How to Put on a Dog Harness in 5 Simple Steps
What could be easier and more enjoyable than taking your beloved pet for a walk? But how do you put a harness on a dog? Once an owner tries it, he or she becomes convinced that it’s not an easy task. Even obedient dogs turn into difficult and stubborn ones when you try make them wear this thing. Not to worry; there are a few easy things you can do to persuade your dog it’s not that bad.
What’s a harness?
A harness consists of straps, rings and clasps. The straps wrap around your pet’s chest or croup. The main strap goes between the front paws and is attached to the chest strap. The attachment point of the leash isn’t on the neck but on the withers, making it easier for the dog to breathe and move around.
Yes, the collar is easier to use and easier to control if your pooch is a large breed. But if he’s just a small pup, frequent hard pulls on the leash may hurt him. In general, the choice depends on the breed and the behavior of the individual pet.
How to put a harness on a dog
Here are the steps to go through with a large pupper:
- Crouch down and wrap your legs and knees around your dog’s torso closer to his hind legs.
- Hold the harness in your right hand while hugging your dog’s chest area. With your left hand, grasp his left paw, lift it up and quickly slide it through the opening.
- Pull the harness higher up to your chest and pull it through with your left hand.
- Repeat with the right paw.
- Snap the lock onto the withers.
And here’s how you can wear it on a smaller pooch:
- Take the harness in your hands.
- Look at how the harness will look when fastened. Tip: harnesses come in many variations, so to understand how to fit your dog exactly, fasten all the straps first and look where his head and paws should be positioned. Refer to the D-shaped ring that should be on the back of the dog.
- Put the harness around his neck. Tip: give your pet a “Sit” command or a treat to make it easier to introduce him to an unfamiliar object.
- Fasten the straps around the paws.
- Make sure the straps fit properly. Tip: the harness should fit snugly on the dog’s rump but should not squeeze his body!
- Make sure the harness fits evenly around your dog’s chest.
- Praise the doggie and give him a treat, he deserves it!