Help! How to Stop a Rabbit From Chewing Carpet!

Do you come around the corner and see your precious rabbit digging into the carpet? Are there holes in the carpet throughout the house from the many spots your furry friend has decided to destroy? Feel like you've tried to get them to stop, but can't? Don't worry, you aren't alone.

Click Here For a Beginners Guide to Rabbit Care.

In the beginning they may look cute when digging into the carpet, but it's a guarantee that your carpet won't look cute afterwards. Digging is a natural instinct for your pet rabbit and they will continue to do so because they don’t know any better. That's why you need to teach them and have them learn that digging into your carpet is a no-no. But, how exactly do you go about teaching them?

Discipline or Reward?

When it comes to teaching a pet to not do something, like a dog, you usually go about it in a matter much like this:

The dog is digging in the backyard and you want it to stop. You walk over to the dog and discipline them for digging by saying something like, "Bad dog, no digging." Then you add to it by shaking your finger at them and repeating yourself. Both of these actions clearly showing them that they've done something wrong.

These type of actions only work with pets that are considered part of the predator species, which your pet rabbit is not. Rabbits are considered part of the prey species and if you were to use the actions above on your rabbit, it would fail to work because prey animals work in the opposite manner. Therefore the question is, how do you stop your rabbit from chewing on the carpet? The answer is to reward them for doing the right things, such as digging in the right places.

For example: If your rabbit is digging in their cage or a designated area where they're allowed to dig, give them a treat! This will show that what they're doing is good! Thus, they will dig there again.

Giving them a reward for doing something good will also work with other behavioral and physical habits your rabbit has that you want to break.

If you don't have many places that are acceptable for your rabbit to dig while indoors, try building your own dig box!

Not sure how to create one? Watch the video and you'll receive a supply list along with a step-by-step tutorial on how to make your very own cardboard dig box for your rabbit.

Understanding Natural Instincts

Another aspect to consider in terms of your rabbit digging in places they shouldn't is whether or not you allow them to go outside or if you keep them indoors 24/7. You may experience more issues with them in regards to destroying things within your home if you only keep them indoors.

Their natural instinct tells them to dig, so they dig. They don't realize they should wait to be outside for dirt to begin digging, especially if they've never been outside. If you currently don't let your rabbit go outside, you may want to reconsider and allow them to venture outdoors on occasion. But, before you allow it, make sure that your backyard is safe and properly enclosed.

For other ideas on ways to reward your little one and providing acceptable items to chew on, check out this article by My House Rabbit.

Figuring out what your rabbit needs, be it hay, chew toys, or bedding can be hard. Especially when you can't find it all in one place. Luckily, at Rabbit Hole Hay we have all the food and bedding options you'll need for your rabbit and it's in one convenient place! Shop our store and find the best hay and bedding for your pet rabbit along with apple sticks to keep them chewing on something besides your carpet.