{"id":589,"date":"2023-07-17T19:49:33","date_gmt":"2023-07-17T19:49:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/flipsideviber.net\/?p=589"},"modified":"2023-08-08T00:17:00","modified_gmt":"2023-08-08T00:17:00","slug":"how-to-leash-train-a-rabbit-step-by-step-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/flipsideviber.net\/index.php\/2023\/07\/17\/how-to-leash-train-a-rabbit-step-by-step-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Leash-Train a Rabbit: Step-By-Step Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Before You Start<\/a>
\nPreparation<\/a>
\nStep-By-Step Guide for Leash Training a Rabbit<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

When considering getting a pet, a dog or cat typically comes to mind; however, rabbits make wonderful pets and have adorable personalities! Rabbits are playful, loving, energetic, and quirky, all of which make them a fun pet to own.<\/p>\n

Rabbits are intelligent enough to teach how to use a litter box, fetch, or come when called, but what about leash training a rabbit? Can it be done? Fortunately, with patience, you can leash-train your rabbit. In this post, we\u2019ll list seven easy steps on how to leash-train your rabbit successfully.<\/p>\n

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Before You Start<\/h2>\n

A key point to remember is that leash training a rabbit is far different from leash training a dog. Dogs walk beside you on a leash and go where you go; however, this is not the case with rabbits. When you leash train a rabbit, don\u2019t expect your rabbit to hop along beside you. Instead, your rabbit will be able to explore with you holding the leash with you<\/i> following your rabbit.<\/p>\n

Positive reinforcement is the best way to leash-train a rabbit. They are prey animals and are always on high alert and cautious. Positive reinforcement provides a desired consequence from the rabbit\u2019s perspective for each step of the process, and they respond well to treats while training.<\/p>\n

Leash training should only be done if your rabbit has a calm demeanor and enjoys learning new things\u2014if your rabbit stresses easily, you should not attempt to leash train.<\/p>\n

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Preparation<\/h2>\n

Now that you\u2019ve decided to give leash training your rabbit a go, you must first select an appropriate harness. After all, harnesses for dogs will be slightly different for a rabbit.<\/p>\n

Look for a soft harness in an \u201cH\u201d shape, meaning when you lay the harness flat, it will look like the letter \u201cH.\u201d The harness should have a quick-release button that attaches under the chest and around the neck (some have Velcro). The attachment for the leash should not be around the neck but rather attached to a ring on the harness along the back. The harness should also have adjustment capabilities to accommodate your rabbit as he grows.<\/p>\n

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Step-By-Step Guide for Leash Training a Rabbit<\/h2>\n

1.<\/span> Earn Your Rabbit\u2019s Trust<\/h3>\n

This first crucial step is an important and necessary part of the leash training process, and you should only proceed once you\u2019ve earned your rabbit\u2019s trust. Rabbits are social animals and will enjoy spending time with you once they have learned to trust you.<\/p>\n

When you first bring your rabbit home, sit on the floor and do not make sudden movements. Allow your rabbit to hop around and investigate you. Eventually, your rabbit will learn not to be fearful of you and trust you. You can always provide yummy treats when your rabbit gets close to you.<\/p>\n

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2.<\/span> Introduce the Harness and Leash<\/h3>\n

Once you\u2019ve established trust, you can now proceed, but do it slowly and cautiously.\u00a0 You can\u2019t expect your rabbit to be okay with slapping a harness on him and expecting him to act like it\u2019s normal.<\/p>\n

First, pick a time when your rabbit is calm and in the exploring mood. Lay the harness and leash out on the floor and allow your rabbit to check them out. Ideally, place them by your rabbit\u2019s favorite toys and allow him to play with them and sniff them. He may want to chew on them, and that\u2019s ok as long as he doesn\u2019t tear anything up. When your rabbit shows interest in the harness and leash, reward with a treat.<\/p>\n

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3.<\/span> Lay the Harness Across the Body<\/h3>\n

Once your rabbit has warmed up to the harness\u2019s presence, it\u2019s time to take it a little further, but do it slowly. Start by gently placing the harness on your rabbit\u2019s body and speak to him in a calm and soothing voice. This step may take several sessions before your rabbit allows the harness to be on his body. Remember, patience, patience, and more patience.<\/p>\n

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4.<\/span> Apply the Harness<\/h3>\n