Back
Getting your dog used to a harness
This essential game teaches your dog to comfortably accept and wear their harness. By building positive associations through food and calm handling, you can make everyday routines like walks, vet visits, and grooming stress-free. It’s about building confidence around new equipment and ensuring a happy experience for both of you.
With practice this will help you achieve:
- Try using high-value treats to create a super positive association with the harness.
- Keep training sessions short and sweet (1-3 minutes). You want to end before your dog gets bored or shows any signs of discomfort.
- If your dog shows any apprehension, go back a step where they were comfortable. Try not to force the harness on as they will have a bad experience.
- Remember that taking the harness off should also be a positive experience. Have food ready for this step.
What you'll need
- High-value treats (small, soft pieces like cheese or cooked chicken)
- Your dog’s harness (ensure it’s clean and fits well)
- A quiet, low-distraction space (start in your living room)
Step-by-step
- Introduce with Food: Hold the harness in one hand and simply place tasty food on the floor. While your dog eats, they’re associating the harness with something positive.
- Food Around the Harness: Next, place the harness on the floor and scatter food around it. This helps your dog get comfortable being near it.
- Lure Through the Hole: Find the biggest opening in the harness. Lure your dog’s head through this opening with a treat. As their head goes through, say “Yes!” and reward. Keep it brief.
- Putting it On (Walk-in Example): For a walk-in style harness, lift your dog up (if needed) and gently guide their legs through the openings. Fasten the clips and immediately feed them a treat as a reward. If they struggle with this try scattering treats on the floor just before.
- Play while Wearing: Once the harness is on, do some fun, calm games indoors. This gets them used to wearing it and having fun while wearing it.
- Taking it Off: Have treats ready. Unclip the harness and as you take it off, simultaneously feed your dog. This ensures removal is also a positive experience.
Top tips for success
- Preparing for a walk without stress
- Vet visits requiring a harness
- Grooming appointments and car journeys
Struggling with harness training? Get expert help!
Ensuring your dog is comfortable with their harness is fundamental for stress-free walks and everyday handling. If you're finding it tricky to make this a positive experience, or need help with any other equipment challenges, I'm based in Epsom and here to support you. A personalised One-to-One session can transform your dog's confidence.
