How to Take Your Rabbit Outdoors

The great outdoors are very dangerous for your house rabbit. Domestic rabbits are not bred to live running free outside. Eagles, hawks, coyotes, dogs, the neighbor's cat are all predators who may threaten your rabbit. Cars, trucks, and other sudden or loud noises can scare your rabbit into running into the street or running away. If you want to take your rabbit outside, you will need to take a few precautions and remain by your rabbit's side constantly, never leaving your rabbit alone outdoors.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Purchase a body harness that snugly (but not tightly) fits your rabbit. Cat harnesses work well for most rabbits. You should be able to fit your little finger between the harness and your rabbit's body.
2. Make sure the harness straps are at least 1/2 to 1-inch wide and that there is a buckle for the neck strap, a buckle for the body strap, and a strap that runs from the neck to the body over your rabbit's chest and another that runs from the neck to the body over your rabbit's back. (see photo)
3. Purchase a matching leash that will fit the body harness.
4. Introduce your rabbit to the body harness and leash over several days or weeks while indoors. Some rabbits will chew straight through the harness while others will be terrified and may hurt themselves trying to get aways from it. We have one rabbit who screams like he's being killed whenever we put a harness on him, so we can't take him outdoors because he is miserable when wearing the harness.
5. Let your rabbit take you for a hop. Rabbits will not heel like dogs, so rather than frustrate both of you, just follow your rabbit's lead. He'll be delighted with your attention!
6. Take your rabbit's travel case outside with you and keep it nearby with the door open and a blanket or waterproof mat on the floor, to prevent your rabbit from sliding. The travel case will make your rabbit feel safe becasuse he'll know he has somewhere to hide, if he feels scared.
7. Take rabbits who huddle in one place or show no interest in exploring back indoors after 10 or 15 minutes. They may be too scared of the big outdoors to feel comfortable. Some rabbits overcome this initial fear; others never do, so don't force them.
8. Use the harness and leash whenever you take your rabbit out of the house, even if you're riding in the care to go to the vet or to visit friends. This will keep your rabbit safe. Also bring the travel case for your rabbit to ride in, especially in the car.

Tips & Warnings

• Take as much time as necessary to help your rabbit feel comfortable wearing the harness.
• Put the harness on your rabbit for a few minutes, slowly increasing this time, over several days or weeks.
• Remove the harness as soon as your rabbit shows signs of panic or tries to bite through the harness, which he can do with one bite.
• Never leave your rabbit's side when outdoors.
• Never take your eyes off your rabbit when outdoors.