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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)
Downloads
Getting used to a harness worksheetDownload
Step-by-step
- Step One: Place the harness on the floor and scatter food around it. This helps your dog get comfortable being near it.
- Step Two: Hold the harness hidden behind your back. Show the harness to your dog and throw a treat for them. Hide the harness again. Only throw treats to your dog when they can see you holding it.
- Step Three: Hold the harness to the side and if you dog looks towards it say “yes” and throw a treat away. Next time wait for them to go closer towards the harness, say “yes” and throw a treat away. Eventually waiting for your dog to target the harness with their nose.
- Step Four: Encourage your puppy to opt-in by reaching your hand through the neck opening to lure their nose through. As soon as their head is in, deliver the treat, then slide the harness off before they finish chewing. This keeps the value high and the pressure low. Separately, practice clicking the buckles near the dog (but not on them) followed immediately by a reward to neutralise the sound.
- Step Five: Lure head through and reach under the belly, buckle one side. Jackpot treat (3–5 treats in a row). Immediately unbuckle and remove the harness. Give another couple of treats. 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.
