leash training

Question
How do i get my bunny to walk while on the leash?

Answer
Hi Alisha,

the answer is "maybe you can, maybe you can't".  It depends on the rabbit.

Some rabbits will not tolerate the special neck/shoulder harness they need to wear (for safety, never use just a neck collar!).  Some will right away, and some will but only if you gradually get them used to it.

First, you need a proper harness to attach a leash to.  I am assuming you have that, and that it basically looks like a little vest that goes around their shoulders and neck and meets around the chest, snaps or buttons close it most likely.  If you do not have this, you must get one like this.  Collar-only can strangle or break a neck if they strain too hard or if you have to use the leash to pull them (God forbid) back to you out of a bad situation.  You also need to get a harness that fits well but not too snug.  You may need to buy a couple and figure out which size is best.

While he is sitting, try placing it on their back open, just to see how he tolerates it on his back.  If he doesn't like it, keep trying a couple times a day and see if he starts to get used to it.  He may be a bunny that refuses to wear one.  It may take awhile if he really does not like it.  You have to be the one to determine if it's not going to work.

If/when he appears not to be bothered by it, try actually closing the snaps and see how he handles the vest when it is on and closed.  It should not be too snug, you probably would have a lot of problems even closing it if it is too small.  If you are unsure how snug to make it, ask your vet to help you determine how to adjust it to his body frame.  You don't want him to be able to wriggle out if it.  You could also call your local or state House Rabbit Society chapter or the National House Rabbit Society and ask someone there too (www.rabbit.org).

Don't move on to the next step until he appears perfectly fine with the leash vest closed and he is moving around with it on.

If he can handle that, the next step is to attach a leash to the vest while he is wearing it and it is closed/properly adjusted to him - inside the house first.  That way you can also get used to walking him on the leash as well, and learn when to give slack and take up slack, and to determine what length of leash you should give him and still be able to reach him quickly to pick him up (ie emergency scenario).

The next step would be outside in a safe, controlled space such as your backyard.  I would advise against taking him where you know dogs and cats will be, even if they are on leashes.  You don't know how well they are trained and some may be hunting dogs.  I would also suggest that you have a carrier of some kind with you in case you need to put him in a protected place quickly.


You should consider a small dog walker (you won't be needing a long leash) leash with a retractable cord in the base, as I believe you can also let some slack out for them as they are exploring/walking.  Not too much that you could not get to him before another person or animal, however.  They are not dogs and you can't walk them like a dog.  You have a prey species on a leash, not a predator.  Also keep in mind it is a DOMESTICATED prey animal that has lost some of its survival instincts and is less able to read danger as well as wild rabbits, so you have to be their bodyguard and 'overreact' and compensate for their safety too.

Also, the leash connection should be one that does not allow the cord to twist - it should have a swivel connection so that any twisting of the leash does not occur.

Bottom line, is to gradually expose your rabbit to the harness, get him used to tolerating it draped on his back, then used to it fitted and closed and moving around with it, and then on a leash inside the house.  Followed up by a walk outside in a safe controlled area like your backyard, no other animals around.

You can also check the House Rabbit Society web site (www.rabbit.org) for more information on walking your rabbit on a leash.