Does your dog constantly pull on the leash off at random, or do you simply feel like your dog is uncomfortable? If you’ve switched toward a harness, you’re keeping them safe and feeling great during those long walks and adventures. They are great because they ease the strain on your neck and give you better control but there is a catch.
Those straps and buckles can be quite the riddle for some. Don’t worry, you’re not alone, and this little bump is something most folks come across upon trying them out for the first time! The good news is that no clip should stand between you and a perfect day out and this guide is here to show you how to put on a dog harness with ease and make it part of your daily routine. If you’re wondering about the differences between a collar and a harness, here is Dog Collar vs Harness for more insights.
Putting on a dog harness: Step by step guide
Correctly fitting a harness requires a combination of calm handling, patience, and attention to detail. While the steps in each process vary slightly depending on the style, the general goal is the same: make sure your dog is comfortable and secure.
Keep Your Dog Calm and Still
Get your dog into a calm, still position. It does not matters if they are standing or sitting, but you needs to have your dog maintain stillness so you can fit their harness. If your dog is prone to excitement, take a few moments to let them settle first.
Speak in a calm, assuring tone of voice while avoiding sudden movement that could make them nervous. You can also give gentle pets or a treat for rewarding calm behavior in order to help your dog associate the harness with something positive. The more relaxed your dog will be, the smoother and safer it will go for you and your dog.
Find a Comfortable Position for Yourself
Find a position that works for you. Be it standing, sitting or squatting behind your dog, you’ll need to be behind him or her to have full control over the process. Depending on the size of your pooch, you’ll find the style that works for you when learning How to put on a dog harness.
Often standing works better for larger dogs, whereas little dogs tend to be easier to get their harnesses on if you can get them to keep still.
Place the Harness Over Your Dog’s Head
Start by taking the smaller opening the neck hole and gently sliding it over your dog’s head. This is the hole with the side straps attached.
Make sure the harness is positioned correctly, with the inside layer against your dog’s skin and the outside layer facing outward.
Then pull the harness down until the neck section rests near your dog’s shoulders, rather than sitting high up around the neck.
Fasten and Adjust the Buckle Properly
Learning how to put on a dog harness is a great first step, but proper adjustment is just as important similar to fitting a dog collar. If this is your first time using the harness, you’ll likely need to tweak the straps.
After fastening the buckles, tighten or loosen the straps until the harness sits correctly. Pull the straps through the adjusters so the fit is secure enough that your dog can’t slip out, yet loose enough to avoid rubbing or discomfort.
A simple sizing rule, especially for escape-proof harnesses, is to ensure you can slide two fingers comfortably under the straps. This helps maintain both safety and comfort during walks.
Test the Fit of the Harness
Before taking your dog for a walk, always test the harness to make sure it fits properly. The easiest way to check is by using the two-finger rule you should be able to slide two fingers comfortably between the harness strap and your dog’s body. If it’s too tight, loosen it slightly; if it’s too loose, adjust it so it stays snug and secure.
Try gently pulling the harness over your dog’s head to see if it comes off. If it does, it means you need to tighten it for safety. A properly fitted dog harness not only keeps your pet secure but also makes sure comfort and preventing irritation during walks.
Starting out with a puppy harness
Introducing a dog harness to a puppy is tricky, but like anything with pups hard work pay off. All you need to do is be patient and they’ll soon get used to wearing their new harness. It’s time to introduce a dog to wearing a harness while they are still young. It means they’ll grow up accepting it and wearing it will become part of their routine, which can sometimes be a problem with older dogs if you try and introduce a dog harness later in life. There are a few things you can help them get used to the harness first.
Let Your Puppy Explore the Harness
Start by laying the harness on the floor and allowing your puppy to sniff and explore it. This helps them become familiar with its scent, reducing any fear. When your pup gets comfortable with the harness, they begin to see it something normal and safe not a strange new object. Building this early trust makes the next steps much easier.
Use Treats and Praise for Positive Association
As soon as the puppy shows interest in the harness, he should get a treat; that way he will link the harness with something good. The dog will also like it for that very reason and won’t resist wearing it.
Practice Putting On and Taking Off the Harness
Now that the puppy is relaxed and the harness is on, begin a few rounds of practice, placing the harness on him and gently taking it off again. Keep sessions short, calm, and rewarding with treats and praise; the more your pup becomes familiar with this routine, the easier he will be to get ready for a walk. The more regularly practiced, the more comfortable and confident they will be, and walks will be easy.
Reward Good Behavior on Walks
Even after your dog is comfortably used to his harness, do not stop rewarding him for good behavior. The small treats or praise whenever it goes on correctly help him make the association that something positive and enjoyable is about to take place. For younger dogs especially, this consistency of rewards will help them become calm and cooperative, and even happy, on any outing.
Attaching a Leash with a Harness
You don’t need a premium dog leash to get a secure connection or maintain good control when using a running harness. The good news is that attaching a leash to a harness is very straightforward, especially once you know How to put on a dog harness the right way.
Start by locating the leash attachment point. Most harnesses have the primary D-ring on the dog’s back. No-pull designs place the clip on the chest, and some harnesses feature both front and back rings so you can choose the level of control you want.
To attach the leash, open the clasp and hook it onto the D-ring. Give the leash a gentle pull afterward to confirm that it’s properly secured and won’t come loose if your dog begins to pull.
Which Type of Harness is Best for Dog?
Choosing the right harness for your dog is important steps toward safe and enjoyable walks. A well-fitted harness keeps your dog comfortable, give you better control, and prevents strain on the neck. But since every dog is unique in size, behavior, and energy level, the best harness for your pet depend on their individual needs. Below are the most common types of dog harnesses and what makes each one special.
Harness-Back Clip
The back-clip harness is one of the most popular styles. As its name implies, it has the leash attached behind, making it pretty comfortable and easy to use. It’s perfect for calm dogs or small ones that don’t pull so much.
It evenly distributes pressure across the chest and shoulders rather than the neck, which is great in the prevention of injuries. This type, however, offers less control if your dog has a tendency to pull, which makes it unsuitable for training strong or energetic dogs.
If you’re still unsure which harness is best for your dog, here’s a helpful guide on choosing the right dog harness
Front-Clip Harness
A no-pull front-clip harness moves the leash attachment to the chest, giving more control in walks. That is super helpful when the dogs pull or are learning about the leash manners.
When your dog pulls, the front clip redirects the movement in a gentle way back to you, discouraging the practice. Although it is an excellent training tool at times, it may tangle should it not be fitted correctly.
Dual-Clip Harness
Another dual-clip harness also has both a front and a back attachment point, thus offering the best of both worlds; one might use the back clip when on more relaxed walks, then switch to front clip for training sessions. Perfect for energetic and/or big-growing dogs, this type is very versatile. Slightly bulkier and costing more, this harness definitely becomes worth the flexibility and control provided by it.
FAQS: How to put on a Dog Harness
Should I attach the leash to front or back of a harness?
For regular walks, the back clip is usually the best choice. If your dog pulls, front-clip harness offers more control by gently redirecting their movement. You can explore our non-pull harness options for smoother walks.
Do front-clip harnesses stop pulling?
They can help reduce pulling by turning your dog’s body sideways when they lunge forward, making pulling less effective. Our Crosscheck Harness is a great option for managing this behavior.
Are harnesses safer than collars?
Yes, Harnesses distribute pressure across the chest and shoulders instead of the neck, which is especially beneficial for puppies and small breeds. Check out our harness collection for safer alternatives to standard collars.
How do I know the harness is on backwards?
The D-ring or clip should sit on your dog’s back or chest, and all straps should lay smoothly without twisting. If anything looks uneven or out of place, the harness may be on the wrong way.
Why does my dog freeze when I put harness on?
Some dogs feel unsure or overwhelmed. Use treats, and short practice sessions to help them adjust. Start by simply placing the harness on back without fastening it.
Conclusion
Some harnesses are straightforward, while others can be surprisingly fiddly. Don’t worry if you need a moment to figure out how a particular harness goes on it’s always better to take your time and make sure your dog is secure than to rush and risk an unsafe fit.
The good news is that even the trickier designs become easy with a little practice. Before long, you’ll be able to put the harness on in just a few seconds. Once you’ve mastered one harness, most others follow a very similar pattern.
