how can you teach a bunny to walk on a lead???

Question

can you??? i know you can but whats the best way to??

i know you have to put a halter on them but a good way to introduce them to it, was what my question was supposed to be.

he is 2 weeks, he is one of my friends rabbits baby she has gone on a holiday so im looking after them and i already know not to start now i just want to have information so i know and he is very friendly and cute :)

thanx meptastic im pretty good with the sewing machine so i might give it a shot coz he's still young plenty of time to make one and if that fails i can buy it!

Answer 1

My Dutch bunny loved to go for walks. We began by taking him where the clover was fresh, and just set him down in a nice patch of clover, where he began eating, and then when he would reach the end of the leash, he would stop.
You need to make sure he is used to fresh grasses first, but giving just a little at a time.
then we would carry him back home. Soon, he looked forward to being taken on a walk, and enjoyed it in the yard, or anywhere we went.
Yes, we used a halter and long leash.

Answer 2

First you need to buy an appropriate sized harness. Then place it on your bunny for a few minutes each day, increasing the time as he becomes more comfortable. Once he can wear it for the amount of time you think you'll have him out, you can attach a lead and try to start walking with him. But please understand that bunnies arent really meant to be leashed, so he may never become comfortable or relaxed on one. Also never leave him unattende with a harness or leash on, if he panicks he could quickly get himself tangled and strangled.

Answer 3

cs has given you some good pointers. Would just like to add a couple of things.

Firstly, you probably know this, but you can't expect a bunny, even when used to and happy with a harness and leash, to go where YOU want to, as a dog will. You must be happy to follow where the bunny leads, as long as it is safe: it's useful if the rabbit is happy to be picked up and carried in case it wants to go somewhere unsafe, or is scared by something, as you pulling on the leash does not get good results. If you are anyway nervous to begin with, it may be a good idea to have a carrier box handy, to put Bunny out of harm's way if necessary.

Secondly, most rabbit harnesses ARE pretty uncomfortable for the rabbit to wear, as they put pressure in particular areas if he or she does pull away from the leash, as they inevitably do sometimes. This doesn't make it any easier for them to accept it.

So, much as it pains me to recommend a Marshalls' product, in light of their dubious breeding practices, I have to say that it has proved easier to get rabbits to accept this when using the Peter Rabbit Walking Jacket than any other product.

So unless you feel like breaking out the oul' sewing machine in the next few weeks (or in case you do, then you can use the pic to help with your pattern!), here is the link for them:

http://www.rabbitmart.com/shop/index.php?page=shop-flypage-16324-bf17d8a88bf01edbf6f3429e45c34093&ps_session=78ca1524029a894b9e58f397633a7685

Edited to add: That's cool, Claire! If it works out, maybe you could make the pattern public somewhere, if it's not realistic for you to actually go into production, lol!

Answer 4

Yes, we used to take our rabbit out in good weather on a lead He really didn't care for it but he tolorated it. Start them young if possible or right away if older. Put the harness on and let the rabbit hop around inside without the leash attached, when he seems more comforable attach the leash as let him hop around this way he accepts the changes. Keep close on him with leash on. If alls going fine try picking up leash and see if he'll hop some for you. Working inside first is safer then him freaking out outside. Try going outside when weater is permittable and test is reaction. This will take some time and patience. Right now I'm working with my son's iguana with a harness. She death rolled for him and walked for me. Good luck and remember time and patience.

Answer 5

you have to purchase a special rabbit halter then attatch the leash to it, but rabbits really hate that stuff.

Answer 6

i think so

Answer 7

no