Look for harnesses, which go around your rabbit’s chest and torso, in the rabbit or cat aisles of your local pet store. You want something that is lightweight and no more than 6 feet. [3] X Research source Remember that your rabbit will technically be walking you. The harness and lead is simply to give your rabbit a gentle tug if he is going into danger, and to give you a feeling of being in control. Try and find an H-style harness, which looks like an H when laid out flat. [4] X Research source You can also get a figure-eight style harness, but be aware that there isn’t a consensus on whether they’re safe. These style harnesses can cinch your rabbit’s neck and cause injury. Avoid collar leashes because your rabbit can easily slip out of them or get injured.
Kneel on the floor beside your rabbit and hold it gently, but firmly. Make sure to pet your rabbit and speak to it soothingly while you easy the harness on to it. Consider giving your bunny treats while you’re putting on the harness. This can help your rabbit associate the harness with a positive experience. Make sure the harness is snug, but not too tight on your rabbit. [6] X Research source A harness that is too loose can result in your rabbit escaping and one that is too tight can cause discomfort or injury or may keep your bunny from moving. [7] X Research source
Take the harness off if your rabbit is reluctant to wear it. Try again slowly later the same day or even the next. Keep doing this until your rabbit feels comfortable with the harness. Attach the leash to the harness once your rabbit is used to wearing the harness indoors. Then let your rabbit drag the harness and leash behind him or her until he or she is used to the feel of a pull on it. You can do this by putting on the harness twice a day for 5-10 minutes for a week. Offer treats so that your rabbit moves and associates the harness with fun. [9] X Research source
Give your rabbit 5-7 days of walking inside before venturing outside your home. This is especially important if your rabbit has never been outside. If this is the case, get your rabbit used to the outdoors by putting the cage outside in a pet-safe and shaded area and doing one of your daily walks in your backyard.
Scope out potential spots while your bunny is still walking inside. Observe it for a few days to see what different types of traffic are there on a daily basis. Look for a space that doesn’t have dogs or a lot of people. You may also want to find a place that has grass and dandelions as a snack for your bunny. Ask yourself questions such as: When is this place most busy? Does the sun warm up the pavement, making it too hot for bare bunny paws? Is there broken glass or other rubbish lying around? Are there dogs or other predators such as birds and raccoons present?
Walk your rabbit a few times a day for just a few minutes. Make sure to stick to the same area you chose for walks so that it doesn’t distress your rabbit or you don’t encounter something unfamiliar. Give your rabbit as much time as it needs to get used to shorter walks. Over time, it will get comfortable with walks and start moving on its own. Offer your rabbit treats to get it to walk and help it associate walks with fun. You can phase out the treats as your bunny begins to move on its own. Avoid pulling on the lead or trying to take the lead. Simply follow your bunny. If it seems to be heading toward danger, pick your rabbit up and soothe it.
Remember that bunnies may not move quickly—often only a few feet at a time. Be patient and avoid forcing your bunny with the leash so that you don’t injure or cause it to panic. If you need your bunny to move, pick it up gently with your hands. You can also coax it with a treat.
Find an outdoor playpen that has at least four walls and a top. The top can keep out predators. The walls of the playpen should be made of wire that is not wide enough for your bunny to escape or give a predator access. [13] X Research source Supervise your bunny at all times if it is in an outdoor playpen. This ensures that no predators get close or your bunny is frightened by something.
Avoid staking your rabbit in the yard and leaving it alone. Your rabbit can get tangled in its leash, which can cause injury or even death. Predators can also snatch your rabbit or it may chew through its leash and escape if you are not watching.
Find out public areas that have pesticides or weedkiller by calling your local county extension. You can find out your local county extension at http://npic. orst. edu/pest/countyext. htm. Recognize that many plants may be poisonous to your bunny including: agave leaves, amaryllis, azalea, buttercup leaves, daffodil, eggplant, hyacinth, iris, ivy, jonquil, lily-of-the-valley, mistletoe, narcissus, ranunculus, sweet pea seeds, sweet potato, tomato leaves, tulip, wisteria. [16] X Research source You can find a comprehensive list of plants poisonous to rabbits at: http://rabbit. org/poisonous-plants/.
Be aware that even if a predator doesn’t attack your rabbit, it can die from the stress of fear at a potential predator.
Be aware that mosquitos and flies can bite your rabbit and transmit diseases such as Myxomatosis. Go over your rabbits fur gently to examine its skin when you get home. Look for ticks, fleas, or other bugs that can transmit diseases or cause your bunny discomfort. [19] X Research source
Recognize that the signs of heatstroke in a rabbit are: reddened ears, panting, lethargy, salivating, weakness and slow movement, acting confused, having seizures. [20] X Research source Contact your rabbit to the vet as soon as possible if you notice any signs of heatstroke. While you are waiting, you can bring down the rabbit’s temperature by placing it in tepid water or wrapping it in cool, wet towels. Avoid placing a rabbit that is heat-stressed in cold or iced water.
