The harness is a tool that allows you to keep your puppy safe when you take him out for his daily walk, without fear that he may run away or get away. However, many people have a hard time getting their pet to wear this type of harness, especially if the dog shows signs of impatience or anxiety. There are two very common models of harnesses: those that slip on the head and those that go from the legs. Once you put this device on your furry friend, you should check that it fits well on his body, so that it does not cause damage or disturbance during the walk.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Using a Harness That Wears Over the Head
Step 1. Purchase this harness model
This genus slips right from the head and has Velcro strips or tabs that can be adapted around the dog's belly. Some are also equipped with special "optional", such as a chest protector, in order to minimize the friction on the fur, reflective inserts and a ring to be fixed to the car seat.
- You can search for this harness model online and in pet stores.
- You will need to measure your dog's girth and also the circumference of the neck to determine the correct size of the harness.
- Alternatively, take your wagging friend to the store to try out some models before purchasing. To make sure the leash fits your dog's build, make sure you can fit two fingers between the harness and the pet's skin at each point, especially around the belly and neck.
- Remember that most harnesses are not suitable for keeping the dog locked in the car. Do not use such a standard harness as a safety belt unless the packaging clearly indicates that it is an approved model for this purpose.
Step 2. Have the dog sit still and sit
By doing this you prevent him from moving and walking away while you put the harness on him. It is a good idea to ask a friend or partner to block the pet.
Keep some treats on hand to reward your furry friend once you put him on the harness
Step 3. Hold the dangling leash in your hands
This will make it easier for you to identify the part relating to the neck. Calm the puppy with a few strokes.
Step 4. Slide the neck opening around the animal's head
This consists of a large hole in the center of the harness and should be large enough for the dog to insert his head without the muzzle or ears being pinched.
If the opening is too small, then the whole harness may be the wrong size for the dog's neck and body
Step 5. Adjust the chest straps
Slide them between your pet's front legs; these bands should hug the dog's chest between the front legs, under the belly. They should fit snugly without being too tight or too short around the legs. If the wraps can't fully wrap around the puppy's belly, they are short and the harness is probably the wrong size.
Step 6. Snap the headband buckles together
Slide them around the animal's paws and close them on each side. The bands should wrap around the top of the dog's belly.
Depending on the type of hook mounted on the harness, it may be necessary to slide the two elements of the buckle into each other or snap them together to secure the clasp
Step 7. Adjust the harness to fit the size of the dog
Take a step back and consider how the harness fits your furry friend's body. Do you have the feeling that it is too tight or do you pinch his hair in places? Is it dangling from his body? Use the adjustment tabs or clips you find attached to the headbands to fix all these details.
- The harness should be snug, but at the same time comfortable enough to allow you to insert two fingers (without feeling excessive pressure) under it at each point.
- Check the fit of the harness before attaching the leash and give the puppy a treat to reward him for patience.
Part 2 of 3: Using a Harness That Tucks On The Paws
Step 1. Purchase this harness model
This genus is particularly suitable for dogs that walk long distances or accompany you on hikes. They have a truly minimalist design and wrap around the animal's body to minimize pressure on the throat. The harnesses that slip on the legs have a single buckle that closes over the shoulders, which makes the action of putting them on and off very simple. In most models, the collar connects to a "D" ring which allows for even distribution of pressure across the entire harness.
- A harness that slips from the paws has a thinner pectoral pad, very suitable for specimens who do not like to have too bulky elements in this area of their body.
- There are also models with a wider chest pad for dogs that are not bothered by this element; a wider pad ensures greater comfort and hugs the dog's body better. In addition, its increased size makes the harness more stable, in case the animal starts pulling on the leash during the walk.
- The harnesses that slip from the paws can be found online and also in pet stores. Most come in small, medium or large sizes, depending on the size of your faithful friend's girth.
- Remember that most harnesses are not suitable for holding a dog while transporting him in a vehicle. Do not use a standard harness as a safety belt, unless the packaging states that it is specifically approved for this purpose.
Step 2. Unhook the harness and place it on the ground
It should be open with the top of the buckle facing the ground.
Have a few treats on hand to reward the puppy once he has put on the harness
Step 3. Have the dog stand on top of the harness
Slip his left paw into the left ring and his right into the right ring.
You will need to pet your puppy and force him to stay on the harness. You can also ask a friend or partner to help you with these operations
Step 4. Secure the bands
Slide them around the dog's neck and lock the buckles over the nape of the neck.
Step 5. Adjust the harness to fit your furry friend's body
Take a step back and evaluate the fit. Do you have a feeling that it is too tight or is it squeezing the dog's body in some place? Or is it dangling from his body? Use the adjustment tabs or clips you find attached to the headbands to make any necessary adjustments. Most harnesses that slip on from the paws have adjustment points on the sides of the straps, around the dog's neck and abdomen.
- The harness should be snug, but it should allow you to comfortably slip two fingers into each spot.
- Check the fit of the harness before connecting the leash. Give the puppy a treat to reward him for the good work done only when the harness is attached and the dog is ready for the walk.
Part 3 of 3: Getting the Puppy Used to Using the Harness
Step 1. Show the harness to the puppy after playing with him and stroking him for some time
Just like with the collar, puppies need some time to get used to this device. However, be aware that the training process may be a little more laborious than what you had to go through for the collar. Some puppies back away or wriggle off the harness. For this reason it is worth playing with your fur ball for a few minutes before taking a few attempts, so it will be relaxed and in a calm state of mind.
Step 2. You can decide whether to close the harness immediately or wait a few seconds
Owners have different opinions about timing and that you should wait a while before attaching the harness to the dog. Assess the situation based on your puppy's reaction. If he backs away and struggles, stroke him for a few seconds before closing the buckles; If, on the other hand, you have the feeling that the dog is not particularly annoyed, block the closure immediately.
Step 3. Reward him with a treat once the harness is closed
Don't give it to him if he backs off or tries to take it off. You should only reward your puppy if he agrees to wear the harness and as soon as he is ready to go for a walk.
Step 4. Let him hold the harness for 5-10 minutes
This way you give him a chance to get used to the sensation. Once he is comfortable even in the harness, you can take him for a walk without fear of him running away from you.
