The dog disliked the harness: how to negotiate with it

Step-by-step instructions on how to properly put on a harness on a dog, and what to do if the animal resists.

What could be nicer than an evening walk with a dog on a warm autumn evening? Certainly not the process of putting on a harness. Of course, a collar is easier to use, but a harness can be safer. The leash is attached not to the neck, but to the withers, making it easier for the animal to move and breathe easier. If the pet does not yet have such an accessory, an article about the differences between different types of harnesses for dogs will help you navigate the assortment.

But many dog ​​owners are faced with a problem when the dog stubbornly refuses to wear a harness. With how to put a harness on a dog, the instruction will help.

How to put a harness on a dog through its paws

Before trying to put the structure on a dog, you need to understand its device, check the straps and latches. Then proceed according to the instructions:

1. Sit down, wrap your legs around the body of the pet approximately in the middle.

2. Holding the harness in your right hand, hug the dog in the chest area.

3. With your left hand, take the left front paw, lift it up and insert it into the hole located on the left.

4. Pull the harness up to the dog’s chest and intercept it with your left hand.

5. Repeat this procedure with the right paw.

6. Snap the lock on the withers.

Then you need to check if the harness is too tight. It should fit snugly, but not squeeze the dog’s body.

How to put on a harness with two holes

If the harness with two holes is for the head and torso, the following instructions will help:

1. You need to sit down behind the animal, holding its torso with your legs.

2. Pass the dog’s head through the chest hole.

3. Rotate the harness so that the paw holes are conveniently located.

4. Take the right front paw of the dog, lift it up, bending at the elbow, and pass it through the hole on the right.

5. Pass the connecting strap under the left paw and fasten the harness on the side.

6. Check the lock and fasten the leash to the rings.

What to do if the dog resists

If the pet has just begun to accustom to the harness, he can turn around while putting on, whine and resist. Most likely, the dog is simply afraid of an unfamiliar object. How to put on a harness in this case? 

To begin with, it is worth introducing the dog to the harness and letting it smell. Be sure to praise your pet at this moment or give a treat to reinforce a positive attitude.

Treats can also be used in the process of putting on: if the dog is afraid to put his head through the hole in the harness, you can place the palm with a treat behind this hole. The pet will reach for food on its own. If the dog is still resisting, you can give it a sniff of the treat, and then raise your hand with the treat up. While the dog is distracted by the hand, you need to quickly stick your head and paws into the desired holes.

But there are also such pets who do not like the harness categorically, or simply do not fit for one reason or another. In this case, you will have to teach the puppy to the leash and come up with ways to put the leash on the dog.

See also:

Choosing a harness for dogs

How to teach a puppy to a leash?

Things you will need if you have your first puppy

Why is a puppy misbehaving and how to wean it?