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How To Train Your Dog to Wear a Harness?

October 10, 2024

For the safety of your dog, it is always recommended to use a harness. Yet, dogs are sensitive to anything that touches their skin. They will resist while wearing a dog harness. It can be a real headache for you - but fortunately, there are a few tips to help! If your dog is being a bit nasty, our guide shows you how to train your dog to wear a dog harness.

 

Step to Wear a Dog Harness

Step 1: Choose the Right Harness

If your harness is not appropriate for your dog, it will only cause discomfort. Your dog will never get used to it. So, before tying on a dog harness, you must make sure that it's ideal for your dog. Look for one that fits your dog’s size and shape. There should be enough room for your dog to breathe comfortably. We always recommend buying a dog harness with adjustable straps for a custom fit. A harness with durable materials relieves you from the stress of buying repeatedly.

 

Step 2: Familiarize Your Dog with the Harness

The dog must become familiar with the dog harness before the training process. Place it on the floor and let your dog sniff it. Use positive tactics, like treats or praise, when your dog shows interest. It will create a positive image with the harness.

 

Step 3: Try It On for Short Periods

Most probably, know your dog would be comfortable with the dog harness. It’s time to try it on. Place the harness on your dog without fastening it. Let them wear it for a short period, like 5–10 minutes. Keep giving them treats to make them feel excited about wearing a harness.

 

dog harness

Step 4: Gradually Increase Wear Time

After you have done a few successful sessions, you can move ahead by fastening it. Start fastening it but leave it loose initially. Try to make your dog used to wear the dog harness by gradually increasing the amount of time. Observe their behavior; if they are uncomfortable you must take it off and give them a break. Don't force them, as it will only create a negative perception of the harness.

 

Step 5: Practice Movement

Now that your dog is comfortably wearing the dog harness, it’s time to practice movement. Encouraging your dog to walk around the house with the harness on. Use toys to excite them to move. If your dog resists, don’t force them. Instead, keep sessions short. You have to gradually encourage them to walk more.

 

Step 6: Introduce the Leash

Till this time, your dog would be comfortable moving around with the dog harness. Now, it's time to attach the leash. Take it for very short walks in the house. Keep motivating the dog with praise. You can walk calmly and instruct the dog to follow you. If your dog pulls, stop walking and wait until they return to your side before continuing. This teaches them that pulling won’t get them where they want to go.

 

Step 7: Practice Outside

If your dog is comfortable with the dog harness and leash indoors, you can take your training outside. Begin in a quiet area where there are minimal distractions. Keep the walks short at first. You can increase the period as your dog becomes more comfortable.

 

Dog Harness

Common Hurdles and How to Avoid Them?

1. Dog Resists Wear the Harness:
If your dog resists wearing the dog harness, return to the familiarization stage. Take more time to let them sniff it. Casually place it near them and stop telling them to sniff it.

2. Pulling on the Leash:
If your dog pulls while on the leash, stop walking. This way, they will return to your side. Teach them that pulling doesn’t get them anywhere.

3. Distracted During Walks:
If your dog gets easily distracted, use gentle commands to refocus their attention. Practice “look at me” commands to help them learn to focus on you during walks.

 

Wrapping It Up!

Always remember that training your dog to wear a dog harness is not a one-time process. It takes a lot of time, and your patience as well. Every dog has a different nature, so you may learn it in a few days or may take weeks. Your goal is to make the dog feel comfortable. For this, having a comfortable and effective harness is essential. Raysunpet is a professional dog harness supplier in China, that offers the best harnesses that would certainly impress your dog!


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