Use of treats in conditioning rabbits to tolerate compression therapy (2006)

Salvatore, M., Bright, L. T., Agelan, A. et al.

Abstract

In our lab, we used rabbit restrainers and coupled them with the use of positive reinforcement by providing treats. Once used to the treats, they received these only at the end of the procedure. In addition, a bell would sound when the compressions were completed. Four weeks later, the compressions were performed without the use of the restrainer, and the animals seemed to fall asleep during the procedure. No rabbit attempted to remove the cuff. As soon as the bell sounded, the rabbits sought the treats which were promptly provided. This positive reinforcement with treats worked well in our study. It saved time and effort, and allowed a humane way of handling the rabbit. Positive reinforcement with treats proved a very effective way to allow for this tudy, and a way to reward the rabbit for a desired behavior.