How to Put on a Dog Harness Correctly

You’ve finally decided to switch from a collar to a harness for your dog. That’s a great move, especially when you consider the findings of so many studies emphasizing the health benefits of using a harness. 

And being a mom to two amazing pups, Daisy and Max. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that using a harness over a collar can be a real game-changer.

The journey of dog parenting is a joyous one, but it does come with its share of challenges. 

One such challenge is choosing the right harness and fitting it correctly. I’ve been down that road, and I can tell you, it’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario. 

But worry not; I’ve combined years of professional training, scientific studies, and practical mom experience to make it extremely easy for you and make it sure that you know everything about your beloved dog harness.

Why a Harness and Not a Collar?

The Scientific Angle

• Dog Pulling Behavior: Studies have shown that dogs tend to pull more when wearing a back-connection harness as opposed to a neck collar, especially when motivated by food.

• Biomechanical Factors: Research has indicated that different types of harnesses can affect a dog’s walking mechanics, particularly when a handle is used.

• Force Distribution: According to this study, harnesses have been found to distribute force over a wider area, reducing the risk of localized pressure and injury.

My elder fur baby, Daisy, initially had a collar. It was what I thought was “standard.” But once I switched to a harness, his comfort levels increased dramatically. 

Even his vet endorsed the change, noting that it was especially beneficial for his slight respiratory issue.

Decoding the Anatomy of a Harness

Understanding the different parts of a harness can make the process of choosing the right one much simpler:

• Straps: These wrap around your dog’s body and should be made of a comfortable material.
• D-Rings: These are the metal rings where you attach the leash.
• Buckles: These secure the harness in place.
• Padding: Some harnesses come with extra padding for additional comfort, something I personally prefer for daisy and Max.

Mom Tip

Always check for any wear and tear on these components. The last thing you want is a broken buckle during a walk!

Types of Harnesses and Their Specific Uses

Before diving into how to fit each type of harness, it’s important to recognize that there are several different kinds of harnesses, each with its own set of instructions for proper fitting. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), these are the three main types of harnesses:

Here’s a breakdown:

1) Standard Harness

Putting on a standard dog harness correctly is crucial for your dog’s comfort and safety during walks.

A properly fitted harness provides better control and reduces the strain on your dog’s neck. Follow these steps to ensure your dog’s harness fits snugly and securely.

How to Put On a Standard Dog Harness – Step By Step

1. Prepare Your Dog

• Calm Environment: Ensure your dog is calm. Stand or squat beside them, ideally when they are in a relaxed state.
• Positioning: Have your dog in a sitting or standing position to make the process smoother.

Personally I find that making Max sit makes the process smoother.

2. Position the Harness

• Neck Loop: Slip the harness over your dog’s head, ensuring the D-ring is positioned on their back.
• Proper Orientation: The wider loop (typically the one with the buckle) should go over the ribs, while the narrower loop should sit around the neck.

3. Place the Legs

• First Leg: Lift your dog’s front leg and slide it through the first leg hole. The leg should be positioned between the neck loop and the rib loop.
• Second Leg: Adjust the harness so that your dog’s other front leg can go through the second leg hole.

4. Secure the Harness

• Buckle Up: Fasten the buckle around your dog’s ribs. If the buckle doesn’t reach, you may need to adjust the straps for a looser fit.
• Adjustment: Ensure the harness is secure but not too tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between the harness and your dog’s body.

5. Final Adjustments

• Check the Fit: Try to pull the harness gently to ensure it stays in place and doesn’t slip over your dog’s head.
• Comfort Check: Observe your dog for any signs of discomfort, such as scratching or reluctance to move. Adjust the harness if necessary to improve comfort.

Mom’s Two Cents

I keep treats handy to reward Daisy and Max after each step. Positive reinforcement works wonders!

So make sure you are rewarding treats with each step making the whole process a breeze.

2) Step-In Harness

A step-in dog harness is designed for ease of use and provides excellent control during walks. Unlike standard harnesses that form rectangles around your dog’s legs, step-in harnesses create triangles, ensuring a snug fit and enhanced security.

This guide will walk you through the steps How to Put On a Step-In Dog Harness.

How to Put On a Step-In Harness – Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare the Harness

Place the harness on a flat surface with the buckles facing up. Ensure that the harness is fully extended and untangled, making the two triangles formed by the straps clearly visible.

Step 2: Position Your Dog

• Calm Environment: Approach your dog calmly and have them stand or sit still. Gently hold your dog from behind to keep them steady.
• Front Paws Placement: Lift one of your dog’s front paws and place it into one of the triangles. Repeat this process with the other front paw, ensuring each paw is placed in its respective triangle.

Step 3: Secure the Harness:

• Lifting the Harness: Carefully lift the harness up around your dog’s legs and body. Bring the ends of the harness up towards your dog’s back.
• Clipping: Secure the buckles on your dog’s back by clipping them together. Ensure the buckles click into place firmly.

Step 4: Adjust for Fit:

• Strap Adjustment: Adjust the straps to ensure a snug but comfortable fit. The harness should be tight enough to stay in place but loose enough to allow free movement.
• Two-Finger Rule: Slide two fingers between the harness and your dog’s body to check the fit. This ensures the harness is neither too tight nor too loose.

Step 5: Check Security:

After adjusting, try gently pulling the harness to ensure it does not slip over your dog’s head. Make sure the D-ring for the leash attachment is positioned correctly on your dog’s back.

Mom’s Wisdom

For my Daisy, who gets anxious with things going over his head, this was a game-changer. I use a treat to lure his into stepping into the harness, making it a win-win for both of us.

3) Front-Clip Harness

Front-clip dog harnesses are specifically designed to discourage pulling by positioning the leash attachment at the front of the dog’s chest. 

Following these important steps on how to put on a front-clip harness, will ensure your dog’s comfort and safety.

How to Put On a Front-Clip Dog Harness – Step By Step

1. Position Yourself and Your Dog

• Calm Environment: Make sure your dog is calm. Kneel beside your dog, who should be sitting or standing still.

2. Slip the Harness Over Your Dog’s Head

• Correct Orientation: Put the loop of the harness over your dog’s head. Ensure the harness label is positioned on their left shoulder, and the metal ring for the leash is centered on their chest.

3. Secure the Belly Strap

• Underneath the Belly: Reach under your dog’s belly and fasten the strap securely. The harness should fit snugly around your dog’s body without being too tight.

4. Adjust for a Proper Fit

• Check the Fit: Adjust the straps to ensure the harness fits comfortably. You should be able to slip two fingers between the harness and your dog’s body.
• Security Check: Ensure the harness is secure by gently pulling it to make sure it doesn’t slide over your dog’s head.

Putting on a front-clip harness correctly is crucial for controlling your dog during walks and ensuring their comfort and safety. By following these steps and tips, you can provide your dog with a secure and comfortable harness experience that discourages pulling and enhances control.

Front-Clip Harnesses vs. Back-Clip Harnesses: What the Experts Say

When choosing a harness, it’s not just about how to put it on but also about selecting the type that aligns with your training goals and your dog’s comfort.

Front-Clip Harnesses

Front-clip harnesses have the leash attachment point on the dog’s chest. This design is particularly useful for training purposes. It discourages the dog’s natural opposition reflex, which is their instinctual tendency to pull against something. By minimizing this pulling behavior, front-clip harnesses are great for more focused and well-behaved walking partner.

Features of Front-Clip Harnesses:

• Leash Attachment: Located on the chest, offering better steering control.
• Gentle Pressure: The harness tightens slightly across the shoulders when the dog pulls, discouraging the behavior without causing harm.
• Reduced Choking Risk: The front strap sits low on the chest, minimizing the risk of choking or coughing.

Pros:

• Enhanced control over the dog’s movement.
• Effective in reducing leash pulling.
• Prevents neck injuries and choking.
• Helps deter lunging and reactive behaviors.
• Suitable for dogs of all sizes, especially strong pullers.

Cons:

• May require more adjustment points for a perfect fit.
• Some dogs might initially resist the feeling of pressure on their chest.

Good Candidates for Front-Clip Harnesses:

Front-clip harnesses are ideal for dogs that tend to pull on the leash, including:

• Terriers: Their natural pulling tendency makes steering control beneficial.
• Dachshunds: Protects their delicate backs from strain.
• Toy breeds: Allows control over small dogs with strong pulling power.
• Puppies: Ideal for leash training young dogs.

Andrea Arden says: “Front attachment harnesses have risen in popularity over the last few years as people have become aware of their usefulness as a gentle training aid. They do not encourage the opposition reflex in the same way as traditional harnesses.”

Mom’s Experience:

Switching to a front-clip harness made a world of difference for Max, my notorious puller. Our walks became less of a tug-of-war and more enjoyable for both of us.

Back-Clip Harnesses

Back-clip harnesses feature the leash attachment on the back, near the shoulder blades and are generally easier to put on. However, these harnesses encourage the dog’s natural opposition reflex, making them less ideal for dogs that tend to pull on the leash.

They do offer comfort and freedom of movement but do not provide the same level of control as front-clip harnesses.

Features of Back-Clip Harnesses:

• Leash Attachment: Positioned on the back, allowing for moderate freedom of movement.
• Comfortable Fit: Puts less pressure on the chest, suitable for dogs that do not pull excessively.
• Simple Design: Easy to put on and take off, making it convenient for everyday use.

Pros:

• Comfortable for casual walks.
• Suitable for dogs already trained in loose leash walking.
• Less restrictive, allowing more natural movement.
• Easier for some dogs to accept compared to front-clip harnesses.

Cons:

• Provides less control over pulling behaviors.
• Can encourage pulling due to the opposition reflex.

Good Candidates for Back-Clip Harnesses:

Back-clip harnesses are best suited for:

• Dogs that do not pull excessively.
• Mild to moderate pullers.
• Brachycephalic breeds due to less restrictive fit.
• Dogs already trained to walk calmly on a leash.

Comparing Front-Clip and Back-Clip Harnesses

When choosing between a front-clip and a back-clip harness, consider the following factors:

Control and Steering Ability:

Front-clip harnesses offer enhanced control by redirecting the dog’s momentum, making them ideal for training against pulling.

Back-clip harnesses, on the other hand, allow for more freedom of movement but provide less control, making them suitable for well-behaved dogs.

Fitting and Comfort:

Front-clip harnesses often require more adjustment points for a customized fit, while back-clip harnesses have a simpler design. Consider your dog’s body type and sensitivity to find the most comfortable option.

Training Tips for Using a Harness

Introducing a harness to your dog requires patience and positive reinforcement. Follow these tips to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Patience is Key: Let your dog inspect and sniff the harness to build comfort. Gradually increase the duration of wearing the harness, rewarding calm behavior with treats and praise.
2. Finding the Best Fit: An optimally fitted harness should be snug but not tight. You should be able to slide two fingers between the harness and your dog’s body.
3. Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog for positive reactions to the harness, such as willingly wearing it or walking politely. This helps create a positive association with the harness.
4. Consistent Training: Regularly practice walking with the harness to reinforce good behavior. End sessions on a positive note to keep your dog motivated.

Choosing the right harness for your dog depends on their specific needs and behavior. Front-clip harnesses provide greater control and are ideal for training against pulling, while back-clip harnesses offer comfort and freedom of movement for casual walks.

By understanding the features and benefits of each type, you can make an informed decision that enhances your dog’s walking experience.

Andrea Arden says: “Front attachment dog harnesses can be a wonderful part of your trainer’s toolbox to help your dog become a calmer, more connected walking partner.”

With patience and consistent training, your dog will become a well-behaved walking companion, making every walk enjoyable for both of you.

Mom’s Two Cents:

While back-clip harnesses are easier to put on, they didn’t work well for training Daisy, my elder fur baby. She tended to pull more, especially when his ‘squirrel radar’ was activated.

Important Tips for the Perfect Fit

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), a well-fitted harness distributes pressure evenly across the chest and shoulders, reducing the risk of injury and preventing neck issues. It also helps manage pulling and provides better control. 

Ensuring a proper fit will make your dog happier, less likely to escape, and more comfortable, especially for dogs with respiratory or musculoskeletal concerns.

According to AKC, Dr. Chris Zink, a top canine sports medicine and rehabilitation veterinarian, explains that a poorly fitting harness can cause “overuse soft tissue injuries due to abnormal pressures or compensatory muscle overuse from using an unnatural gait.” 

Choosing the right type of harness is half the battle; the other half is fitting it correctly. I cannot emphasize enough how crucial this step is.

To drive home this point, let’s delve into some invaluable advice from Tenelle, a Dog Behaviour Specialist at RSPCA South Australia.

What’s the Harm in Fitting a Harness Incorrectly?

According to Tenelle and the experts at RSPCA South Australia, an improperly fitted harness can do more harm than good. 

The harness might end up being uncomfortable for the dog, serving as a form of punishment rather than a tool for better control and safety. 

In the worst-case scenario, it can even pose a significant safety hazard, negating the very reasons for opting for a harness in the first place.

Tips for First-Timers

If you’re new to the world of dog harnesses, it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed.

Tenelle recommends using food to create a positive association with the harness, especially if your dog is anxious or scared.

Mom’s Experience:

I remember when I first tried putting a harness on Daisy. He was a bit apprehensive, to say the least.

Taking Tenelle’s advice to heart, I used his favorite chicken treats to create a positive experience. As I slipped the harness over his head, I fed his a treat. It worked like a charm!

Adjusting the Harness: The Art of Fitting

Yes, it’s an art. And like any art, it requires both knowledge and practice. “Good quality harnesses are over-the-head, just like a collar, and easy to put on, making them less invasive for the dog,” says Tenelle. 

She also emphasizes the importance of the Two-Finger Rule for checking tightness, which aligns with general guidelines and my own experience as a mom of two fur babies.

Mom’s Wisdom:

Different dogs have different shapes and preferences. It took me a few tries to get the fitting right for Max, especially around his broad chest. 

Always remember: when in doubt, refer to the guide that comes with the harness and don’t hesitate to adjust until you get it just right.

Test Walk

Take a brief walk around the yard or living room to make sure your dog is comfortable and the harness is secure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Too Tight or Too Loose

An ill-fitting harness can be just as bad as a wrong type of harness. An overly tight harness can cause chafing and restrict movement, while a loose one can be a safety hazard.

Ignoring Behavioral Aspects

Different types of harnesses can influence your dog’s behavior. For instance, back-clip harnesses may encourage pulling, especially when the dog is trying to get to food.

Neglecting Biomechanics

Choosing the wrong type of harness can affect your dog’s natural gait and may lead to long-term health issues.

Conclusion

Putting on a dog harness doesn’t have to be a struggle. The key is to choose the right type of harness and ensure it’s properly adjusted for your dog’s comfort and safety. As you become more familiar with the process, it will become second nature.

What are your experiences with dog harnesses? Do you have any tips to share? Leave a comment below!

FAQs About How to Put on a Dog Harness Correctly

References:

1. Dog Pulling on the Leash: Effects of Restraint by a Neck Collar vs. a Chest Harness
2. Influence of Two Types of Guide Harnesses on Ground Reaction Forces and Step Length of Guide Dogs for the Blind
3. Hartpury College Research Takes the Pressure Off Dog Walking with HBM Miniature Load Cell