How to Keep a Harness on a Chihuahua

Harnesses are training tools that can decrease leash-pulling. Unfortunately, the small size of a chihuahua can make keeping a harness on difficult. The fearful disposition of many chihuahuas can also make getting the harness on the dog in the first place a challenge. With a bit of planning, however, keeping a harness on your chihuahua becomes a simple task.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a harness that is the right size. Many harness difficulties are due to an improperly sized harness. Harnesses are labeled according to the weight of the animal, so make sure you choose one that is designed for your chihuahua.

    • 2

      Desensitize your chihuahua to the harness. Harnesses can be intimidating to fearful dogs, so it's best to ease your dog into wearing it. Start by showing your dog the harness and giving it a treat. Progress to encouraging your chihuahua to touch the harness with its nose and give a treat for this as well. Then place the harness on your chihuahua for a few seconds without buckling it. Over the course of a week or two, you should be able to use treats to get your chihuahua to accept the harness.

    • 3

      Buckle the harness correctly. A properly fitted harness fits snugly against the skin without pinching. There should be no room for your dog to stick a paw through a strap. You should be able to place your pinky finger underneath each strap. Any looser is too loose to stay on, and any tighter is too tight for your dog to be comfortable.