How To Make A DIY Rat Leash/Harness:
Walking your rat around on a leash might sound ridiculous, but in some cases it can be a great way to let your rats explore safely. And while there are quite a few commercial rat leashes out there, most of them are either too big for rats or allow them to easily escape. Not to worry, I've devised a fairly rat-proof leash that can be safely used with your rats! (If you would like to check out a good commercial version, you can find one here) |
Commercial version of this leash: |
DISCLAIMER: This leash is not fool proof, and should not be used in dangerous areas. Anything you do with your rats is at your own risk, so be careful and don't underestimate their escape prowess!
Step 1:
To get started making your rat leash, you need to gather the correct materials. In this tutorial, we will be using one safety clip, one shoelace, and one badge holder with clip (you can substitute this with 2 shoelaces and a clip).
To get started making your rat leash, you need to gather the correct materials. In this tutorial, we will be using one safety clip, one shoelace, and one badge holder with clip (you can substitute this with 2 shoelaces and a clip).
Step 2:
Measure your rat with one shoelace. The shoelace needs to be able to fit snuggly around their abdomen and neck, with about a pinky in between their body and the lace. Once you've measured out the correct length, tie a knot and cut off the rest of the shoelace (you should now have a circle of shoelace).
Measure your rat with one shoelace. The shoelace needs to be able to fit snuggly around their abdomen and neck, with about a pinky in between their body and the lace. Once you've measured out the correct length, tie a knot and cut off the rest of the shoelace (you should now have a circle of shoelace).
Step 3:
Now its time to put the harness onto your rat! Take your shoelace circle and slip your rats feet through it (pro tip: use a liquid treat to distract them). Now lift the 2 sides upwards and poke your safety pin through them (careful not to poke your rat!). All that's left is to clip on your badge holder's clip and you're done!
Now its time to put the harness onto your rat! Take your shoelace circle and slip your rats feet through it (pro tip: use a liquid treat to distract them). Now lift the 2 sides upwards and poke your safety pin through them (careful not to poke your rat!). All that's left is to clip on your badge holder's clip and you're done!
Step 4:
Place your rat on the ground and let them explore! Try to avoid using the leash to restrain them as this can cause them to panic. Instead, let them explore freely and follow behind them. When you want them to turn around, apply gentle pressure and show them a treat. Pretty soon they should be turning when you ask them to in order to get a treat, and at that point you can fade out the treat entirely.
Place your rat on the ground and let them explore! Try to avoid using the leash to restrain them as this can cause them to panic. Instead, let them explore freely and follow behind them. When you want them to turn around, apply gentle pressure and show them a treat. Pretty soon they should be turning when you ask them to in order to get a treat, and at that point you can fade out the treat entirely.
Video Tutorial: |
Video review of a commercial rat harness: |
Disclosure: Esther (and her site rattrix.weebly.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com