How to Put on a Dog Harness: 3 Types of Harness

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Learning how to put on a dog harness is an important skill for every dog owner. A harness helps keep your dog safe and comfortable during walks. It also gives you better control when your dog pulls or gets excited outside.

Many dog owners wonder if they should use a harness or a collar. A collar puts pressure on your dog's neck, which can cause pain or breathing problems. When you learn how to put on a dog harness correctly, you help protect your dog's neck and throat from injury.

In this article, we will talk about how to put on a dog harness for 3 different styles of harness. We will also share about types of dog harness and tips to choose the best one for your dog. We gathered the information from various sources, Tuesday (13/1/2025).

Before we talk about how to put on a dog harness, let's talk about the different styles you can choose from. Each type works best for different dogs and situations.

Back-Clip Harness

This harness has a ring on the back where you attach the leash. It works well for small dogs and calm dogs that don't pull much. The design is simple and easy to put on your dog.

Front-Clip Harness

Also called a no-pull harness, this style has the leash ring on the chest area. When your dog pulls forward, the harness turns them back toward you. This helps stop pulling behavior and makes training easier.

Step-In Harness

With this type, your dog steps into two loops with their front legs. Then you lift it up and buckle it on their back. It covers more of your dog's body and often has soft padding for comfort.

Head Collar Harness

This harness fits around your dog's nose and head, similar to a horse halter. It controls your dog by guiding their head direction. This type needs careful introduction and training to use safely.

Choosing the right harness makes it much easier when you need to put on a dog harness. Here are important things to think about before buying.

Measure Your Dog First

Use a soft measuring tape to measure around your dog's chest. Measure behind the front legs where the chest is widest. Write down this number before shopping. Most harness products include size charts to help you pick the correct size.

Check the Material

Look for soft, comfortable materials that won't rub your dog's skin. Padded straps work well for dogs with sensitive skin. Breathable mesh fabric is good for hot weather walks.

Consider Your Dog's Behavior

Does your dog pull hard on walks? Choose a front-clip harness. Does your dog walk calmly? A back-clip harness might be enough. Think about your dog's walking habits when selecting a style.

Look for Adjustable Straps

A good harness has straps you can adjust to fit your dog perfectly. You should be able to fit two fingers between the strap and your dog's body. This ensures comfort without being too loose.

Test the Buckles

Make sure all buckles are strong and easy to open and close. Weak buckles can break during walks and let your dog escape.

A back-clip harness is one of the most common styles. Here's how to put on a dog harness of this type correctly.

Step 1: Prepare the Harness

Unbuckle all the straps on the harness. Hold it with the D-ring (the metal loop) facing up toward the ceiling. This helps you see which side goes on top.

Step 2: Put It Over Your Dog's Head

Slip the harness over your dog's head. The wider loop goes around the chest first. The narrower loop goes around the neck. Take your time if your dog feels nervous.

Step 3: Insert One Leg

Guide one of your dog's front legs through a leg hole. That leg should now be between the chest loop and the neck loop. Support your dog gently during this step.

Step 4: Buckle the Other Side

Reach under your dog's belly to find the loose strap. Pull it around and buckle it closed. Now both front legs should be between the chest and neck loops.

Step 5: Adjust for Comfort

Tighten or loosen the straps until the harness fits well. Check that you can slide two fingers under each strap. The harness should not move around too much when your dog walks.

Step 6: Attach the Leash

Connect your leash to the D-ring on your dog's back. You are now ready for a walk.

Learning how to put on a dog harness with a front clip helps control pulling behavior. Follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Unbuckle Everything

Open all the buckles on the harness before starting. This makes it easier to put on your dog without forcing anything.

Step 2: Place Over the Head

Put the harness over your dog's head. Make sure the front clip sits in the center of your dog's chest. The straps should hang down on both sides.

Step 3: Drape the Straps

Let the straps fall naturally over your dog's body. They should wrap around your dog's chest and middle section. One strap goes on each side.

Step 4: Reach and Buckle

Reach under your dog's front legs to grab the straps on the other side. Pull them through and connect the buckles together. You might need to bend down to do this comfortably.

Step 5: Adjust the Fit

Make the straps tighter or looser as needed. The harness should feel snug but not tight. Your dog should breathe easily and move their legs freely.

Step 6: Connect Your Leash

Attach your leash to the front clip on your dog's chest. This attachment point helps redirect your dog when they try to pull forward.

A step-in style requires your dog to participate more. Here's how to put on a dog harness when it's a step-in design.

Step 1: Lay It Flat

Put the harness on the ground in front of your dog. Lay it completely flat so you can see both leg loops clearly. The buckles should face up.

Step 2: Position Your Dog

Guide your dog to stand over the harness. Their front legs should be close to the two loops. Use treats to encourage your dog if needed.

Step 3: Place the Legs

Help your dog step into each loop with their front legs. One leg goes in each hole. Make sure each leg is fully inside its loop.

Step 4: Lift the Harness

Pull the harness up around your dog's belly. The straps should come up on both sides of your dog's body. Hold it in place while you buckle it.

Step 5: Fasten the Buckles

Connect all the buckles on your dog's back. Push them closed until you hear or feel a click. Pull gently to make sure they're secure.

Step 6: Make Final Adjustments

Adjust all the straps for a perfect fit. Check under your dog's legs for any rubbing. The D-ring should sit in the middle of your dog's back.

Step 7: Add the Leash

Clip your leash to the D-ring on the back. Check the harness one more time before walking. Your dog is now ready to go outside safely.