Q: My rabbit has been hiding a lot lately. Could this mean he’s getting sick? - Artie Donaldson, Plainfield, NJ

A: If a normally active, outgoing rabbit suddenly becomes withdrawn, shy, or lethargic, this is cause for concern and a good enough reason to bring the bunny to your trusted, rabbit-experienced veterinarian for a complete checkup. A withdrawn, lethargic rabbit may be suffering from any number of ailments. Because rabbits evolved as prey species, they tend to hide illness until they feel very sick. It takes a vigilant bunny “parent” to catch the subtle signs of potential trouble and act upon them immediately before the condition becomes serious, or even life-threatening. - Dana Krempels, Ph.D., Executive Director of Houserabbit Adoption, Rescue & Education, Miami, Florida

A: It could be due to any number of changes in the household, such as something being added or taken away. Maybe there’s a new cleanser being used or a new potpourri. A vet checkup should be in order to make sure that rabbit is feeling well, though. - Erica Royal, Founder and President of Brambley Hedge Rabbit Rescue, Phoenix, Arizona

A: If your rabbit is hiding and showing additional symptoms such as not eating, sitting hunched over, grinding his teeth, or not pooping, this is an emergency situation, and he needs to be taken to a rabbit-savvy vet immediately. If your rabbit is hiding but otherwise acting normal, he is probably lonely and/or bored. You may want to think about adopting a friend for him. If this is not an option, make sure that you spend more time with him every day and give him plenty of toys to play with (timothy hay stuffed into cardboard tubes are my bunnies’ favorite). - Liz Rench, Owner of Chicago Rabbit Sitter, Chicago, Illinois

Q: My Lab mix always jumps on my friends when they come over. How can I teach him to settle down? - Katherine Powell, Louisville, KY

A: First of all, do not punish the dog for jumping. You don’t want the dog to associate people with punishments. Also make sure that no family members are reinforcing the jumping behavior. You should instruct your guests to ignore the dog when they come over. Have them walk out of the foyer and even turn their back to him if necessary. You can keep kibble or biscuits near the door, and when someone comes over, toss one over to the dog’s bed in order to keep his focus on the floor and his excitement level down. In general, the dog needs to learn that no hands will be on his body until he exhibits calm behavior. - Pia Silvani, Director of Training and Behavior at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, Madison, New Jersey

A: Well, the good news here is that it sounds as though your pooch loves people and isn’t afraid to show it! However, when he gets the eye contact and verbal attention you give to him when he jumps up, he most likely views it as a dog party designed all for him. Try this, and ask all visitors to follow suit: No attention for Mr. Labby Mix until all four paws are on the floor. He will quickly realize that the dog party in his honor only begins once he’s on terra firma. If you need a little extra help, go ahead and use a leash for the first week or so to assist Rover in your new greeting rules. And remember, dogs thrive on consistency, so no cheating. - Jamie Damato, CPDT, Founder and Trainer at AnimalSense, Chicago, Illinois

A: Whenever we wish to modify a dog’s behavior it is important to keep three principles in mind. The first principle is “Prevent the dog from getting what he wants with that behavior.” Touching your dog, or even allowing your dog to touch your friends is giving the dog what he wants. Place your dog on a leash before your friends arrive. Hold the leash with both hands about half of the way down. If the dog stands or jumps at them they are to move out of his range and look away. The second principle is “Identify what you prefer that the dog do.” And the third principle is “Heavily reinforce the alternate behavior.” Dogs like good stuff, and they like to keep it coming! - Melinda Berger CPDT, CDBC, Founder of Dream Dogs LLC, Newtown, Pennsylvania