How To Put a Harness on a Dog

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Whether you’re heading out for a walk or taking your dog to the vet, a harness can be a helpful tool. Harnesses are a popular alternative to collars, offering you better control and structure to keep your dog safe. But while it’s common to use a harness, the huge range of styles on the market can make figuring out how to put a harness on your dog a challenge.

Each design fits a little differently, and choosing the right style depends on your dog’s needs, their body structure, and your goals. According to Allie Bender, founder and behavior consultant at Pet Harmony Animal Behavior and Training, “There is no one style that is universally better than another for all situations.”

With Bender’s help, we break down some of the most common harness styles and how to get your pup into them correctly.

Step-In Harnesses

Step-in harnesses work exactly the as the name suggests: your dog steps their front paws into the body of the harness. The harness then fastens around your dog’s back with buckles or clips.

This is one of the most popular harness styles, typically featuring a D-ring on the back where you can attach a leash.

One of the top benefits of a step-in harness is how it distributes pressure evenly across the body—something that’s particularly helpful for dogs that tend to pull. Many dogs are also more comfortable with stepping into a harness than having something put over their heads.

The Halti Step-In Harness is well-rated for puppies, while the Voyager Air Step-In Dog Harness is a top pick for small dogs.

Step by step

To put a step-in harness on your dog:

1. Lay the harness on the ground, spread out so your dog can step into it.
2. Use treats to coax your dog into position, gently moving their paws into the harness openings if necessary.
3. Set any remaining treats on the floor to distract your pup as you pull the harness up toward their body.
4. Fasten the straps around your dog’s body and adjust as necessary.

Tips & tricks

If your dog is new to harness-wearing, Bender recommends using treats to help coax them into place.

“You can do this by unbuckling the harness and laying it on the ground,” she explains. “Then, with treats in your hand, lure your dog over the harness so their feet step in the appropriate sides. Put treats on the floor so they’re busy while you buckle the harness.”

While many pet parents may instinctively pick up their pup and place them into the harness, Bender cautions against it: “A lot of dogs have a problem with this and it can lead to handling issues down the road (and perhaps back issues for you!).”

Over-the-Head Harnesses

Over-the-head harnesses are designed to slip over your pup’s head, with straps that secure the harness around your dog’s body.

Compared to step-in styles, over-the-head harnesses like the Rabbitgoo No Pull Harness are often considered more secure, making them a great option for escape artists. The challenge, however, is getting your pup to accept something being put over their head. Many dogs are uncomfortable with this at first, but patience and treats can go a long way toward helping them adjust.

Step by step

To fit an over-the-head harness on your dog:

1. Hold the harness in one hand in front of your dog’s head.
2. Hold treats in the other hand, either on the opposite side of the harness from your dog’s head, or by putting your hand through the harness and guiding them slowly.
3. Once your pup’s head is through the harness, drop the treats on the floor to distract them.
4. Secure the rest of the harness by fastening the clips around your dog’s body.

Tips & tricks

Bender says that letting the dog come through the harness is preferred to pushing it over their head. “Hold the head opening with one hand and use treats to lure their head through with the other,” recommends Bender.

Forcing it can cause stress in your pup. In some dogs, it can even trigger a stronger reaction known as head sensitivity.

“A number of dogs have sensitivity to handling around their head,” says Bender. “If you notice hesitation or discomfort, consult a behavior professional. Head sensitivity can show up in several different situations, including petting, so this is one I recommend getting help with so you know how to handle it before it escalates.”

Front-Clip Harnesses

Front-clip harnesses are specially designed to reduce pulling while on walks. With the leash attachment located at the front of the chest, any tension tugs the dog slightly to the side, breaking their forward momentum and helping you stay in control.

Front-clip harnesses come in many styles. Even step-in harnesses and over-the-head harnesses can feature a front clip. Popular models include the Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness and the Carhartt No Pull Dog Harness.

More minimal versions of a front-pull harness, like the PetSafe Easy Walk, often include just two main straps: one that wraps around the dog’s chest and another that goes around the body. These may be connected by a T-shaped strap or feature light padding for added comfort.

Step by step

To put a front-clip harness on your dog:

1. Identify the harness’s correct orientation.
2. Use treats to keep your pup occupied, sprinkling a few on the ground to hold their attention.
3. Gently fasten the straps around your dog’s neck and torso.

Tips & tricks

Proper placement is essential for no-pull harnesses—and uniquely confusing. Most manufacturers color-code the straps to help distinguish the front strap from the body. Typically, each strap includes its own buckle, making the harness easier to adjust and secure.

Head Collars

Head collars are another effective harness option, featuring straps that fit around your dog’s head and muzzle. A small strap under the chin allows you attach a leash. The PetSafe Gentle Leader and Halti No Pull Headcollar are two popular models.

Bender warns that head collars require far more training than standard collars or harnesses. She recommends a “slow and steady” approach, making sure that your dog is comfortable with each step before moving on to the next.

Step by step

To fit a head collar on your dog:

1. Hold the collar in one hand, making sure that the muzzle opening is open.
2. Use treats in your other hand to coax your dog’s nose through the collar.
3. If your pup is comfortable with the collar around their muzzle, set the treats on the floor and play with the straps around their head.
4. When your pup is ready and relaxed with steps one through three, gently secure the straps around their head.

Tips & tricks

Head collars offer the highest level of control of the harness options on this list. They can be especially helpful for strong or energetic dogs—but they’re not for everyone.

“I don’t recommend head collars for dogs with reactivity, as they can cause harm to the neck when they lunge,” says Bender.

She also warns against using head collars for pet parents who tend to “pop” the leash when a dog tugs. While these movements are often subconscious, they can cause a neck injury when using a head collar.

Fitting a Harness

“Harnesses, while typically considered safer options than other walking tools, can also cause harm if not fitted properly,” cautions Bender.

If a harness is too loose, a pup may wiggle through the straps and escape. Too tight, and it can restrict their breathing and movement, while also pulling on their hair and causing skin irritation.

It is crucial that pet parents understand not only how to put a harness on a dog but also how to fit it properly.

“A common recommendation is that you should be able to fit two fingers between the dog’s body and the straps,” says Bender. She notes, however, that the rule isn’t universal. Service dog harnesses, for example, may need may need to be secured more tightly to function safely.

To get the best fit, Bender recommends always reading the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. And when in doubt, consult your veterinarian or a professional dog trainer—they can help ensure the harness is both secure and comfortable for your pup.

What if My Dog Doesn’t Want to Put the Harness On?

Training and patience are key to help your pup get used to a harness, whether they’re a puppy or an adult dog.

Before attempting to put the harness on, start by simply introducing it. Place it near your dog and let them sniff or investigate at their own pace. Offer treats or verbal praise to build a positive association with the harness. Repeat this step several times to help your dog feel more at ease with the harness in general.

Once your dog seems relaxed around the harness, you can try putting it on. Take this slow, and use lots of treats as Bender recommends. If your dog resists or shows discomfort, pause and try again later. Be patient with your pup. It’s important to go at their pace; building a positive association now will make things much easier in the long run.

If you’re struggling, a certified positive-reinforcement dog trainer can help. “It can be worth working with a professional to help you break up the process into smaller steps,” says Bender.

For most dogs, though, this isn’t necessary. “In my experience, many dogs overcome the weirdness or discomfort of a harness fairly easily with minimal training,” she says.

With a little patience and care, you’ll soon be ready to hit the trail, the park, or even just the sidewalk.