How to Train & Discipline your Bunny

How To Stop Your Bunny Peeing on Your Bed

If you decide to let your bunny free roam on your bed, if you're lucky you will be able to leave your bunny and never have to worry. However some people find it's more common to return to discover their bunny has gone for a pee on their bed instead.

This problem can start anytime and when it starts it can become incredibly frustrating, spoiling the time you spend together with changing sheets.

If you feel like you have tried everything and the only option is to ban your bunny from the bed then try this guide. We hope to show you that in a few simple steps and with a bit of perseverance you can get your bunny to share this space.

How can I stop my rabbit peeing on the bed?

How to stop your bunny peeing on your bed

If your bunny has started peeing on your bed don't worry it's not uncommon and in the following guide we hope to show you why it can happen and how to try and correct this behaviour.

Firstly don't encourage the problem with your own behaviour. Avoid giving your bunny food, especially treats on your bed. It can be fun when they are jumping on you for snacks however the more they feel they need to compete for food in an area the more likely it is they will want to mark this territory so it is important not to encourage this.

If they are coming and going all night you may need to use a second litter tray closer to your bed as they can often try and start a new toilet area close to where they spend time.

Remember bunnies go to the toilet frequently so if you are supervising them when they are on the bed It's important for you to recognize when they will probably need to go to the loo and break away from what you are doing to literally lead them to their litter tray.

Some of the signs that your bunny is getting ready to go to the toilet is they will become fidgety, often grooming themselves, they may start to try and get to a corner position backing themselves into a corner.

Lastly its important to make their litter tray as inviting as possible. Make sure you encourage them to go their by placing it in a quiet spot next to a wall and place their food next to or even over it as its normal for bunnies to spend time in this space, pooping and nibbling on hay.

red hay feeder litter box button Litter box with hay feeder
plastic bed cover bunny protection
Onion from the Bunny proofing Facebook group
I've bested him this time! No more peeing down the side of my bed for this little guy. Vinyl table protector and Velcro.

Controlling your bunnies territorial behavior

Bunnies like most pets want to establish their place in our homes, they are territorial when it comes to competing for the things they want and one of the ways they will establish their place is by marking it with their scent.

This can just be a few chin rubs however they will often go a bit further and pee in an area to establish their place there. This can be especially true if you have not had your bunny spayed or neutered as they will have stronger instincts and drives around this behavior.

To start with, encourage your bunny to sit calmly in a space to the side of your bed that they can establish as theirs then don't invade this space. If they become frigidity, kick them off for a bit, then let them try again calmly.

Remember it can take time for your bunny to establish their place on the bed so don't invade this space. If they become frigidity, kick them off for a bit, then let them try again calmly.

After a while they should feel comfortable enough to spend time in this space without marking it by peeing there.

Some bunny owners have said they have had success by letting their bunny have an old towel they are allowed to sit on that they don't clean, including if their bunny has peed on it. The idea is that your bunny loses its urge to keep marking it.

It is important to clean up any mess and make sure you remove any scent where the accident happened or your bunny will want to keep going back to this spot and add to it. If it's just some poops then toss these in the litter try and give the surface a quick spray with some fabric freshener.

If it's a pee stain then it's important to wash any covers that can be removed and soak out any moisture and again treat surfaces with a fabric freshener.

Reasons why you bunny may be peeing on your bed

Where the vets may help

In a lot of cases people find that having their bunnies spayed or neutered led to better litter training and toilet habits. Speak to an exotic vets and they will be able to advise you.

If your bunny has suddenly started peeing on your bed for the first time after many years of not doing this it's worth checking if this problem is being caused by restricted mobility which can come with age or a health problem.

If you think this is the case it is worth asking a Vet specializing in exotic pets who will be able to advise you. If it is the case, then you want to help your bunny to get on and off your bed to make getting to the litter tray easier.

How can I stop my rabbit peeing on my bed?

How to use training and discipline to stop your bunny peeing on your bed.

If you catch your bunny peeing on your bed it can feel like a real disappointment having to spend time cleaning things up instead of spending time playing with your bunny.

However, it's also the best time to be cool headed and take steps to send a clear message to your bunny that this is bad behavior. In this simple guide we show you how to avoid this frustration and teach your bunny to share your home.

The first thing to recognize is you should only tell your bunny off if you catch them in the act. If you leave it till your bunny has jumped away then telling them off will be wasted as they will not remember what they have done and why you are chastising them.

If you do catch you peeing or pooping on your bed, it's important not to overreact. Never shout loudly or clap aggressively at your bunny, they have sensitive hearing, and this could cause them a lot of stress.

Never hit or forcefully remove your bunny, unlike cats and dogs they simply will not understand this type of discipline and its unlikely to deter them, physical punishment could even cause harm if they bolt and fall. Over time it can make them timid or even aggressive towards you.

Instead say their name and NO! in a firm voice, even repeating this a few times. If your bunny is used to being picked up, then scoop them up or if not usher them into their pen or an area where they cannot come back into the room.

If your bunny keeps repeating this behavior then a stronger way of breaking this bad habit is to keep a water mister to hand and when you catch your bunny up to know good, spray a mist of cold water over them.

water mister button Water mister

Voice training

bunny listening standing attention You can voice train your bunny and teach them to follow commands like No!

An unusual way to stop peeing accidents that works for some people is to use some voice commands. You can start this by noticing when your bunny on the litter tray then repeat a keyword to them like 'Wee Wee, Wee Wee'

Then if you think your bunny needs the litter tray next time you lead them to it repeating the words again along the way. This will help your bunny understand what it is you are doing differently to other activities.

How should I discipline my rabbit for peeing on my bed?