How to harness train a dog

Dog walks can be fun, relaxing and stress-free, but if you’ve got a four-legged friend who constantly pulls on the leash, chances are your walkies are none of the above. Dog harness training not only prevents your pup from pulling on the leash, but it’s also safer and more comfortable for your furry friend as it reduces the risk of injury to their neck as they strain against the leash. So, “harness” back your power on dog walks as you follow these tips on how to harness train a dog.

How to harness train a dog

Dog harness training should be fun-filled and rewarding for your pooch pal so arm yourself with some tasty treats from the get-go. Take it step by step and keep an eye on your furry friend’s behavior, returning to the previous stage if they seem uncomfortable. Let’s take a look at how to harness train a dog in a bit more detail. 

Dog harness training tips 

Start ‘em young

If you can, introduce your fur baby to a harness for puppy training from a young age, which is when it’s easiest for them to learn the ropes. Starting off on the right foot with puppy harness training will show your pup it’s a positive experience, and before long, they'll begin to associate their training puppy harness with the best part of the day - walkies! Not sure how to put a harness on a puppy? Follow the steps in the next tip.

Take it slow

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and getting used to wearing a harness can be a bit baffling for our canine companions. If you’re thinking “my dog won’t let me put a harness on” or your dog’s scared of harnesses, start by leaving the harness on the floor surrounded by treats - this will give pups the chance to have a good sniff around and get to grips with the strange new device while enjoying something tasty. If your four-pawed pal’s a little more confident, start by gently putting the harness around their neck, rewarding them with treats and praise as you go. You may need to take a break at this point, but if Fido’s tail is still wagging, gradually put on the rest of the harness, leaving the straps unclipped to begin with. If they still seem happy, gently clip the straps over your dog’s chest and give them an extra special pat on the back (and a treat!).

Treats and praise

When starting out with harness training, dogs should be rewarded for their bravery with a tasty treat and lots of praise for every little milestone they accomplish. Got the harness over Fido’s head? Treat! Can your furry friend wear the harness for a few minutes? Treat, treat! If your poor pooch isn’t a fan of the harness, taking it off immediately may indicate that the harness is something to be scared of. Try distracting them with some mental stimulation in order to turn it into a positive experience before taking the harness off. Tasty niblets also work a treat on the first few harnessed walkies, especially if Fido behaves himself.

Have fun!

It’s important for pooch pals to associate wearing their harness with good times, so make the training session a fun activity. If they’re not ready for walkies yet, play some games in the garden or give them a big fuss so they know they’re in for a treat every time they see the harness.

If at first, you don’t succeed…

Try, try, and try again. When training your dog to wear a harness, we recommend working through the steps we’ve outlined every couple of days. If your pooch pal is uncomfortable with the harness, go back a step to build up their confidence before pressing forward, and if the problem persists, try to get to the bottom of why your dog won’t wear a harness before continuing the training journey. Is your furry friend uncomfortable being handled? Do they have a problem putting their head through the harness? Perhaps they’re scared of the sound the clips make. While some issues may be addressed with a different type of harness, others might require a more elaborate approach.

Walk this way

We recommend starting your dog harness training at home, and once Fido’s happy, it’s time for a dog walk. We’re sorry to say it, but the hard work has just begun! Now that your four-pawed pal feels comfortable wearing the harness, distractions like other furry friends, food, and even a tennis ball might be added to the mix, causing your fur baby to veer off the course of their training program. When this happens, gently pull your pooch pal back to you or call their name, and of course, reward them with praise and a treat when they follow your command. 

Walk, treat, sleep, repeat!

Don’t let all that hard work doesn’t go to waste! Go over every step until your furry friend is comfortable and the harness will eventually feel like a second skin for them. Dog owners - your training regime shouldn’t stop you from jetting off, an experienced dog sitter will know the ins and outs of putting a harness on a dog and will be able to continue training Fido so you can relax on holiday knowing your fur baby is being taken care of. 

Once you’re all clued up on how to harness train a dog, your next step is probably going out and buying a dog harness. Check the harness fits your pooch pal properly without restricting their mobility by running a finger between the harness and your pup’s body - it should be tight enough that Fido can’t slip out but loose enough that it still feels comfortable. Find out more about the different types of harnesses in our guide to the best dog harnesses.