![Understanding Rabbits: A Chat with Thea Harting [Episode 40] - podcast episode cover](https://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/f/2/e/7/f2e7ae4b2c5be8ca27a2322813b393ee/Thea_Thumbnail.jpg)
Episode description
Synopsis: Animal Training Academy's Special Rabbit Episode
For those dedicated to elevating their animal training skills with a focus on the most positive and least intrusive methods, this episode is especially relevant for professionals working with rabbits.
The Challenge: Delving into training a new species, like rabbits, presents unique challenges. These challenges can lead to stress and frustration. However, our mission remains clear: Empower each trainer to make a marked positive difference in the lives of the animals they work with [in this case, rabbits!].
Your Guide: Introducing Thea Harting, a seasoned behaviour consultant and rabbit training instructor. Residing in New York City, she has two decades of experience living alongside rabbits and a commendable decade-long dedication to rabbit rescue and shelter work. One of her specialised skills involves facilitating rabbit bonding sessions, effectively guiding new rabbit owners through the intricate bonding processes.
3 Key Takeaways from the Episode [of many]:
- Emphasising Enrichment and Agency: Thea elaborates on techniques that place importance on enrichment, agency, consent, and resilience for rabbit care and training.
- Understanding Rabbit Behavior and Bonding: The unique behavioural characteristics of rabbits are explored, highlighting the challenges and methods to establish a bond with these special learners.
- The Value of Applied Animal Behavior: Gain insights into the broader field of Applied Animal Behavior and its relevance to rabbit training, emphasising the importance of continuous education and seeking mentorship.
The Goal: By understanding and addressing the intricacies of rabbit behaviour, the objective is to mitigate feelings of overwhelm and uncertainty. In doing so, trainers can confidently approach rabbit training, equipped with the knowledge to make a positive impact in the lives of these animals.
Tune into the episode to gain invaluable insights from Thea Harting, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the world of rabbit training, behaviour and care.