How to Put Your Dog in a Harness

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Fitting and adjusting both step-in and overhead harnesses
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A harness comes in handy when your dog tends to pull or gag themself on a standard leash. Dog harnesses typically fall into 2 categories: those that your dog steps into and those that you slip over the dog's head. All harnesses, regardless of how they are put on, allow you to safely walk your dog without putting much pressure on the dog's neck and keep them from jumping or pulling. We’ll show you how to put your dog into a step-on or overhead harness, plus how to attach a leash, so you can make sense of all those straps.

Things You Should Know

  • Spread a step-in harness out on the floor, and gently place your dog’s paws into the loops. Then pull the harness upward to your dog’s chest and clip it behind their back.
  • Slip the smaller hole of an overhead harness over your dog’s head. Place their foot in the closed loop, and bring the loose buckle up behind the other leg. Clip it in place.
  • Attach your leash to the back D-ring of the harness if you’re walking a calm or small dog. Use the front D-ring to better control an aggressive or overactive dog.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Putting on a Step-In Harness

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  1. Find a roomy, flat surface, and lay the step-in harness flat on the ground. Note that the harness has 2 leg loops separated with a strap down the middle and parts of a buckle on either side. Spread out the loops so that it’ll be easier to for your dog to step into the harness. [1]
    • Vest harnesses and padded chest harnesses are types of step-in harnesses. They may look slightly different, but the general idea is the same.
    • If your harness has a vest or chest cover attached to it, make sure the outside is facing down toward the floor.
  2. Call your dog over and have them “sit” and “stay” before the harness. Pick up the dog’s right paw and gently move it forward into the right loop. Then do the same with the left paw. [2]
    • If your dog doesn’t know “sit” and “stay,” entice them toward and into the harness with treats or have a partner hold or calm them while you work.
    • Some harnesses label which side is meant for which paw. However, many harnesses are reversible. Check your harness to see which type you have.
    • With mesh or double-strapped harnesses, the smaller “hole” or shorter straps typically go around the neck, and the longer around the chest.
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  3. Pull the harness upward so that it evenly contacts your dog’s chest, and not just their neck. The loops will settle at the top of the dog’s legs and against their belly. Tug the side straps up over the dog’s shoulders and onto their back, and snap the clip or clips into place to secure it. [3]
    • For a double-strapped harness, start by securing the neck clips, then work on the back or belly clips.
  4. Feed the adjustable straps on the harness through their plastic pieces to tighten or loosen the straps. Make sure the straps aren't loose enough to come off the dog, but not so tight that it causes chafing or restricts your dog’s movement. [4] If you can fit 2 fingers under the straps, the harness is well-fitted. [5]
    • Briefly walk your dog around your home to check that the dog can’t easily slip out of the harness. Make sure it won’t easily come down over the dog’s paw or up over their head.
    • You may need to adjust the harness every time your dog wears it to ensure a good fit.
  5. This teaches your dog to enjoy putting on their harness. It also makes it easier for you to put on the harness in the future, as your pup will look forward to the treats! [6]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Securing an Overhead Harness

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  1. It’s easier to put the overhead harness on the dog if they sits still. [7] If you haven’t trained your dog to “sit” or “stay,” call them over and gently hold them by the collar, speaking to them in a calm and encouraging tone to relax them.
  2. On an overhead harness, the neck loop is often a closed circle without buckles, with 2 straps leading down to a larger loop with a buckle. Slide the smaller loop over the dog's head and position it low on the dog's shoulder area so it isn't high around the neck. [8]
    • If your harness has chest pads, these go on the underside of the harness.
    • Overhead harnesses might also be referred to as “standard” harnesses.
    • If you’re using a special no-pull harness, the head loop is most likely the larger loop. The leash buckle is positioned in front of the dog’s chest.
  3. Overhead harnesses often have a closed leg loop on 1 side, with an open loop and a buckle system on the other. Lift the dog’s paw up off the floor and slide it into the closed loop. Then, put your dog’s paw down on the floor. [9]
    • These loops may be either on the left or right of the harness, depending on the product, so consult your owner’s manual if you need clarification.
  4. This effectively turns the strap into a leg loop. Make sure the strap goes under and behind the dog’s leg, which is important for controlling and securing the dog while walking. Then, clip the strap into the other half of the clip, most often located on the back of the harness. [10]
    • Ensure the clip is properly fastened, listening for the distinct “click.”
    • Once the harness is on your dog, they will look like both legs are inserted into side loops.
  5. Slide the adjusters to tighten or loosen straps, as necessary. Make the harness snug, but not so tight that it chafes or digs into your dog’s skin. [11] Pull on the straps to check that the neck hole and leg loops aren't loose enough for your dog to get out of them. Then, check that you can fit 2 fingers under the straps to ensure it's not too snug. [12]
  6. Ideally, your dog will think of putting on their harness as a pleasant, exciting activity. Giving them a treat or 2 every time you fit their harness teaches them to think of the harness positively, making it easier to outfit the dog for future walks. [14]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Attaching a Leash

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  1. Basic harnesses have a leash clip in the back, while training or no-pull harnesses usually have a clip in the front. [15] The clip is typically shaped like the letter “D” and attached to the harness with a sturdy bit of fabric. Only attempt to attach the leash to these clips, since other areas of the harness may break under pressure.
  2. Back-clip harnesses provide a comfortable walking experience for dogs that don’t pull or jump. These harnesses are also safe for little dogs that have small, sensitive necks. [16] Clipping your leash to the back of the harness also reduces tangles while walking.
  3. Using a front-clip on a harness allows you to have more control over your dog, especially if they tend to pull or jump. If your dog tends to lunge, they’ll be spun back to face you. These clips are great for aggressive or overactive dogs. [17]
    • Front-clip leashes are more easily tied up in your dog’s legs. If this happens, stop and untangle the dog.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    I have a Velcro harness for my Pomeranian Puppy. It attaches around her main body and her neck. She seems to not like anything around her neck and bites a lot every time I put on/take it off. What should I do?
    Amateur Progressive reinforcement trainer
    Top Answerer
    As you're putting on the harness/taking it off feed her treats to distract her and teach a new habit of not biting the harness as it is put on/taken off. Eventually you can use less and less treats during the process then reward her after you've taken it off/put it on. However, if the harness is simply irritating/tiresome for her (perhaps due to the Velcro), I suggest you get a new harness that doesn't have this addition.
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      Warnings

      • A harness that is too tight can hurt your dog. Similarly, a loose harness could allow your pup to slip out, making the harness ineffective.
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        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
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      References

      1. ↑ https://topdogtips.com/how-to-put-on-a-dog-harness/
      2. ↑ https://www.petsradar.com/advice/how-to-put-a-dog-harness-on
      3. ↑ https://topdogtips.com/how-to-put-on-a-dog-harness/
      4. ↑ Beverly Ulbrich. Dog Behaviorist & Trainer. Expert Interview. 30 January 2020.
      5. ↑ https://www.petmd.com/dog/training/evr_dg_how-to-properly-put-on-dog-harness
      6. ↑ https://www.petmd.com/dog/training/evr_dg_how-to-properly-put-on-dog-harness
      7. ↑ https://www.petmd.com/dog/training/evr_dg_how-to-properly-put-on-dog-harness
      8. ↑ https://topdogtips.com/how-to-put-on-a-dog-harness/
      9. ↑ https://www.petsradar.com/advice/how-to-put-a-dog-harness-on
      1. ↑ https://www.petsradar.com/advice/how-to-put-a-dog-harness-on
      2. ↑ Beverly Ulbrich. Dog Behaviorist & Trainer. Expert Interview. 30 January 2020.
      3. ↑ https://topdogtips.com/how-to-put-on-a-dog-harness/
      4. ↑ Beverly Ulbrich. Dog Behaviorist & Trainer. Expert Interview. 30 January 2020.
      5. ↑ https://www.petmd.com/dog/training/evr_dg_how-to-properly-put-on-dog-harness
      6. ↑ https://www.allthingsdogs.com/how-to-put-on-a-dog-harness/
      7. ↑ https://www.petmd.com/dog/training/evr_dg_how-to-properly-put-on-dog-harness
      8. ↑ https://www.allthingsdogs.com/how-to-put-on-a-dog-harness/
      9. ↑ Beverly Ulbrich. Dog Behaviorist & Trainer. Expert Interview. 30 January 2020.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To put a step-in harness on your dog, start by laying the harness down on the floor with the straps unbuckled and spread out. If the harness includes a chest cover, position it so it’s flat on the floor with the outside surface facing down. Check that you know which end of the harness goes in front and which goes in back, since this will make it easier for you to put your dog’s feet into the correct loops. Position your dog behind the harness and command it to sit and stay. If your dog doesn’t know how to sit and stay, have another person help you hold the dog in place if possible. Next, guide your dog’s front paws into the correct loops, one at a time. Pull the harness up against your dog’s chest and around its torso, then buckle the straps to secure it in place. If you need to, adjust the straps to tighten or loosen them so they fit your dog better. The straps should be loose enough so that you can fit two fingers between them and your dog’s body, but not so loose that your pup can easily slip out. If you’re using an overhead harness, have your dog sit down facing you. Find the neck hole on the harness and carefully guide it over your dog’s head. Turn the harness so it’s oriented the right way—for instance, if it’s a front-lead harness, check that the D-ring for the leash attachment is in front, over the dog’s chest. If it’s a top-lead harness, the ring should go on top, over your dog’s shoulders. If the harness has a vest or chest-guard, make sure it’s right-side-out. Next, guide your dog’s front paws through the leg loops on either side of the harness, one leg at a time. Pull the straps around your dog’s body and buckle them securely in place. Check to make sure the harness fits your dog firmly but comfortably, and adjust the straps if necessary using the slider buckles. When you’re done, reward your dog with praise and a treat so it will associate the harness with good things. Attach a leash to the D-ring, and you’re ready to take your furry friend for a walk. For tips on how to put an overhead harness on your dog, scroll down!

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