by Elizabeth Armstrong-Brown

Created on: January 15, 2009

The most important thing that you need to remember is that rabbits are extremely delicate creatures that can be easily harmed through clumsy handling. One of the safest ways to take your pet rabbit for a walk is by walking your rabbit on a leash. Keep in mind though that if your rabbit does not like walking on a leash, he will start to thrash around like a mad little creature. If this does happen, you should remove the leash from your rabbit and only try again once you are more confident that your rabbit is more comfortable with the leash.

Even before your consider putting leash on your rabbit, he should be quite used to being handled first. In order for you to bond more closely with your rabbit you do need to handle him every day. Since rabbits are considered to be prey animals, the act of being handled can be quite terrifying to them and therefore it is critical that they become used to be handled as quickly as possible. Another thing to consider is that most rabbits will go into a fit of panic once a harness has been placed on them and they then learn where the end of the leash is and they realize that they cannot run any further.

Remember to never place a collar on your rabbit, because their necks are too small and delicate and it could cause your rabbit to sustain a neck injury. However, there are many harnesses that are designed especially for rabbits that should be used; just make sure that the harness fits well and is of a good quality as this will ensure your rabbit's safety.

Placing a harness on your rabbit should be quick and easy, and if your rabbit struggles a lot, however, then stop. Never force your rabbit into a harness and he will quickly start to resent you instead. Rather attempt this maneuver only once you have built up more trust with your rabbit.

Once the harness is in place properly on your rabbit, you can then clip the leash to the harness and you will be ready to take your rabbit safely for a walk.

Just remember, that rabbits are more in control of you once they are on a leash as they will dictate where it is that they want to go, unlike walking a dog on a leash where the dog follows you, with rabbits you follow them!

Try to get your rabbit used to being walked on a leash in your backyard before venturing outside. In the beginning your rabbit will not truly understand how the leash works and will only know that his movement is constricted. Once he realizes that with the leash on, he can go and see new places, he will learn to love wearing the harness and leash.

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