Instructions for Dog Harnesses

Walking a dog does not have to be stressful or put the pet at risk for a neck or spine injury. Walking a dog means providing the pet with a stimulating, healthy experience and by using a dog harness, (rather than a collar) the pet is more likely to greet such exercise with obedience, while allowing the owner to keep better control over the walking experience. Before the walking begins, dog lovers' will need to understand how to fit the harness properly, to prevent hindrance of the pet's mobility.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog
  • Dog scale
  • Measuring tape
  • Dog harness
  • Dog biscuits
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Instructions

    • 1

      Figure what size harness the dog requires. Weigh the dog either with a dog scale or at the veterinarian's office. Obtain an accurate measurement of the dog's neck with a measuring tape.

    • 2

      Bring the dog along when shopping for a harness. By taking the pet along, the dog owner can be sure to test the harness before purchase, saving time and unnecessary trips to the store, in addition to preventing undue stress on the animal.

    • 3

      Offer encouragement when attempting to fit the harnesses on the dog to relieve anxiety. Command the dog to sit. Offer the dog a biscuit for submission, while presenting the harness.

    • 4

      Inspect the harness closely by holding the harness with both hands in front of you---notice the two metallic circles and two pieces of cloth uniting the harness in one piece. Snap the buckle closed.

    • 5

      Offer the dog another biscuit for continued compliance, and then move behind the pet. Squat down and lay the harness on your knees. Maneuver the harness until the closed circle is closest to your stomach and the buckle is closest to your knees. The metal ring on the bucket should face upward.

    • 6

      Continue to offer encouragement to the dog, while moving forward to position your legs with ease on each side of your pet to prevent struggle.

    • 7

      Ensure the harness has not strayed from the position when originally draped across your knees. Then, gently lift the harness and slide it over the dog's head, simultaneously pulling the metallic ring to the middle of the dog's back.

    • 8

      Gently lift up the dog's right, front leg and put it through the hole on the right side of the harness, ensuring the metallic ring stays on center on the pets back.

    • 9

      Using your left hand, stretch around the dog and grasp under his or her left leg. Draw both sides of the buckle together and buckle behind the left leg, forming a capital "I" on the back and belly of the dog.

    • 10

      Align the straps of the harness to secure a snug (but not tight) conformity to the dog's torso. With the adjustments, test the fit by ensuring two fingers can fit between the body and the harness. Offer your dog another biscuit for appropriately complying with the harness fitting.