How To Put On A Dog Harness

Some dogs pull on their leashes, and a body harness can help discourage pulling as they help prevent dogs from moving as far forward when they pull. Harnesses can also help give you more control, particularly in busy areas like cities and in crowds, but also over larger breeds as it takes less of a toll on your arm and back strength.

Harnesses are also considered safer, as they disperse pressure over a larger area of your pooch’s body, which reduces the amount of strain exerted on their neck.

But, how do you put on a dog harness? 

How To Put A Harness On A Dog

The Standard Dog Harness

1 x loop around the neck, 1 x loop around the ribs, 1 x D-ring on the dog’s back for the leash to be clipped to  

1. Make sure your dog is calm, and then slip the harness over your dog’s head – wider ring first, narrower one second – with the D-ring positioned on their back.  
2. Slip one leg through the first leg hole of the harness – this should now mean your pup’s leg is between the loop that goes around the neck and the loop that goes around their ribs.  
3. Buckle the harness so the other leg matches the first. If the buckle doesn’t reach, you’ll need to loosen the harness’s strap.  
4. Then adjust the harness so it fits properly.  

PetLab Co. Pro Tip: A harness should fit tightly, but not too snug once adjusted – just like their collar. You should be able to fit two fingers under the harness at any point of their body, under any strap but not to the point that they can slip out of it.  

The Front Clip Dog Harness 

1 x leash clip positioned on the dog’s chest, 1 x loop that goes around the ribs, and 1 x single strap across the chest. No divider between the dog’s legs
Note: Some front clip harnesses are shaped like a standard harness, so you should follow those instructions instead. 

1. Kneel to your dog’s right side when they are calm. 
2. Put the loop of the harness over their head. The harness label should sit on their left shoulder. The metal ring for their leash should sit at the chest center.  
3. Under their belly, fasten the strap.  
4. Adjust the harness so it fits properly. It should be able to come up over their head.  

Also read: Dogs With Barrel Chests vs. Deep Chested Dog Breeds

The Step-In Dog Harness 

2 x loop around the legs, 1 x strap dividing the legs down the chest, 2 x D-rings on the dog’s back for the leash to be clipped to – similar to a standard dog harness but instead of rectangle shapes around your dog’s legs, triangle shapes are formed instead 

1. Lay the harness on the ground. You should see the two triangular shapes clearly, and the buckles should be on top of the D-rings. 
2. Place your dog’s feet in the front two triangles. It may be easier to do this from behind them.  
3. Take the two ends of the harness and clip them together over and around your dog’s back.  
4. Adjust the harness so it fits properly.  

Whatever harness you’ve opted to try should come with instructions of their own. The most important thing when it comes to the harness, though, is its fit; if it’s too tight, it can lead to discomfort when moving and even cause sores. If it’s too loose, it can cause injuries if they pull on their leash. 

Not every harness will suit every dog, so be prepared for some trial and error when it comes to finding the perfect harness for your dog.  

Now, read our blog on How To Fit A Dog Harness And Collar here.

Sources

Author Ripley, Katherine “How To Put On A Dog Harness” American Kennel Club, Mar 06. 2019 https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-put-on-a-dog-harness/