It is a dwarf rabbit, so it's hard to find one that fits. He doesn't seem to mind, but he got out one time and I almost didn't get him back. Any advice on an escape-proof harness or how I can train him correctly to be walked?
2007-05-29 09:09:06 · 10 answers · asked by Jennifer 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
You might try an adjustable ferret harness. Mine do very well with them and have only had one rabbit come out once, ( the kids did not tighten it up enough). You might also want to practice in the house to start, where bunny can get used to it with out the outside dangers. From there, graduate to the yard, and then to longer walks as long as bunny is doing well.
2007-05-29 09:16:21 · answer #1 · answered by Barbie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some rabbits do well on leashes, other do not. Always remember, you are not walking him, he is walking you. You follow behind him.
My bun uses a cat harness and small retractable lease. He didn't like the rabbit one. We started him out in the house, where it was safe for him. Start by putting just the harnes on him without the leash and allow him to run around freely until he is comfortable. If he freaks out, comfort him, if it doesn't work, take it off. Try again later, let him check it out first.
After he is ok with just the harness, put the leash on and follow him around the house. We use a retractable because if my bun did a several hops in a row, I don't want him to think I am chasing him and frighten him.
Once he is comfortable with the house, it's ok to take him outside. He has to feel comfortable. Don't take him somewhere there are other animals such as dogs or cats, even children will scare him as they move too quickly. Remember rabbits are prey animals. They really have no other form of self defense other than to run. If your bun runs like he is trying to get away while on a leash, he could seriously be injured.
Perhaps rather than a run, you could purchase or make an outdoor play area for him. Either a wire enclosed ground run or a puppy enclosure (ooutdoor playpen) you can get at petsmart or petco. Remember to always supervise your bun outside.
2007-05-30 07:51:51 · answer #2 · answered by esybkoven81 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's not safe to walk him, then you shouldn't. He probably would be scared anyway and would not enjoy it.
Rabbits do enjoy being outside, so you may consider buying some kind of playpen, such as an x-pen enclosure. You want to make sure it is tall enough that he can't jump out of and that it is fully enclosed. Another important thing to consider is if the grass is safe. You should not set-up the playpen on any grass, etc., that has been treated with pesticides or any other chemicals. Your rabbit will want to munch and could ingest chemicals that could be life-threatening.
So, I suggest no walking and instead, try a playpen on untreated grass only when you are right there with him. NEVER leave your rabbit unsupervised outside.
Hope that helps.
2007-05-29 09:57:12 · answer #3 · answered by Meg 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rabbits aren't easily trained, but if you turn him over when you are going to put him in the harness and rub his belly, he will go into a non-moving state (called tonic immobility), and it will make it easier to put it on. Then you can get a toy breed harness which is available in the harness section in Petsmart. You can also bring in your bunny for a proper fitting in their stores. An associate will probably more than willingly help. Just be sure to go during a weekday and not too close to 6pm. This is when they seem to be less busy.
2007-05-29 09:18:07 · answer #4 · answered by emilylovesherps 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think walking him would be that great of and idea. He could, easily get free, run away, or get injured. If you have a yard build a fence and let him run around in it to get exercise. If you don't take him to a friends house with a fence. If you can't do that just let him run around the house a little. Rabbits also aren't used to be guided around as dogs are. Dogs natural instinct is to follow a leader you being it when you walk them. Rabbits do not act like this. It would be much safer if you did not walk him.
2007-05-29 09:16:45 · answer #5 · answered by jdzmumbles 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well that is tough. You could try and make a secure harness or buy one for a toy dog. Look online for some tips. If he gets loose you might want to keep another leash around his neck just to be safe. Hope this helps
2007-05-29 09:14:00 · answer #6 · answered by Cash--Rescue, Foster, Adopt! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you could consider letting him out in a safe, enclosed area instead of taking him out into the open for excersize. I'm sure he would enjoy it better if he weren't restrained anyway. Either way - good luck!
2007-05-29 09:14:58 · answer #7 · answered by squishie bug 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I bought my bunny one from petland discounts for 3 bucks its 6 ft long and since its for ferrets it goes around its chest and neck so it makes it escape proof even if its loose. heres the link. http://www.petlanddiscounts.com/detail.asp?product_id=263346
2007-06-02 03:06:26 · answer #8 · answered by michelle s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Or instead of walking him you can make a little run (fenced in area) and supervise it while it's outside.
2007-05-29 10:47:07 · answer #9 · answered by yeahhhh :) 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get him a big hamster wheel and don't worry about it.
2007-05-29 09:16:49 · answer #10 · answered by Daniel T 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋