In terms of comfort and safety, walking your dog with a harness is usually the best option. Harnesses evenly distribute pressure across a dog’s body, protect their neck, and discourage pulling. But what if your dog resists wearing one?
Some dogs are sensitive to things touching their body, and others dislike gear going over their head. Some dogs may even be frightened by the clicking sound of the buckles. This can be a real headache for pet parents—but there are ways to teach your dog to love their harness.
To learn how pet parents can harness train their dogs, we spoke with Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, a behaviour consultant and the director of Peaceable Paws Dog and Puppy Training. We’ll also look at solutions to some common problems along the way. Here’s your expert guide to peaceful harness training.
How To Introduce Your Dog to Their Harness
The best approach to harness training will be slow and relaxed, says Pat Miller. Dogs vary in their comfort level with a harness. Some will be at ease immediately; others may need more time to acclimatise to the new equipment. The key to success is patience—not force. As with all aspects of handling training, it’s important to go at your dog’s pace.
To help your dog view the harness as a good thing rather than a scary restraint, start by creating positive associations—before you even attempt to put the harness on.
First, lay the harness on the ground. Let your dog sniff and investigate it on their terms. Miller recommends sprinkling treats on the harness to encourage your dog to explore it.
When your dog appears comfortable with the harness on the floor, you can pick it up, offering a treat each time. For dogs who aren’t motivated by treats, you can associate the harness with positive experiences such as affection, praise, or a favourite toy.
Miller says once your dog’s eyes light up when you grab the harness (because they know a treat is coming), they’re ready to start wearing it.
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This process can take up to a few weeks for some dogs. To avoid setbacks in training, it’s important to monitor your dog for signs of distress that could indicate you’re moving too fast. “Avoidance is a big giveaway,” says Miller. If your dog shuts down, gets very still, or moves away from the harness, they’re telling you it makes them nervous.
Along with avoidance behaviours, watch for vocalisation (whining, growling, barking) and anxious body language (cowering, tail tucking, lip licking, flattened ears).
If you notice these signs, take a step back and continue working on building positive associations. Otherwise, you risk making your dog more fearful of their harness.
Putting the harness on
There are two main harness types: step-in and over-the-head. While the initial introduction will be the same for both, the process will differ slightly once you’re ready to put the harness on your dog.
With a step-in harness, you’ll lure your dog to place their front paws in the harness with a treat. Once your dog’s feet are positioned correctly, fasten the straps at the back. Sprinkling treats on the floor can help you keep your pup in place while you work.
Over-the-head harnesses can be a little trickier, since some dogs get nervous with gear going over their head. To mitigate this, Miller recommends luring your dog into the harness with a treat.
It’s important to let your dog voluntarily put their head through the harness—avoid forcing it on them. For this reason, the treat lure is a permanent part of Miller’s routine. “It’s always my dog’s choice to put her head into the harness,” she says.
Resolving Common Harness Training Issues
Harness training can be challenging for some dogs. Here are some expert tips if you encounter issues.
What should I do if my dog runs away when they see the harness?
Miller notes that this is a clear sign your dog is afraid of the harness. That means we need to go back to square one and (very slowly) work on changing the dog’s association. Pair the harness with high-value treats, moving forward only when you’re sure your pup is comfortable.
In some cases, a harness may not be the right equipment for your dog. “As much as we think of the harness as a positive training tool, if an individual dog finds it aversive, my first choice is to find a different training tool for that dog.” This could mean finding a different harness, or something entirely different, such as a martingale collar or a Gentle Leader.
What if my dog is frightened by the sound of the buckles snapping into place?
Noise-averse dogs may benefit from gradual counterconditioning. Start by snapping the clips at a distance. “Dogs should notice the sound but not be concerned,” Miller explains. Snap, then offer a treat. Repeat this until your dog happily looks for the treat when they hear the snapping sound.
Then, move a few inches closer and repeat the process. Miller reminds us that this may take some time. Remember to be patient, and don’t rush your dog.
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What should I do if my dog gets the zoomies once their harness is on?
“I’d say let her zoom, if possible,” says Miller. Overexcitement isn’t uncommon: after all, the harness usually means fun things are about to happen! Miller recommends waiting until your pooch gets out their excess energy before proceeding.
If you’d like to avoid the zoomies, Miller recommends putting the harness on your dog several times a day and then going about your routine. After several minutes, remove it. This helps your dog understand that the harness doesn’t always mean an adventure awaits.
How can I choose the proper harness for my dog?
Like most dog gear, harnesses aren’t one-size-fits-all. To improve your chances of a positive training experience, it’s crucial to find the correct harness for your unique pooch. First, consider your dog’s walking style. Front-clip harnesses are ideal for pullers, while back-clip harnesses are better for well-behaved dogs on walks. You can also find harnesses designed for escape artists, puppies in training, and dogs prone to chafing.
It’s also important to consider your dog’s size and body type since an ill-fitting harness can cause discomfort and limit mobility. Small dogs tend to do well with step-in, vest, and back-clip harnesses that reduce pressure on their delicate trachea. Large breeds, on the other hand, may benefit from a front-clip harness that provides better control. They also tend to do better with over-the-head models.
