How to Get Started with Rabbit Hopping?

To ensure a safe and successful rabbit agility experience, you will need a cooperative, healthy rabbit that is at least four months old. The rabbit should be accustomed to gentle handling and show no signs of illness or distress. Prior to any activity, including using a rabbit harness for training, a basic health check by a veterinarian is recommended to confirm the rabbit’s suitability for hopping and other exercises.

To start your journey into rabbit agility and rabbit hopping, a well-fitted H-style rabbit harness is essential. This harness, named for its unique shape, utilizes lightweight ~1/2" webbed straps that comfortably wrap around your rabbit’s neck and chest, connecting along the back. It features two snaps (one on the neck strap and one on the chest strap) along with a leash ring placed on the back of the chest strap to reduce neck strain. This thoughtful design allows for free movement over jumps and keeps your rabbit cooler than vest-style harnesses, making it the top choice for comfort, safety, and performance in your rabbit hopping guide.

Rabbit agility and hopping activities require a cushioned surface such as grass, shavings, or mats to protect the rabbit’s feet and joints. Interlocking EVA foam mats are particularly effective for rabbit agility, serving as both impact-absorbing padding and visual guides to direct movement. Typically sized 24" x 24" x 3/8", these mats should be latex-free, non-toxic, and fade-resistant, with a snug fit to prevent shifting. Their lightweight design makes them easy to transport and ideal for temporary setups, especially when using a rabbit harness during training.

For safe and natural hopping, obstacles should be spaced 6 to 8 feet apart, depending on jump height, to allow proper foot placement and rhythm, which is essential for effective rabbit hopping.