Case Study

Two Giant Continental rabbits were entrusted to me due to their aggression towards staff and students at an animal center. Recognizing the need for intervention, I decided to employ the Trust Technique to understand the root cause of their behavior. Through a couple of sessions, it became apparent that both rabbits were suffering from serious hearing issues, which triggered anxiety whenever someone approached them unexpectedly. This led to their unpopularity and widespread mistrust, as they had inflicted nasty bites and scratches and even initiated attacks on people.

Over the course of approximately four sessions, a noticeable transformation took place. The rabbits exhibited significant changes in their demeanor—they became much calmer, more relaxed, and displayed friendlier and more trusting behavior. They began to feel safe and responded positively to the Trust Technique. I adopted specific strategies to ensure their comfort and security; rather than simply walking into their shed, I would knock on the door to alert them through vibrations, and I would speak loudly but calmly to make them aware of my presence.

It became clear that their aggression stemmed from fear, as they were merely defending themselves against perceived threats. By practicing peace of mind with them, they expressed genuine enjoyment and appreciation. Through the Trust Technique, these rabbits found solace and regained their trust in humans, which had previously been shattered due to their hearing-related anxieties.