Joan the Dog Coach
Let’s face it, if dogs were out in the wild, one of the last things they’d want to do is put on a dog walking harness, a doggy life vest, a new outfit, winter booties, or a sweater. However, an element of living in our human-centric world is that many dogs require gear such as collars, harnesses and leashes to help keep them safe.
Fortunately, you can teach your canine companion to love almost any outfit. There is a useful (dog) training method that uses the technique of classical conditioning. You know how some dogs see their leash and harness and start doing the “Yay! Walkies!” dance? The sight of the walking gear predicts a fun outing. This is referred to as a positive conditioned response. If you want your dog not just to tolerate wearing a harness – but to love it! – keep reading.
Gather Your Supplies
Make sure your dog’s harness is pet-friendly and fits well. Ideally, your pet’s harness should be simple to put on and take off your dog and have easily adjustable straps.
You’ll also want to have a pouch or container of yummy treats with you. Your goal is to teach your dog that the harness is associated with these wonderful treats.
Prepping Your Pup for Wearing a Harness
It’s important to start slowly, and build slowly, to help your dog acclimate to – and enjoy – his new duds! Follow these steps for ‘getting dressed’ rehearsals:
- Simply show your dog the harness (or life jacket, etc.), then give a treat.
- Whenever the harness (item) appears, pup gets yummy treats. (The order of events is important: harness first, followed by treats. No harness, no treats.)
- Repeat this until your dog’s body language shows that they are excited when the harness appears — a wagging tail and a mouth that is open and relaxed with the tongue hanging out, are good signs.
- Wait for your dog to approach the harness on their own, rather than bringing it closer to them. Your dog sets the pace and decides how quickly they want to get dressed.
- Next, gently touch your dog with the harness. Then give a treat.
- Gradually start to dress him. Then give a treat.
- Take a break. Place the harness out of your dog’s sight.
- Then begin the whole process again. Ideally your dog is tail wagging and looking happily excited every time the harness comes into view, because they’ve come to associate it with delicious treats, fun training games, and good times!
- Eventually, get him fully dressed. Then give a treat.
At this point, make sure that the harness fits well and that pup can move freely and comfortably in it. Taking your dog on amazing adventures (a hike, a car ride) after their harness goes on can also help to create positive associations with getting dressed. Once your dog gets the idea, you’ll be able to repeat the process with other clothing items your dog might need to wear.
If You Have a Nervous Dog
The process of helping your dog enjoy having their harness put on might vary, depending on the individual dog. But the concept is the same. Adjust the steps based on your own pet’s individual needs. If your inquisitive canine is showing signs of nervousness at any point in the above process, slow things down and offer them more control over the situation. Choice is a wonderful reinforcer!
When encouraging a nervous dog to be comfortable having their harness put on, periodically repeat the initial steps until your dog shows interest (not concern) at the first step – just seeing the item. Be patient as your pup continues to learn to trust the game, the harness itself, and you. Continue to treat your dog for being brave, whenever they get closer to the harness, or even show any interest. If they walk away, that’s fine. Give them a break and try again a little later.
If your dog growls or snaps when you attempt to put on the harness, stop; give them the space they need in order to feel safe and then seek the assistance of a certified professional dog trainer or behavior consultant.
Harnessing Connection
Remember, outings with your dog are supposed to be fun! If your dog is showing signs of distress or discomfort, put the harness away and play a game or do something else you both enjoy. Remember to use small steps so as not to overwhelm your canine pal. Taking breaks between sessions is key to avoiding frustration for pets and people.
Here’s to unleashing adventures and harnessing fun with your inquisitive canine!
The Inquisitive Canine was founded by Santa Barbara certified canine behavior consultant and certified professional dog trainer Joan Hunter Mayer. Joan and her team are devoted to offering humane, pawsitive, practical solutions that work for the challenges dogs and their humans face in everyday life. Joan offers coaching both in-person and online. If you are feeling inquisitive and have dog training questions, we invite you to contact The Inquisitive Canine for A Pawsitive Approach for Positive Results ™.
