Why does my dog hate their harness?

A troubleshooting guide for confused dog parents

Does this sound familiar? It’s time for walkies and your fur-baby is super excited and can't wait to get outside and explore, but as soon as you bring out the harness everything changes. They look sad or go stiff, maybe they run away altogether and now you're involved in a game of catch me if you can. But when you have finally wrangled your rover into their gear and head outside it’s like nothing has happened, their tail’s wagging, they're sniffing their favourite spots and they seem happy as Larry, leaving you confused as to what all the fuss was about?  

You’re not alone! Many dog owners struggle with very similar issues, and it’s not always just a case of “my dog is just being dramatic.” The truth is, if your pup resists their harness, they might be trying to tell you something.

There are lots of different reasons that could be contributing to hate towards a harness or a combination of them so let’s break it down and figure out what might be going on!

Does my dog's harness fit properly?

This is probably the most obvious issue that’s worth checking to see if we can fix the problem with a quick harness adjustment. For a happy and safe pup on walks, a good-fitting harness is key. The best way to check if your harness is right is to take a close look at how it sits on them. Check for any spots where it's too snug or too baggy. The chest and shoulders are super important for a comfy and secure fit, so pay extra attention there. You should be able to get 2 fingers comfortably between all the straps on the harness and your dog's body, you should feel some tension but nothing too tight. If you feel no tension at all then your harness is probably too loose and this can be just as problematic as a harness that’s too tight. Often, just tweaking the straps a bit does the trick, you should regularly check the fit of your dogs harness especially if they are still growing. If your harness doesn’t have a good amount of adjustability, then it might be time to consider a different style of harness so you can ensure the correct fit. Choosing a harness that can be adjusted at all 4 straps will provide you with the best fit for your pooch and allows you the flexibility to make any small adjustments as you need them.

An example of a dog wearing a harness that's too loose

Does my dog need a different style of harness?

There are so many styles of dog harness on the market these days and it’s worth remembering that what works for one pup might not work for another. Think about your dog's specific needs and build when you're picking one out. Just because a style is trending, doesn't mean it's the right fit for your furry friend.

So to help you here’s a quick and easy checklist you can use to help identify if you have the right style for your pup.

1. Does the harness dig into your dog’s armpits?

   This is often the most common issue with a harness that's the wrong style or fit. There should be plenty of space between your dog’s armpit and the chest strap. If there isn't, you might want to consider a harness that has a longer body piece.
   

2. Does the neck strap cut across your dog’s shoulders?
   

   Popular styles like Julius k9 are a style of harness where the main neck strap sits directly over many dog’s shoulders. If the fit isn’t quite right this can cause restricted and uncomfortable movement especially if your dog is strong. You want to make sure the harness allows full movement of your dog’s natural motion for optimum comfort.
   

3. Does the harness have to go over your dog’s head?

   Some dogs, especially nervous, reactive or rescue dogs can have an issue with things being placed over their heads. If this is the case for you it might be better to choose a harness that opens at the neck so you can avoid any stress when getting ready for a walk.

These are the three best things to check to make sure you are getting the most comfortable style of dog harness for your dog. But what if your dog’s harness is the right style and the right fit but they still aren’t keen on getting ready for walkies? 

An example of a dog wearing a harness that restricts their shoulder movement and digs into their armpits

An example of a two dogs wearing a harness that restricts their shoulder movement

Is my dog scared of their harness?

Now this might sound silly to us as we know a harness means no harm. But dog behaviour can be quite complex at times and easily misunderstood. If you have ruled out any issues with fit and comfort the next thing to think about is your dog’s perception of their harness. Do they have a positive association with you putting a harness on them? How did you introduce your dog to their harness? These questions can offer some key insights into why your dog might be behaving strangely with their harness. Don’t worry if you think that your dog might be a bit scared of the process of putting on a harness as it’s never too late to start creating a positive association and help them to understand the harness is not harmful but brings all the good things they love plus a walk outside.

To start helping your pooch love their harness you want to pair it with something they love, their favourite toy or irresistible treat or even praise and belly rubs!  Take it extremely slowly, the first time you do this the goal is not to get your dog in the harness but just get them used to when the harness appears they get something good.

Here’s a simple step by step activity you can do at home with your dog.

• Step 1:

  Decide whether you’re using treats or toys and gather a whole bunch to help you. Sit on the floor with the dog harness behind you out of sight to your dog.

  
  

• Step 2:

  Get your dog’s attention and ask them to sit in front of you and reward them.

  
  

• Step 3: 

  Next show your harness to your dog slowly, and before they have time to run away or react negatively, say Yes! Clearly and enthusiastically and then reward them straight away with a treat, or a game of tug or a ball throw hiding the harness out of sight again at the same time.

  
  

• Step 4:

  Repeat steps 2 & 3 until you can bring the harness all the way out in front of your dog on the floor in front of you without them reacting negatively. The outcome is that when they see the harness they expect something good to happen. 

When you have completed this exercise and your dog is happy to see their harness then you can repeat this exercise until you can get the harness all the way on and done up. Take this slowly and one step at a time, it might happen quickly or your dog might take more time, every dog is different so listen to them and go at a pace that they are comfortable with.

If you are still having trouble the best thing to do is seek help from a dog behaviourist to help you navigate how to harness your dog safely.

Creating a positive association with their harness helps build trust.

How to get your dog to love their harness: A summary

If your pup is resisting their harness, they’re trying to tell you something! Whether it’s discomfort, confusion, or just a simple preference, taking the time to figure out the issue can make all the difference.

✔ Check the fit 

✔ Consider a different style 

✔ Take things slow and use positive reinforcement

At the end of the day, your dog’s comfort and happiness are what matter most. And if you’re looking for a stylish, well-fitting harness that won’t cause any of these problems—we’ve got you covered. Check out our collection and find the perfect match for your pup today!

Got a funny or frustrating harness story? Or a question about how to help your dog love their harness? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear it!