Harness / Leash train

[Deleted User]

I got my rabbit from an inexperienced little girl who never played with her. It is taking more time than usual to bond. I think I’ve finally come to the point where I can leash train her. Does anyone have any tips or steps based on my situation? Thanks! Here’s a picture of my harness…

[KytKattin]

Don’t. If she is still nervous around you, a leash could end up being deadly. Leash training is only really recommended for calm rabbits, and even then, if they get spooked they can easily break legs or backs. If I go sit outside with my rabbit I might put a harness and leash on her as an extra protection in case she tries (and succeeds) to jump off my lap, but that is it.

[Deleted User]

She isn’t afraid of me any more. She even loves to crawl all over my lap.

[KytKattin]

You might not be the problem, but anything else could still spook her. I know some people have leash trained them, and I can think of a few reasons where even I would find it useful, but it just isn’t worth the risk of severe injury.

[Sarita]

Well, you cannot really train a rabbit on a leash like a dog. It’s just meant to secure them but it they do get frightened you can cause severe injury. I’ve only tried it once and was not successful with that rabbit and decided it wasn’t such a good idea for rabbits.

[Stickerbunny]

Safest way to take your bun outside is in a covered pen – a lot of buns spook at noises (cars, dogs, hawk cries, etc) and a spook in a harness often means a broken bone somewhere and a broken leg to a rabbit, especially a back one, is very serious. Rabbits are a lot more fragile than cats / dogs. But if you are going to harness train her go very slowly and get her used to having it on 100% before you ever attempt to take her out with it on. Also, remember outdoor areas with grass that are public are typically treated with fertilizer and pesticides which are toxic to buns, anywhere that other animals have used to go to the bathroom is also dangerous. And if you take your bun outside, make sure to discuss with your vet ways to detect/treat worms since they can get parasites. Our indoor pets are not as sturdy as the wild ones.

[Rabbit lover]

I would say that some bunnies like to be walked some do not since I do rabbit agility with my buns I usually have to use a harness. Some of my bunnies hate it! Also like Sarita said if they get frightened there is really not much you can do and they can get injured. Make sure that if you do end up walking your bunny do it in a quit area away from anything that may spook your bunny. Here is a website that may help you http://bunniez.hubpages.com/hub/How-To-Train-Your-Bunny-To-Walk-On-A-Leash

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

You know, someone I met who does rabbit agility with lots of rabbits (read: lots of rabbit experience, training experience and leash experience) had a rabbit break his back while in harness and leash. Since then I would NEVER ever use one (I know, we all think that it won’t happen to us, but if it happened to her-yes, yes it can). I strongly caution you to ditch the idea and instead if you want to train your bunny, teach him to come when called and even heel so you could safely walk your bunny in a fenced yard instead.

[Beka27]

Check out clicker training for indoors. You don’t need a leash/harness!

[Deleted User]

I have surtainly changed my mind. Thanks!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Fantastic

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