Leashes

[Lily]

I’m planning on working to show my rabbit, I really need to get her a leash but I don’t know what kind. My in store options are: Small pet Comfort Harness, “Tiny” dog harness (Comfort and normal) but I’m also willing to buy one online for under $18. If none of what I’ve listed is a good idea then can someone help me choose? I would prefer one that fits from about 1-3/4 pounds since she is pretty little right now. I know many people say leashes aren’t very good but in Sweden I’ve seen so many people competing there bunnies (my cousins have even thought about it) I want to try myself. She is a very athletic bunny and if I start soon I can probably try competing for the first time next time I go to Sweden.
Thanks for anyone who helps

[SeeShmemilyPlay]

Well, first make sure she’s comfortable with a harness on. Most bunnies can’t compete in those videos you see of bunny hopping competitions. The rabbit has to be totally alright in the harness; it’s just unnecessary stress if you try to make the bun be comfortable in it.
Then, always avoid collars. Always use a harness. And I would personally avoid dog harnesses just because they’re too heavy for a bun that’s not a Flemish giant. I’d also get a harness from a store so that you could return it easily if your bun turns out to hate it, which is likely.
Just a heads up; always train indoors where it wouldn’t be a big deal if you had to let go of the leash. If your bun is totally comfortable in the harness, then your biggest threat is them taking off while you’re still holding the leash. This is totally likely, and could cause serious injury. Bunnies are fragile. If your bun starts running, let go of the leash.
Good luck! Just remember to take it super slow with the training and always make sure the bunny likes it as much as you do.

[Krista]

I got Bilbo a ferret/rabbit harness. It’s got velcro latches and clips and he’s pretty comfy with it. The leash that came with it is kind of…spongy? I guess is the word. It’s made of crinkly light material that won’t snap but won’t jerk the rabbit backwards abruptly either. He loves hops. I don’t call what I take him on as walks simply because it’s only around my yard and really it’s where ever he wants to go in the yard. He can stay in the same place for 10 minutes or he can be hopping around the trees and binkying as he does so. It’s tedious, but it makes him happy. Be careful not to /stalk/ the bunny when it’s on the leash. Make sure the rabbit knows your there so it doesn’t feel like you’re stalking it because then it can freak out and spook. Bilbo is a pretty brave rabbit and hasn’t had any issues, but there are some more shy rabbits out there:3

[Deleted User]

From everything I have read. NO harnesses and/or leashes. Bunny can easily get spooked and take off. Snapping back because of the restraints and break their back. People have had to put their rabbits down because of this.

If you have a show rabbit there is no need for leashes. They are kept in their cage most of the show only possibly going from cage to ring and back being carried by you.

Please be careful whatever you choose. 

[Nibbles]

Nibbles does rabbit agility also! She doesn’t compete but is member of a club that does demonstrations in the local community. Thier course is enclosed by colapseable dog pen so none of the bunnies wear harnesses. Nibbles seems to really like running through the course and enjoys the other bunnies in the group. You do need to make sure the ‘training’ is rabbit lead and reward often! About half of the club meetings are the buns lounging around on the course trying to get head rubs ? Is there local rabbit agility club you can join? They could help you select the best harnesses to use and how to get your rabbit used to wearing it, not all like wearing them. My daughter and I have found our group really helpful and a great source of information.

[Lily]

I just had an accident with her kitten harness, don’t plan on using it again

[Author]

Messages