Harness and leash

[BunnyLass568]

I hope this is under the correct topic…anyway!

I’m in need of assistance. I want to take my rabbits (Blossom and Thumper) outside but I don’t have enough money for an X-pen so I was thinking of using a harness and leash BUT I live in the country where there are wolves, coyotes, bears, porcupines, (at night) and such and every so often someone’s dog gets loose and finds it’s way here so I’m afraid of them getting hurt or even getting loose and running away. I’m also afraid of them getting sick from the other animals but I know them going outside would be good for them (and, least importantly, myself as well). Yes, I AM a worrier but this is besides the point. I would like to hear what you have to say on the matter and please don’t be mean about it. I’ve been doing research and a lot says it’s ok to use a harness and with a certain leash it’d all be ok but I’m still torn.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Pets-Passed away: Hailey (9 years old, half rat terrier and miniature pincher, Feb-5-2019),Monster (13 years old, mixed breed, Lhasa Apso and some form of terrier, Sep-14-2020), Demon (14 year old Lhasa Apso, Aug-3-2022) Blossom (6 year old bunny breed(s) unknown, April-7-2024) Thumper (6 year old bunny breed(s) unknown, April-12-2024)💔💔💔💔

[DanaNM]

Based on what you described, I would definitely not recommend it, for basically all of the reasons you have already identified. 😉

As long as your bunnies are getting enough exercise inside, they really don’t need to go outside to be perfectly happy.  In fact, it could be harmful and frightening to them, since you mention there are lots of predators in your area and probably diseases as well. Rabbits prey animals, and are creatures of place, so in general they feel the safest when they are in their home territory (unlike dogs, which like to go exploring). Is there a particular reason why you want to take them out?

Harnesses themselves are a very contentious topic, because if the rabbit struggles or spooks they can injure themselves and/or escape. They should only be used when the rabbit is very well trained to return to a carrier, and only used in a very safe place. So yeah, I wouldn’t do it.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[BunnyLass568]

Sorry for the late reply! I want to take them outside because I heard that sunlight is good and necessary for them.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Pets-Passed away: Hailey (9 years old, half rat terrier and miniature pincher, Feb-5-2019),Monster (13 years old, mixed breed, Lhasa Apso and some form of terrier, Sep-14-2020), Demon (14 year old Lhasa Apso, Aug-3-2022) Blossom (6 year old bunny breed(s) unknown, April-7-2024) Thumper (6 year old bunny breed(s) unknown, April-12-2024)💔💔💔💔

[Bam]

Sunlight is good for rabbits, but they don’t need a lot of it, since they are crepuscular animals – ie they are mostly active at dawn and dusk.

Some people take their buns out in a stroller, which obviously needs to have a mesh top so sunshine can reach the rabbits.

 

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