How To Harness Train Your Dog

If you're a pet owner, then there's no doubt that you care about your dog's wellbeing and safety. This is why taking all the right precautions is extremely important, and that includes training them to walk on a harness. A harness is a very popular option for many owners because it gives them more control over their dog's movements, especially if the doggo likes to pull. But how exactly do you harness train your dog? Read on and find out!

Introducing the Harness

Introducing your dog to the harness the right way can make things easier for you in the long run. If you simply put on the harness and try to walk your dog with it, it's very likely that they're not going to like it and try to wiggle their way out of it. And once they dislike it, it's not going to be easy to make them like it. It's important that your pup associates the dog harness with good things from the start. For instance, you should allow your dog to smell the harness and place some treats on top of the harness for him to eat.

Be Patient

As tempting as it may be, you should give your dog some time before walking him with the harness. Leave the harness lying around the house for a couple of days, so he can show interest in it on his own. This will familiarise him with the item, and he will be less scared of wearing it for the first time.

Putting It on for the First Time 

Before you put the harness on, you should make sure that your dog is comfortable with the sound of the clips. You can clip the harness in your hands first, so they'll be able to hear the sound, and you can observe their reaction. If they reacted well, then you can move on to placing the harness over their head. Follow it up with a treat to make sure they associate this action only with good things. You can also give a treat to your dog after closing the harness and praise him, as it's a great way of letting him know that he's doing well throughout the whole process.

Pro tip: If your dog seems too uncomfortable, backs away or bites you, you need to slow down, as it's a sign you're moving too fast, and your pup requires more time to get used to it.

Encourage Your Dog To Walk With It

Now that the harness is on, you shouldn't rush going for a walk with your dog just yet. It's a good idea to give them time to get used to it before venturing outside. Engage them in some kind of fun activity like playing their favourite game. Once you see that they're fully comfortable wearing the harness, you're ready to go out for a walk.

Are you on the lookout for the best dog harness for your pup?

We’re here to help. Here at Pawdyguard Australia, we know how important your four-legged best friend is to you. We offer a great selection of awesome dog harnesses for our furry mates. Simply take a look around and pick the one that suits you best!