Dog harnesses are usually classified into two categories: one that the dog enters, and the other that is worn through the dog's head. All harnesses, regardless of how they are worn, allow you to walk your dog without putting too much strain on his neck and preventing him from jumping around or pulling. At first, a dog leash can seem confusing and impossible to put on, but it's actually easier than you think! The first step is to determine the best type of harness; when you do, you can put a leash on your dog and walk him safely and comfortably!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Attaching the Step-In Leash
Step 1. Place the reins on the floor and do not attach the buttons
Make sure there is enough room for you and your dog to get behind the leash. The harness should have two leg loops in the front with the strap in the middle. Extend the leash so that the dog can enter the leash more easily.
If the harness has a vest or breastplate, make sure the outside is facing the floor
Step 2. Tell the dog to "sit" and "shut up" behind the leash
This position will make it easier for the dog to get into the leash. If your dog hasn't learned the "sit" and "quiet" commands, you or your partner will need to hold the dog while you put the leash on.
If your dog struggles, it's best to get someone to help you put on the leash
Step 3. Insert the dog's front paw into the correct loop of the leash's leg
Take the dog's right front leg and guide it into the right leg loop. Once you have the dog's paw on the floor, take the dog's left front paw and insert it into the right leg loop of the leash.
Some harnesses have labels that tell what foot goes into the associated hoop. However, many harnesses are reversible. Check your harness to determine which breed you have
Step 4. Pull the leash on the dog
The leash should fit around the dog's body, not around the neck. The leg loop will settle on the top of the dog's paw, close to his belly. Pull the side leash on the dog's belly toward its back.
The leash may have more than one clip to attach to the dog. For example, the harness may have shoulder and lower back clips. If so, you will need to pull the rope up and attach the rope clips one at a time
Step 5. Tighten the clip on the harness
Bring the two ends of the clip together. Make sure the clip makes a “click” sound which means it is firmly attached. Pull on the clip to make sure it doesn't come off.
If the harness has more than one clip, attach them all
Step 6. Adjust the leash so that it fits the dog's body
Adjust the adjustable part of the leash so that it fits tightly on the dog. Make sure the leash is not loose and off the dog. Next, make sure you can slip 2 fingers between the dog and the leash to make sure the leash isn't too tight.
- Make sure the dog can't slip out of the leash easily. The leash should not slide from under the dog's paws or over the head.
- You will need to adjust the leash each time your dog puts it on.
Step 7. Reward your dog with treats and praise
This teaches your dog to love his leash because he will look forward to the treat!
Method 2 of 3: Attaching the Overhead Leash
Step 1. Tell the dog to “sit” and “quiet”
This position will make it easier for the dog to put on the leash. The dog should sit in front of you.
If your dog isn't trained to "sit" and "shut up," you or your partner will need to hold the dog while you put the leash on
Step 2. Find the neck hole and slip it through the top of the dog's head
This neck hole is a loop that is passed over the dog's head and shoulders. Find the D-ring (D-ring) of the harness and position it in front or back, depending on where it fits. Tuck the leash over the dog's head, and position it low over the dog's shoulder area so it's not around the neck.
- The neckhole is usually the smallest hole in this harness. Side straps will be attached to each side of the neck hole.
- It's best if the leash rests on the dog's body instead of the neck.
- If the leash has a vest or guard, make sure the outside of the fabric is facing the dog's back.
Step 3. Insert one dog's paw through the correct paw hole
Your harness should have a leg hole on one side. Lift the dog's paw off the floor and tuck it in the correct paw hole. Then, lower the dog's leg back down until it touches the floor.
If the harness clips are on both sides, you will need to attach these straps around the first leg. Wrap the two straps around the leg, then attach the buckle
Step 4. Wrap the remaining leash under the dog's paws and work your way up to his back
Thus, the strap is now a leg loop. Make sure the leash passes from under and behind the dog's paws; it is important for harness control.
Once the leash is in place for your dog, it will look like his legs have been tucked into the side loop of the leash
Step 5. Put the buckle on the dog's back
The leash you wrap behind the dog's paw will attach to the buckle on the back. Bring the two ends of this key together until you hear a “click” sound.
Test the buckle to make sure it fits tightly. The buckle should be able to be pulled without releasing it
Step 6. Adjust the tension of the harness through the plastic adjuster
Slide the adjuster to tighten or loosen the straps, as needed. Pull on the leash to check that the neck holes and leg loops are snug and the dog can't get out of them. Then, make sure you can slip 2 fingers between the dog's body and the leash to make sure it's not too tight.
It's a good idea to adjust the leash each time your dog puts it on
Step 7. Give the puppy treats and lots of praise
Putting on a leash should be a fun experience for the dog. Snacks and compliments will teach your dog to love the leash, making it easier for you to walk your dog.
Method 3 of 3: Attaching the Leash
Step 1. Check the position of the harness clip
Common harnesses have a clip in the back, while training or no-pull harnesses usually have a clip in the front. However, you can find harnesses with clips on the front and back. The harness clip usually appears as a D ring.
If the harness only has one clip on one side, do not try to attach the harness on the other side
Step 2. Attach a clip to the back of the leash for a quiet or small dog
Look for a D ring on the back of the dog's leash. Unbuckle the leash and attach it to the D ring. The back clip harness lets you walk comfortably with your dog without tugging or jumping. This leash is also safe for small dogs who have small and sensitive necks.
- The rear-clip harness tends to get tangled in the dog's paws easily.
- However, if your dog likes to pull, the rear clip harness will make you look like a coach pulled by a dog.
Step 3. Put a leash in front to train or control the dog
Find the D ring on the front of the dog's leash, then pull the buckle back to open it. Then attach the buckle to the D ring. This will give you more control over your dog, especially if he likes to pull or jump. You will be able to determine the position of the dog's movement and prevent it from jumping.
Front-clip harnesses are usually easier to entangle on the dog's paws. Watch the dog to make sure it doesn't trip or twist the leash. If so, stop and untie the leash on the dog
Tips
- Choose the leash that best fits your dog. Check the size chart provided by the leash manufacturer to make sure it is the right size for your dog.
- If your dog doesn't like wearing a leash, you can get him used to it by leaving him on the leash for 5-10 minutes. Play with your dog before and after putting on the leash, and give them treats in return.
- If your dog tends to pull or jump, you can choose a leash that can tighten when your dog behaves badly. This leash is worn like a normal leash, but will tighten when the dog pulls or jumps. When using this leash, make sure the dog is not in pain.
