Behavior Basics: Why Do Rabbits Run Circles Around Your Feet

You might have a new rabbit that runs quickly around your feet. It’s a little strange because this isn’t something that most house dogs do. On the other hand, this is a normal behavior for rabbits, especially for younger bunnies.

A rabbit running around someone’s feet in circles is a sign of love. Most of the time, they do this to meet someone who walks into the room, when they want a treat, or when they want to play. In general, you want to see this kind of action.

Should your rabbit run around your feet?

You shouldn’t feel bad about letting your rabbit run around your feet. In order to show their love for people they are close to, bunnies will circle them. In this case, it means your rabbit is happy to see you. There’s a good chance you’ll hear them make a quiet oinking or buzzing sound while they do it as well. This sound is only made by rabbits when they are really excited.

Most bunnies will run around your feet a few times and then look up at you with interest. Sometimes they want a treat and other times they want you to decide what to do next in a game. When your rabbit shows affection, there are a few things you can do that will help them know you feel the same way and bring you closer together:

Give your rabbit a treat
Play with your rabbit
Pet your rabbit

What if your rabbit nips you?

There are times when you’ll run into a rabbit that likes to hop around your feet and then nip your legs. This action by the rabbit is not mean. It’s supposed to have more of a love bite and a “tag, you’re it!” vibe to it. The rabbit doesn’t understand how this makes you feel bad.

A yelping sound when your rabbit bites will make them less likely to do it again. After that, turn your back to your rabbit and do nothing. Rabbits do this when they are mad or have a grudge for someone. Giving someone the cold shoulder is like this. This will show your rabbit that you’re mad at them and teach them not to nip again.

What if your rabbit bites you?

There are times when you’ll run into a rabbit that likes to hop around your feet and then nip your legs. This action by the rabbit is not mean. It’s supposed to have more of a love bite and a “tag, you’re it!” vibe to it. The rabbit doesn’t understand how this makes you feel bad.

Why does your rabbit keep coming back to your feet?

Most of the time, rabbits will circle people’s feet when they are happy and active. It’s most likely to happen when you walk into a room for the first time or when you stand up after sitting down for a while. You can tell your rabbit is ready for treats or care by the way it greets you.

1. Your rabbit is having fun and wants to be petted.

This is something rabbits do when they are very happy, just like when they binky (jump for joy) or zoom around the room. The difference is that when your rabbit circles, they are focusing their happiness on one thing (you!) because they want to play too.

This is what your bunny does to get your attention. They want you to pet them, play with them, or talk to them.

2. Your rabbit is happy to see you

There are times when rabbits are just glad to see you. If your rabbit always meets you this way when you get home from work, it’s like having a dog at the door. Rabbits are very social animals that bond with their owners, which is why they have come up with fun ways to say hello.

3. Your rabbit expects a treat

Quite a few bunnies know that if they come to you happily, you will give them a treat. After running around your legs a few times, many will even stand up on their hind legs and box your leg to beg for something.

How to respond when your rabbit starts circling you

When you least expect it, rabbits can start circling. Your hands might be full as you walk across the room, or you might be getting up to go to the bathroom. The way you react will change based on what else you need to do. No matter what, don’t forget about your rabbit. As if you didn’t notice a kid running up to you for a hug and just walked away.

Be careful where you step first. Your rabbit doesn’t always think about where they’re going when they’re in a fun mood. They don’t account for the fact that you might move forward in their plan. In order to keep from kicking my bunnies by mistake, I will stop walking and stand still while they circle my feet a few times. If I have to move, I’ll hurry forward and take very small steps so I don’t trip over them.

When it’s your turn, the rabbit will look up at you or nudge you after going around your feet a few times. Drop anything you have in your arms somewhere safe, then look at the bunny. These are some ways you could talk to your rabbit.

Find a toy and play with your rabbit. You can play with your rabbit for a while while kneeling down if there are toys close. They also love it when I get down on my knees and throw a blanket over my back, making a tunnel for them to run through over and over again. Find out more about rabbit games for kids.
Pet your rabbit. Give your rabbit a few head scratches if you don’t have much time. This looks like how rabbits clean each other by licking each other. It doesn’t take long, so you can go to the bathroom if you need to. It will show your rabbit that you love them and aren’t avoiding them. You can also bathe your rabbit and pet it for longer amounts of time.
Reward your rabbit. As a reward for being good, give your rabbit a few treats. It’s even possible to teach your rabbit how to high-five, spin in a circle, or kiss you on the spot. (find out more about how to train bunnies)

You can pet a rabbit best on the face and behind the ears. You can also stroke their faces and backs. That being said, rabbits don’t like it when you pet them on the bottom, feet, chin, or backside.

What does it mean when a rabbit circles another rabbit

There are some body language patterns that are very different between rabbits and humans. For example, looping means something very different to humans and rabbits. When rabbits circle each other, it’s not the same as when they circle people. It usually has to do with who is in charge and where the rabbits stand in the order.

Mating dance. If you haven’t fixed or spayed your rabbit, it may circle you as a way to show that you like it. Most of the time, the male rabbit will circle the female rabbit before he moves in. When the rabbits are fixed and their sexual hormones have had time to settle down, these mating dances and other normal behaviors that rabbits do to protect their territory should stop.
Dominance display. This kind of circling behavior can also be seen between pairs of rabbits when one rabbit is trying to show who is in charge or claim their area. It might look more like a chase if the rabbit that isn’t the leader runs away. The two rabbits circle each other more often when they are first getting to know each other and less often after they have been living together for a while.
Watch for violent behavior. As soon as two rabbits try to circle each other, they may become dangerously hostile. When they do this, the two rabbits will circle each other faster and faster until they are just a blur of fur. The two rabbits are fighting and trying to bite the other rabbit on the back or behind. This is aggressive behavior that could hurt the rabbits badly, so if it happens, the rabbits should be separated right away.