Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Getting Started

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Bunny harness training in 6 easy steps

By

With their plush fur, adorable faces, and playful personalities, bunnies are wonderful companions for many people. In fact, over 1,500 families in the United States alone have decided that bunnies make the perfect family pet. Bunnies are clever creatures. You can teach them a variety of tricks, from the cute (jumping and fetching on command) to the practical (did you know bunnies can be litter box trained?).

But does bunny harness training work? In actuality, it’s more like rabbit owners get bunny harness trained. That’s as it should be — allowing your rabbit to lead you until she’s comfortable is an important step. 

Two brown rabbits eating grass.
Pixabay from Pexels

Why harness-train a bunny?

Rabbits are prey animals, which means their instinct is to run and hide when they feel frightened. Unfortunately, rabbits startle pretty easily. You don’t want to take your bunny into your backyard only to have her hop through a loose board in the fence. The solution? Harness training your bunny. 

Recommended Videos

How to harness-train your bunny

It’s no secret that bunnies love being outside in the sunshine. You want your bunny to be happy, but you also want to keep your furry baby safe from harm. With a good bit of patience — and a little work — you’ll be able to harness-train a rabbit of any age. Here are a few tips to get you started. 

1. Befriend your bunny

Earning your bunny’s trust is not only essential for training her, but it’s also important for building a strong relationship with your rabbit. Some bunnies are skittish and prone to anxiety, but you can teach them to associate training with snuggle time and tasty treats. Make sure your bunny trusts you and feels safe with you before you even attempt harness training. 

2. Start off slowly

Because rabbits can be anxious, it’s best to ease them into training. Instead of immediately putting the harness on your bunny, try placing it on your lap while you hold your bunny. Give her something to snack on and lots of love, and she’ll soon think nothing of the harness. Once she’s comfortable being near it, try using the harness to pet her. This works her scent into the fabric, and she’ll come to think of it as something that belongs to her. 

3. Introduce the harness carefully

Bunnies are squirmy little critters when they’re anxious. They’re also prone to back injuries if they twist around too much. To keep your bunny safe, we recommend that you start your training sessions inside. Try putting on the harness while your bunny is calmly sitting in your lap. If she starts to wriggle too much, set it aside for another day. It might take a couple of days, but it could also take a couple of weeks before your bunny adjusts to the harness.

4. Let your bunny walk you

Once your bunny is comfortable wearing her harness, it’s time to clip on the leash and let her explore the house. It could take some getting used to, but your rabbit will eventually want to hop around. Follow her at first, and once she’s adjusted to wearing a harness and leash, use treats to lure her into following you. 

5. Don’t do too much at once

If your bunny is just starting to adjust to the harness, make sure you keep training sessions short, around 10–15 minutes at a time. Overwhelming your bunny leads to associating negative emotions with wearing the harness, which is the opposite of what you want. You should also give your bunny plenty of treats and cuddles during training sessions. Wearing the harness should be an enjoyable experience for her. 

6. Move your training sessions outside

After your rabbit has mastered the art of following you, it’s time to move the party outside. It’s best to start out in your backyard. Being surrounded by so many different sights and smells can be stressful for a little bunny, so be prepared to go back inside if she begins showing signs of stress like jumpiness, restlessness, or unexpected aggression. 

A chubby brown rabbit sitting in the grass.
Mike from Pexels

Which harness should I get?

Your bunny’s harness needs to be snug enough that she can’t wriggle out of it, but it shouldn’t be tight. Ideally, the harness should be loose enough for you to slip two fingers between the fabric and your rabbit. Here are a couple of our favorite models. 

  • Pettom: This breathable, padded mesh harness from Pettom comes in only four colors, but it makes up for the narrow palette with its affordable price point. 
  • Niteangel: In addition to a harness, you’ll need a leash to walk your rabbit. This mesh rabbit harness comes in seven colors, and you’ll also get a fully elastic leash that stretches from 47 to 98 inches. 

With time and dedication, most bunnies will adjust to wearing a harness. However, not all rabbits tolerate harnesses, and that’s okay. Your bunny can still enjoy spending time outdoors in her cage or playpen, and you’ll be able to put her leash and harness training to good use when it’s time for a trip to the vet. 

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Mary Johnson
Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
The 6 biggest myths about Chihuahuas, debunked once and for all
Chihuahua fact or fiction? Here's the truth behind 6 common myths about these small dogs
A black Chihuahua against a yellow backdrop

Chihuahuas are a small breed with a big personality. Some have a Napoleon complex — they totally think they can take on the mail carrier, and they will threaten to do so. Purebred Chihuahuas don’t exceed 6 pounds, so their valiant efforts can be more comedic than anything. Their reputation as an opinionated, snuggly, and incredibly loyal breed precedes them, and more than a few dog owners dream of being a Chihuahua's favorite person.
However, not every part of their reputation is true, and there are more than a few myths about these lovable dogs. We’re debunking them and giving you straight Chihuahua facts.

Myth 1: Chihuahuas don’t need much exercise
This statement is one of the biggest Chihuahua myths. Though the breed is small, Chihuahuas are full of energy and need stimulation. Any dog can become overweight, and Chihuahuas are particularly prone to obesity. Physical activity is one way to keep your Chihuahua healthy. While they don’t need as much physical activity as a larger breed, such as a Labrador Retriever, they need frequent exercise. About 30 minutes of walking and playing per day should do, and it’s a great way to bond. Some dogs may need more or less, depending on their age and overall health. Talk to your vet.

Read more
These are the 6 dog breeds that shed most in fall
Fall-shedding dog breeds and how to cut down on fur at home
A pomeranian with a yellow background

We love a lot about fall — the crisp breezes, the indescribable scent in the air, and the glorious colors as the temperatures begin to dip. One thing we don't love as much? The piles and piles of dog hair. Many canines go through a shed in the spring, but some breeds also lose their hair in the fall. Wondering what dog breed sheds the most? Which pets force you to use the vacuum more frequently during the autumn season? We're here to tell you what dog breeds shed in the fall.

Why do some dogs have double coats?
Let's cover why dogs shed in the first place. While many dog breeds have single coats, some dogs are double-coated dogs, meaning they have a top coat, known as a guard coat, and a secondary undercoat made up of short, dense hairs, called an undercoat.

Read more
6 cool St. Bernard facts you probably didn’t know
Interesting facts about St. Bernards to know before you bring one home
Side profile of a St. Bernard smiling while standing outdoors.

When we think of St. Bernards, the first image that springs to mind is a massive dog hauling a cask of brandy up a steep, snow-covered mountain, or perhaps cutely cuddling with a much smaller animal or child. These large and lovable dogs are immediately recognizable due to their size and distinct coloration and markings, but there are many myths and fun facts you might now know about them.

If you need new facts to fuel your St. Bernard obsession, we're here to help! Here are six amazing facts about Saint Bernards you should know if you love this dog breed.

Read more