Putting on a dog harness properly is important for both your dog’s comfort and safety. There are many different types of dog harnesses available, from basic step-in harnesses to more complex models. The key is to find a well-fitting harness for your dog’s body type and take the time to get them used to wearing it.
Page Contents
Step-in harnesses
Step-in harnesses are a basic style with one strap that goes around the neck and another strap around the chest/belly area. They are easy to put on and take off, making them a good choice for puppies or dogs who don’t walk well on leash yet.
To put on a step-in harness:
- Hold the harness with the neck strap facing towards you and the belly strap hanging down.
- Unclip all the buckles so you can spread the harness open. This will make it easier to get on your dog.
- Have your dog step through the belly strap first so that it is situated around their chest behind their front legs.
- Take the neck strap and bring it over your dog’s head, situating it around their neck.
- Connect the side buckles so the harness forms a complete loop around the chest/belly and neck areas.
- Adjust the straps as needed so they are snug but not too tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between the strap and your dog’s body.
- Attach the leash and you’re ready to go!
Always monitor your dog at first while wearing a step-in harness. Make sure they are not able to back out of it and that there is no rubbing that could cause chafing.
Over the head harnesses
Over the head dog harnesses fit over your dog’s head and rest on the back behind the front legs. There are normally two straps that clip together around your dog’s shoulders/chest.
Follow these steps for putting on an over the head dog harness:
- Hold the harness with the neck hole facing you and the shoulder straps hanging down.
- Unclip the shoulder straps so the harness can open fully.
- Hold the neck hole open and guide your dog’s head through it.
- Situate the harness so the shoulder straps are lined up behind your dog’s front legs.
- Clip the shoulder straps closed across your dog’s chest/shoulders so the harness forms a loop.
- Adjust the straps as needed for a secure but comfortable fit.
- Attach the leash and you’re set!
Over the head harnesses are easy to put on once your dog is used to the process. Make sure to find the right size so it’s not a struggle to fit over your dog’s head.
Back-clip harnesses
Back-clip dog harnesses have a leash attachment ring on the dog’s upper back near their shoulder blades. This helps steer your dog from the front while reducing pulling.
Here is how to properly put on a back-clip harness:
- Hold the harness so you can see the back clip with the shoulder straps hanging down.
- Unclip the shoulder and belly straps so the harness is open.
- Guide your dog’s head through the neck hole and position the harness high on their chest.
- Clip one shoulder strap closed so the harness forms a half loop.
- Take the belly strap under your dog and connect it to the shoulder strap on the other side.
- Adjust all straps for a secure, comfortable fit.
- Make sure the back clip lays flat horizontally when attached.
- Attach leash and go for a walk!
Back-clip harnesses take a little more work to put on but provide great control. Introduce your dog slowly and use treats to keep it a positive experience.
Front-clip harnesses
Front-clip dog harnesses fasten around the chest and attach the leash on the front at chest level. This controls pulling by turning the dog back towards you.
Follow these tips for putting on a front-clip harness correctly:
- Hold the harness so the front clip faces you with the shoulder straps hanging down.
- Unfasten all the straps so you can open the harness fully.
- Help your dog step through the neck hole and position the harness high on their chest.
- Clip one shoulder strap closed so the harness forms a half loop.
- Take the belly strap under your dog and connect it to the shoulder strap on the other side.
- Check that the front clip lays vertical in the center of the chest when connected.
- Snug the straps for a secure and comfortable fit.
- Attach leash to front clip and start your walk!
Because front-clip harnesses steer your dog from the front, take it slow at first while your dog gets used to the feel.
Vest harnesses
Vest style dog harnesses wrap fully around your dog’s torso with extra fabric for comfort. They often have adjustable points at the neck, chest, and belly.
Follow these instructions to put on a vest harness properly:
- Hold the harness with the neck hole facing you and the belly straps hanging down.
- Unfasten all straps and buckles so the harness can open fully.
- Guide your dog’s head through the neck hole, then position one front leg through each front strap.
- Pull the bottom of the vest around your dog’s belly and connect the belly straps below.
- Fasten the shoulder straps across your dog’s back and clip the side buckles together.
- Check that the vest is centered on your dog’s back before tightening straps.
- Snug the neck, chest, and belly straps for a customized, secure fit.
- Attach leash and hit the road!
Vest harnesses take a little more time to put on but disperse pressure evenly for comfort. Make sure to find the right size to allow free movement.
Car harnesses
Car harnesses are designed to be ultra-safe for dogs traveling in vehicles. They have multiple adjustable points and a tether that clips into a seatbelt.
Follow these steps to properly put on a car harness:
- Hold the harness so the neck strap faces you and the clip hangs down.
- Unfasten all buckles and straps so the harness can open fully.
- Help your dog step through the neck hole first, then position their front legs through the front straps.
- Wrap the belly straps around your dog’s waist and clip together underneath.
- Fasten the chest clip in front and the back clip over your dog’s shoulders.
- Tighten all the adjustment straps starting with the neck and working your way back.
- Ensure there is a snug fit with room for two fingers between straps and dog.
- Attach the seatbelt tether to complete the safety loop.
Car harnesses provide critical restraint during travel. Take the time to find an ideal fit and get your dog comfortable before your first drive.
No pull harnesses
No pull dog harnesses have front or side attachments to curtail pulling by steering your dog back towards you. They come in Y-front, front-clip, or head halter styles.
To properly put on a no pull harness:
- Hold the harness with the front/side rings facing you and straps hanging down.
- Unclip all buckles and straps to open the harness fully.
- Help your dog step through the neck hole first, then position their front legs in the loops.
- For Y-front style, clip the front strap together. For other styles, clip shoulder and belly straps.
- Ensure the steering clip lays flat against your dog’s chest or side.
- Tighten all straps for a snug, secure fit. Check for room to slide two fingers between strap and dog.
- Attach your leash to the front or side ring, not the back ring.
- Let your dog explore slowly at first to get used to the steering sensation.
No pull harnesses work best with proper fitting and some training time. Be patient while your dog learns to walk politely on leash.
Conclusion
While there are many types of dog harnesses available, the key things to remember when putting one on your dog are:
- Choose the right harness style for your dog’s needs.
- Make sure to unclip all straps so you can spread the harness open fully.
- Guide your dog into the harness carefully and methodically.
- Check that all straps are fastened correctly with the steering clip in the right position, if applicable.
- Snug the harness with room for two fingers between straps and dog.
- Double check for rubbing points and that your dog has free range of motion.
- Attach the leash and go enjoy your walk!
With the proper fitting harness and some practice, your dog will be comfortable walking on leash in no time. Pay attention to their reaction and make adjustments as needed. Proper gear makes for happy dogs and owners!