For many dogs, the harness is synonymous with walking. Just seeing him tends to make them jump for joy and put it on so easy. But for other dogs, this is a far cry from reality. In fact, for some dogs, wearing a harness is an ordeal. The object may be associated with an unpleasant event or the form may not be completely suitable for the dog.
Choosing dog harnesses should not be overlooked because they are ideal equipment for walking and practicing physical and sports activities. It does not put any pressure on the dog’s neck, which avoids the risk of suffocation. However, an improper form, whether it is too narrow or, conversely, can harm the dog and be a nuisance.
If your little friend can’t stand up with his seat belt on, don’t despair. It is entirely possible to help her accept it again. Let’s take a look at the ways you can do this.
Why doesn’t the dog support his harness?
If many dogs attach the harness to walking time, having to wear it isn’t fun for everyone. Some are especially hesitant and even flee to avoid having to wear it.
To help your pet support his harness, it is first important to understand the reasons for his hesitation in order to provide an appropriate response.
The belt is uncomfortable or ill-fitting
The belt is a piece of equipment that must be chosen carefully. To be comfortable, they need to be well adjusted to a dog’s morphology to accompany their movements without being disturbed. A belt that is too tight is uncomfortable and uncomfortable. A belt that is too loose usually causes annoying irritation.
The dog attaches the belt to a negative element
Your dog may have attached his belt to a negative event that now makes him unwilling to wear it. You may have squeezed it while wearing it, or it may have gotten stuck once while wearing it, or in some other unpleasant event that may have affected it severely.
A dog can’t stand something going over his head
Some dogs are very sensitive to things that pass over their heads before settling around their bodies. This feeling of persecution can be especially upsetting to them. We must realize that the belt is not a natural accessory for the bush who feels much freer without equipment.
How do you help a dog to support the belt?
To help your pet deal with wearing a harness, you need to devise an appropriate strategy. You will have to work with him gradually to allow him to accept wearing this accessory little by little and no longer consider him an enemy.
We recommend that you prepare a file A learning style based on kindness, patience, positive reinforcement and reward. This technique has proven itself. It encourages the animal to become active in its learning, because it encourages it to repeat good behaviour. He takes pleasure in pleasing his master, which proves to be more effective than the old traditional methods, based on the fear of punishment.
Continue in short sessions of 10 to 15 minutes max, every day. Pre-make sure each step is well-earned before moving on to the next to avoid going back to square one, which can take several days. Some learning takes time. So you will need to be patient and respect your dog’s abilities.
Step 1: Teach him to remain still (“Don’t move!”)
It is often difficult to pass the harness on to a dog, as it is full of movement and trying to break free. So we must begin by teaching him to remain still, in place, without moving.
Place it on a table if it can be carried, or leave it on the floor. Hold him firmly without hurting him until he calms down. If he’s constantly hinting, ignore him and your back to him. Don’t talk to him, don’t touch him, pretend he’s not there, it’s a good way to get him to stop his gestures.
Once he calms down, continue to hold him and give him a reward while telling him “Stay still!”. He should be able to remain calm and still for a while. To do this, give him as many rewards as he needs. Stop letting go as soon as he starts moving again.
Through this, your dog will understand that the fact that he remains wisely, motionless, allows him to receive a treat as a reward.
Step 2: Provide the harness to your dog
If your dog is reluctant to use the harness, you will need to help him accept it. Don’t rush things and allow him to adapt slowly. Put the harness in the house where your pet can see it. From time to time, touch it or take it in your hands, pretending it is something normal, before putting it down a few seconds later.
If you find that your dog is unresponsive, you can extend and hold the harness in your hands for a few minutes. Your dog needs to understand that the fact that you take the harness in your hands does not necessarily mean that you will make him wear it. It can get used to the fact that your interaction with the object has no effect on it.
If your pet doesn’t seem to care, you can also offer them the harness to let them feel it.
Step 3: Help him enjoy wearing the belt
In order for your dog to appreciate wearing the harness, you have to make him accept it with pleasure. Take the harness in your hands and give your dog a treat or a treat. You can then pass your arm through the harness straps to feed him. Gradually move your hand back to encourage the dog to get closer to its head to eat the food.
As you try and succeed, the goal is to get your dog to agree to put his head in the harness to get his reward. This step should be very gradual so as not to frighten the dog.
Once your little buddy puts his head into the harness, you can gently clamp it down. Then immediately loosen it so it does not feel trapped. As experiments and repetitions continue, leave the belt in place longer and longer.
Of course, you must be equipped with a model that adapts to your dog before embarking on this apprenticeship. If the belt is too tight or does not fit, adjust it correctly or buy new, more comfortable equipment.