Rabbit Agility
Rabbits love to jump, explore and figure out obstacles. Would you like to see your bunny jump and hop on command? Rabbit agility classes are also an ideal way to interact and have fun with your rabbit, providing a perfect bonding experience. Tunnels, ramps and jumps are all a challenge for the explorer bunny. Agility training programs also provide exercise and mental stimulation for companion rabbits.
Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society offers classes in two locations: Golden Valley and South St Paul. The various Band level classes teach your bunny socialization skills and adapt them to a leash
Band Level Descriptions
White Band: Rabbits will learn socialization skills as well as leash walking skills, foot and verbal cues, and targeting.
Yellow Band: Intro to Agility obstacles. Rabbits will learn to hop over 4" jumps and negotiate short tunnels and the A-frame.
Green Band: Rabbits will be introduced to the bridge and curved tunnels. Jump height and spread increase. Emphasis on more voice cues and less use of foot cues.
Blue Band: The tire jump and teeter are introduced. Continued emphasis on verbal cues. Jump height and spread continue to increase.
Purple Band: Reliability is stressed. Rabbits learn to recall to handlers from distance and discrimination of obstacles by name. Water jumps and other complex obstacles are introduced.
Red Band: Off-leash reliability is stressed. Obstacle sequencing is more complex. Classes are tailored to the needs of the individual class members.
Our methods
We use only bunny-friendly, gentle methods in our Training Program. Our instructors use training methods that are fun and easy for all family members. Please feel free to observe our classes without your pet if you have any questions or concerns about our methods.
Registration
New classes start every 6-8 weeks. Each 5 week Training class is $25.
Health Requirements
All rabbits must be over four months of age and spayed/neutered at least two weeks prior to attending. Rabbits should be bright eyed and alert, and have been in the home for at least two weeks prior to beginning classes. Rabbits must also show no signs of communicable disease, including eye or nasal discharge, diarrhea, or signs of skin or ear mite infestation.
Equipment
A harness and leash are needed. The H-style harness is preferred and appropriate harnesses are available for purchase at both class locations. Figure-8 harnesses can be dangerous and are not recommended. For leashes, a 4'or 6' nylon, cotton, or leather leash, no wider than ½-inch. No double-handled leashes, chain leashes or retractable leashes, please. Part of the first White Band class covers how to fit a harness on your rabbit.
Treats
Bring your rabbit's favorite treat cut into tiny pieces (emphasis put on 'cut into tiny pieces'). Treat suggestions include carrots, apples, greens, oatmeal, raisins, craisins, papaya, dried pineapple, or dried banana.
For dates and information about upcoming classes and to pre-register, please contact MCRS' Rabbit Agility Team.
