Struggling with your dog's harness troubles? This coach's easy tips could be your solution
Juliana DeWillems, the owner and head trainer at JW Dog Training & Behavior, offers valuable insights on getting dogs more comfortable with harnesses. DeWillems is working with a dog who doesn't enjoy wearing a harness, and her approach aims to eliminate or reduce the pressure the dog feels to interact with the harness.
DeWillems' training method encourages the dog to choose to engage with the harness on its own terms. She rewards the dog for looking at or moving towards the harness, and occasionally tosses treats away from the harness during the training session. At times, she also moves away from the dog every few reps during the session.
DeWillems is a professional dog trainer with expertise in canine behavior and training, providing advice on helping dogs adjust to wearing protective collars. One harness she recommends is the Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness Nylon Reflective No Pull Dog Harness. This sturdy, easy-to-use harness features a breathable lining for comfort, reflective chest straps, and side labels for maximum visibility. It's available for purchase at Chewy for $36.
However, it's important to note that the tightness of a harness can affect a dog's willingness to wear it in the future. DeWillems stresses the importance of working at the dog's pace to build trust and avoid pushing the dog beyond its ability to cope.
While it is possible to leave a harness on a dog on occasion, leaving a harness on a dog all the time can pose risks. It's not recommended to leave the dog unsupervised in its harness for too long, as the risks of leaving a harness on a dog for too long are not specified.
In cases where it's not possible to work with the dog's harness, DeWillems uses a flat collar instead. Her ultimate goal is to eliminate or reduce negative associations the dog might have with the harness, making walks and outings more enjoyable for both the dog and its owner.
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