"can i walk my flemish giant?"
I absolutely LOVE when I get this question from customers! To me, walking a rabbit is one of the most bizarre things anyone can do, and I still am baffled that people walk their rabbits on a leash!
The short answer: YES! You can totally walk your flemish giant rabbit. While I personally have not walked a rabbit on a leash before (I know, shame, shame), there are a lot of resources to help you figure out how to train your rabbit on a leash! Please also know that rabbits won't really get the needed amount of exercise from a "walk", an open, closed off space will be just fine. |
First and foremost, you need the correct harness. Make sure you get a harness that looks like and "H" shape. You might find it in the cat or dog section, if you can't find it in the rabbit section of the pet store. Avoid leashes that use a loop over the rabbit's neck as the neck is a very sensitive area, and any sudden jerk of the leash will probably break it's neck. Flemish giants will need a large rabbit harness, or a small dog harness.
Next, let your rabbit sit in the harness for awhile so that it can get used to the feeling. Always watch the rabbit whenever it's in the harness so that it doesn't hurt itself! Some rabbits will take to it right away, others will not want to do anything after just sitting in the harness.
Lastly, start leading your rabbit and when it follows you, give it a treat! Keep doing this with little tugs on the leash until your rabbit understands what is happening. Practice makes perfect!
I know folks who have rabbits from me that live in bustling cities and still take their rabbits out for a stroll--it's doable!
I know folks who have rabbits from me that live in bustling cities and still take their rabbits out for a stroll--it's doable!
rabbit agility
You know, like dog agility? Yup, rabbit agility is most definitely a THING. This is the most funniest thing I have ever watched, not only because it's rabbits, but because the rabbits were genuinely enjoying themselves!! Everyone has a great time, and the rabbits are very engaged.
The amount of time and effort that goes into preparing for an agility course is real, so make sure you can hit up a local rabbit agility club to use a practice course! You have a 4H-er or an FFA student still looking to get involved with rabbits, but not for a market project? Sign up at your local fair for rabbit agility contests!! FFA--you will most likely need to contact your advisor or your local 4H group to make sure that there is an FFA contest that can be arranged. Located in El Dorado County and want to do rabbit agility with 4H? Learn more here. |
Read this article to learn more!
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