How to Make a Small Dog Harness

For a smaller dog, too frail or small for a leash, a body harness fits around the dog's chest and shoulders. A body harness can also be suitable for large dogs that pull aggressively.

Things You'll Need

  • 3/4 inch wide nylon cord
  • Water-resistant fabric
  • Padding
  • Adhesive
  • Scissors
  • Needle
  • Thread
  • Sewing tape measure
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the dog's neck and chest and add length to fit the dog's comfort.

    • 2

      Measure from the base of the dog's neck or where the top of the harness will be down through the front legs, returning up to the middle of the dog's back.

    • 3

      Cut two nylon strips the length of the second measure. Attach one end from both strips together at the base of the dog's neck with a paper clip. Loop the ends around, down through the front legs. Take one end around the dog's left side, the other around the right side. Connect the two ends with a paper clip towards the middle of the dog's back. Adjust for comfort, and mark with a pen where the ends are connected.

    • 4

      Measure from the back of the dog's neck, making a 90 degree angle with one of the strips from the first measure, toward the nylon strip running up the dog's back. Adjust for comfort and mark the two strip's connection.

    • 5

      Measure from the connection at the base of the dog's neck to the rear connection.

    • 6

      Remove nylon pattern from dog. Sew together all points of connection. Use thick thread and double the seam.

    • 7

      Sew together the neck loop on the front piece, using the neck measurement.

    • 8

      Fit padding to the front piece with adhesive. Wrap the padding and nylon connection with fabric and sew a seam on the outer edge.

    • 9

      At back connection, sew on a loop or desired leash connection.