Harness help

[Mandyaqui]

I tryed to put a harness on Luna so I could take her outside. It was difficult untill I discovered that if I layed her on her back she didn’t move. Very cool. So I got the harness on, tighly enough, or so I thought. When I flipped her back over she jumped right out of the harness. It happened so fast I did not see it happen. All I know is that one second the harness was secure, the next it was lying on the floor without the bunny. Any advised on harnesses and how I can take my bunny for a walk outside without her running away. I don’t have a yard. I live in an apartment complex.

Oh, and now she’s mad at me

[Monkeybun]

Alot of buns do not like harnesses. some of them even get petrified when wearing them. If your bun doesn’t like it, I wouldn’t force it on her, as injuries can and do occur.

[LBJ10]

Leopold will tolerate a harness, but I won’t use it outside. I’m too afraid of something happening. At least if he is in a controlled environment (like a vet’s office), I know I can always let go of the leash. I’m not sure how to suggest putting the harness on securely. I’ve never had a problem with it. I just put him in my lap and I buckle it on. Like I said, he really doesn’t mind all that much. I wouldn’t force your bunny to wear the harness if they obviously don’t like it. I know you live in an apartment, but does it have a common area? Maybe you could set up an exercise pen and let her explore the great outdoors that way.

[Monkeybun]

I live in an apartment as well, and I know for a fact the landscapers use various pesticides and herbicides on the vegetation. Not to mention the dogs leaving droppings everywhere. I honestly wouldn’t take any rabbit out there, they could get poisoned, or get worms and such from the dog feces. Better to keep bun inside

[LoveChaCha]

I say no to leashes… the rabbit will likely take you for a walk or.. be scared. My bunny freaked out. Rabbits have such tiny heads that their heads can get out of the leash.

[Beka27]

If your bun escaped that easily inside your house, I would not take her outside wearing a harness. Rabbits do not have to go outside, and often times, it’s more scary for them than enjoyable anyways. Monkey brings up an important point too. Chances are the outside grass is chock-full of chemicals. It’s just not safe since it’s not YOUR yard and you don’t have control over what goes on the grass. And if someone is out walking a dog, it won’t take much for the dog to escape from the owner and hightail it for your bun.

Does your apartment have a small outdoor patio? I’ve seen some lovely bunny-proofed patios that give the outdoor experience without being out in the elements.

[KatnipCrzy]

I agree- no walks outside. We had a member here that her bunny broke its leg and had to have surgery to have the bones pinned back together so they would heal. Not worth the risk. And also like others have mentioned- you have no control over the chemicals used on the grass- and by the time rabbits show signs of pesticide poisoning it has already affected their vital organs. Not a safe option to use a harness and go to areas that are not under your direct control.
Even if your landscaper used a pet safe chemical- that is a different story for a rabbit as dogs and cats typically are not going to EAT the grass.

[LBJ10]

Oh yeah, it’s been a 100 years since I’ve lived in an apartment. I bet they do spray all kinds of nasty stuff on the grass.

[Mandyaqui]

Thanks all. We do have a patio, I’ll see if I can’t bunny proof it!

[Author]

Messages