This is a form of anthropomorphism. I always say not to anthropomorphise your rabbits.
The day arrived that I was game enough to test out the harnesses on all bunnies. I had bought two small red dwarf H-harnesses (only because they didn’t have a second colour), Cotton’s old orange one (that she wore once) and Buttons’ green one.
Putting bunnies in harnesses can be dangerous, because they could take off and as the leash goes taught, they get pulled back and their back can break. Bunnies are not easy to “train” in a harness, like dogs. You have to go where they want to.
Even though I knew that, the bunnies were going to be in confined areas where I will give them time to see if they like it or not. I’m not forcing it on them.
I measured each bunny’s neck and chest circumference using a small soft retractable measuring tape from my sewing kit.
I then adjusted each harness to suit. I measured the harness by including the clip on the end, but not the toothy-part at the other end. The clip adds 1cm length onto the strap, if you include it in the measurement, the length will be more accurate, and it shouldn’t be too loose on your bunny’s neck.
Lunar’s harness was a little too big around both neck and body. Maple’s was too big around the body, and Buttons didn’t really wear his long enough for me to check the measurements, but it seemed to be ok. Buttons didn’t like it so I won’t be practicing it with him.
Chester was really good in the harness. It didn’t worry him at all. It was like he didn’t even know he was wearing it. While the other rabbits were questioning my motives frequently.
My thoughts on H-Harnesses
I hate them. They are dangerous and totally stupid in design. I don’t know how anyone can trust their bunny to stay safe in three teensy straps. Their legs get caught, their fur gets caught, their skin gets caught… How is that comfortable? And they can slip out of them really easily.
Don’t get H-harnesses. It’s a waste of time and money.
Other harnesses that brace the whole rabbit’s middle, like this one are worse. The velcro on the front and around the middle can rip open if the rabbit takes off, also the teensy clip on the back can break the rabbits back as it takes off, or if the velcro doesn’t open, it will strangle your rabbit.
Don’t waste money on any harness.
If you want to take your rabbit outside, take a pen with you and let it run around in a small fenced area. But be aware that public area grass may have chemicals (fertilisers, weed killer, pesticides etc) on it, and that alone is not good for a rabbit.