I’ve been raising rabbits for over a decade. One common thing that I’ve noticed in them is how much they long for love and affection. Whether I eat or set my bed, my rabbits rush to take their spot and every morning, they love to be pampered. However, due to their fragile nature, none of them have cooperated on any new activity like walking. Perhaps, I’ve seen some pet parents take their rabbits for walks. So, do rabbits like going on walks? Should you take yours too?
Rabbits like going on walks, as long as they’re used to the external environment. It takes time and regular practice to walk around (with or without a leash). However, in most cases, they prefer to socialize and wander around without any control. They hardly walk; rather hop when they’re happy. If your rabbit is scared, a walk isn’t for her/him.
Some of my rabbits are extremely scared of external noises while a couple of them doesn’t bother for noises (instead, for new scents). So, if yours is social and you’d like to take him for a walk, it’s a complicated topic and you need to know about it further.
In this article, I’m sharing my experiences along with what vets and other pet parents say on this subject so you’re thoroughly informed. So, are you ready to start?
Taking Rabbits On Walk: Dos & Donts
Rabbits love going on walks as it is a great way for them to explore new places and get some exercise. According to Agriculture Victoria, rabbits need to exercise at least 3 hours each day. This can be a combination of organized walks, socialization, running on ramps, and other fun activities to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Wisconsin Humane Society mentions that engaging a rabbit regularly in various activities encourages them to eat well and also have long lives. In fact, domesticated rabbits need exercises to regulate their temperament, according to a research study published in a textbook on rabbit medicine.
Hence, it’s absolutely fine to take your little bun for a walk. Some pet owners have even worried if it’s ethical to take a rabbit on an organized walk (involving a leash). The truth is it’s ethical as long as you don’t engage in harmful or stressful practices in this process.
When taking your rabbit for a walk, it’s important to start slow and gradually build up their tolerance.
First, make sure your rabbit is comfortable with the harness you are using. Allow them to get used to the feel of the harness and leash by having them wear it indoors for a few days before taking them outside.
A good starting point would be a path in a quiet park or nature area, somewhere with minimal distractions and traffic.
When first beginning, try not to take long walks as your rabbit may become overwhelmed or too tired. Aim for short 10-minute walks at first, stopping frequently if necessary so that they can rest and explore their surroundings.
This applies to any new thing that you introduce your rabbit to, including the first travel of a rabbit on car.
As they become more accustomed to walking outdoors, you can gradually increase the duration of each walk.
Another important factor is acclimating rabbits to loud noises such as thunderstorms or fireworks. This can be done by playing recordings of these sounds while petting or giving treats to your rabbit so that they associate the sound with positive reinforcement activities like cuddles or treats.
Caution: I wouldn’t recommend taking rabbits to extremely open places that are prone to fireworks or loud noises.
My rabbits panic whenever they hear the sound of firecrackers. In the event that occurred in the UK, the use of fireworks left the rabbit feared to death.
It’s also important to keep your rabbit safe from predators like birds of prey and cats when out on a walk. Consider carrying an umbrella above your rabbit’s head to provide some shade from the sun but also let them feel more secure from any potential predators above them in the sky.
Additionally, remember that rabbits’ feet are sensitive, so watch where you are stepping so that you don’t accidentally lead them into prickly areas or areas with sharp objects like rocks or broken glass on the ground.
Walking is an enjoyable activity for both rabbits and owners alike! However, most rabbit owners tend to take the wrong steps and approaches to walk their rabbits resulting in failures and permanent fear of the external environment in them.
How To Walk A Rabbit?
If you’re motivated to walk your rabbit, it demands a proper plan. As soon as you know about the dos and don’ts involved in the process, it’s time to plan how to implement it. According to the University of Miami, it’s possible to train a rabbit to walk on a leash, but it isn’t easy. One plan doesn’t fit all rabbits.
Here’s my game plan to help rabbit owners like you walk the little one PROPERLY.
1. Get the right supplies
Before you start walking your rabbit, you’ll need to get a few supplies. You’ll need a harness and leash that are specifically designed for rabbits.
Caution: Keep an eye on their nails.
2. Introduce your rabbit to the harness
Once you’ve all of the necessary supplies, you’ll need to introduce your rabbit to the harness. Start by letting them sniff and explore the harness.
Once they seem comfortable with it, put it on them and let them wear it around the house for a few minutes at a time.
This is essential to observe their reactions and adaptability while on a harness.
3. Get your rabbit used to be on a leash
Once your rabbit is comfortable wearing the harness, you can start getting the rabbit used to be on a leash.
Start by holding the leash while your rabbit walks around freely. Once they seem comfortable with that, you can start walking them on the leash.
This will take time, honestly! In my rabbit’s case, it has never gone beyond this step. One probable reason is they’re too small.
4. Start slow and keep it short
When you first start walking your rabbit, take things slow and keep the walks short. Rabbits are not used to walking long distances, so you don’t want to overdo it at first.
Start with short walks around the block and gradually increase the distance as your rabbit gets more accustomed to walking.
5. Be prepared for potty breaks
One thing to keep in mind when walking your rabbit is that they will likely need to stop for potty breaks along the way.
If possible, try to walk them in an area where there is grass or other soft surfaces where they can go potty without making too much of a mess.
6. Reward your rabbit for good behavior
As with any type of training, reward your rabbit for good behavior when walking on a leash. This could include treats, petting, or verbal praise.
Each time my rabbit does something good or at least listens to me, I carry her and pet her for minutes. This is the mandatory approach for all bunnies. Your bond with the little one improves! They become overly loyal!
How Often Should I Walk My Rabbit?
The perfect schedule to walk your rabbit is once a day or two for about 10-15 minutes in a well-acquainted environment. As a rabbit basically needs about 3-4 hours of exercise each day, a walk can be considered as one of the exercises.
Walking your rabbit may seem like an unusual activity, but it can be beneficial for both you and your fluffy friend. To keep your pet happy and healthy, aim for each walk to last for 15 minutes.
Note: It is also vital that walks are only taken in areas where there are no predators that could potentially harm the rabbit.
Providing your pet with regular walks will give them plenty of chances to explore their environment while helping them to build trust with you!
Can Rabbits Walk Or Just Hop?
Rabbits are known to hop, but they can also walk, depending on the situation. They walk while exploring a new environment, and they hop when they’re happy or to escape from predators.
Rabbits can launch themselves into the air with their powerful hind legs, allowing them to make huge leaps or hops. This is a great tool for escaping predators, as it helps them cover great distances quickly.
Some larger breeds of rabbits, such as Flemish Giants or Giant Chinchillas, can take longer strides when they walk than smaller breeds, making them appear almost dog-like from a distance.
In fact, rabbits are capable of both walking and hopping – depending on what best suits the situation!
If you’d like to know more these giant breeds, check out the video below on Flemish Giant Rabbits.
Can Rabbits Walk On A Leash?
Rabbits can walk on a leash but need training and exposure to the supplies like harnesses. Depending on the breed’s size, age, and health condition, purchase appropriate supplies, train them, and then begin with walking them within homes.
A common misconception is that rabbits cannot be walked on a leash as they are too fragile, delicate creatures. However, it is possible to train rabbits to walk on a leash! This can be quite a fun activity for both pet parents and their precious bunnies.
If you’re walking your dwarf rabbit on a leash, you should stay extra careful.
After an appropriate harness and leash have been acquired, the rabbit must be trained to wear it so that the walk itself is comfortable and enjoyable for both parties involved. You can start with training them on a leash indoors, as recommended by Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.
Not only does leash walking benefit rabbits physically, but it also helps mentally as it can provide stimulation as well as introduce new scents and sights.
FAQ
Can You Take House Rabbits On Walks?
Domestic rabbits (pets) can be taken on walks with appropriate supplies and training. However, as they’re less used to loud sounds and strangers, it’s better to start with a small space for walking and then extend further.
Taking your house rabbit on a walk can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for both you and your pet. The challenges of teaching your rabbit how to walk on a leash, exploring the outdoors together, and bonding over shared experiences can create an incredibly unique dynamic between owner and pet.
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