Sense-Ation Dog Harness Instructions

If your dog pulls you along the sidewalk when she's on a leash, getting her to stop will make walks much more enjoyable for you. A harness can give you better and safer control over her movements than pulling on a leash attached to her collar. The Sense-ation dog harness provides a humane way for you to train your dog to walk calmly. The harness works by stimulating your dog's sense of touch when she feels pressure, which encourages her to follow the leash. Knowing how to use the harness correctly can make training easier.

  1. Proper Fit

    • Ensuring a good fit will make walking comfortable for your dog. A tight fit restricts your dog's front legs and shoulders while he moves. To put the harness on, open the snap buckle on the bottom strap and hold the top strap with your right hand. Put the top strap over your dog's head and onto his back while facing him. The front strap should rest against his chest and the label should be on his left side. Use the slider on the top strap to adjust the side rings so that they are midway between your dog's back and belly. Use the slider on the bottom strap to tighten the harness. Close the snap buckle with your left hand and have your dog sit. You should be able to put one finger under the bottom strap. If the strap is too tight or loose, use the slider on the bottom strap to readjust. Use the sliders on both sides of the front strap to adjust it so that the leash ring rests against your dog's breastbone. The strap should be horizontal when your dog is sitting and when you're holding up the leash. Loosen the front strap if it's horizontal when your dog is standing and make sure the side rings are higher than the leash ring.

    Using the Harness

    • Attach the leash to the top of the leash ring and to your dog's collar ring until she gets used to the harness. This prevents your dog from chewing the front strap and makes it easier for you to control her if she lunges or pulls. Begin with short sessions in a calm environment and gradually work toward longer walks. Use gentle movements when pulling your dog's leash and avoid pulling backwards, which will cause her to strain forward and resist your pulls. Hold the leash so that there is slight tension on it, which will stop your dog from darting ahead of you. You can hold the leash loosely when your dog is more familiar with the harness.

    Starting Off

    • When starting off, stand in front of your dog, hold the leash and call her to get her to follow you. Move to the right and pull the leash toward you. Stop walking when your dog reaches you, praise her and give her a treat. Take a few steps forward while keeping your dog close to you. Stop moving and reward her if she walks beside you and stops with you. While facing your dog and pulling up on the leash, have her sit. Loosen your hold on the leash and give her a reward. To get your dog's attention, have her on your left side and let the leash rest on the left side of her neck and across the back of it. Tighten your hold on the leash slightly and let your dog move forward. Follow behind her for a few steps and reward her when she turns in your direction. With your dog on your left side, pull the leash to the right to get her to turn in that direction. For left turns, your dog should be on your left side. Have the leash rest on the right side of her neck and move it to the left. To use the harness without a leash, hold the front strap on either side and pull it in the direction you want to turn.