanted.

PJ said...

And congrats on the training, Diana. S & T are doing beautifully (as are you as a mum). Hearing how people don't really have a hands on relationship with their buns has been a stumbling block for me regarding adoption. I'm all about the cuddle so this gives me hope.

Glenna said...

It's fascinating that you're being able to train them like this. My three love each other to death, and I am very much an also-ran. I've found that if I spend time on the floor with them, just petting without picking them up, they are becoming more accustomed to my joining in, and I'm rewarded with bunny nudges and kisses.

RoadBunner said...

4 paws for any length of time is awesome progress! Congratulations to the three of you!

RG said...

Wow - yup .. what progress. Must feel good - to all! Lotsa work and patience ... those bunns must be proud of you for your amazing progress!

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

Glad it's going well. Yay for spotted bunnies!

Anonymous said...

Both Spots, with 4 paws on! That's great, D! It was funny to read about S though.. aren't these girl buns the proudest? It sounds like she knew that coming to you meant she will get her breakfast, but she was probably fighting with herself whether to give in to you or not, lol!

I'm glad you found Yohji's story helpful, and I'm looking forward to more updates on the Spots. They're doing so good already :)

Crafty Green Poet said...

they're doing really well, wonderful spotty buns!

Glenna said...

Hah! You have the same little pile of sticks and wooden pieces in the background that we have! (In the vain hope that they'll chew those instead of the woodwork.)

ilex said...

Wow, I am mightily impressed. Both with you and the buns.

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