Harness

[rampz]

Our Alkin was not happy when we put the harness on him in order for him to get used to it. The second time we tried to put it on, after securing it on him, I quickly picked him up and brought him outside. Now after about 2 months of using the harness, he associates it with going outside (which he loves to do). In fact, when I call him and say “Alkin, want to go outside?”, he comes running to me from any part of the house, jumps on high stool to wait for me to put the harness on him. I attach the leash to the harness and let him run around the yard with the leash dragging after him. He has the freedom and is getting more used to the harness, at the same time I can see the end of the leash especially if he is in the bushes that surround are gated property. It certainly helped with our 1st of many more to come trips to Petco and other outings. I do have to say that finding a comfortable and secure harness is important. We ordered ours from Lori Greer.

Now, getting used to the car ride is another story...

 

[MM3]

Emma walks on a leash. In her first few weeks we allowed her to get acquainted to us and sourroundings since she was not socialized as the breeder claimed. I made what I call a template harness out of old t-shirts. Using the harness as a guide. As far as shape and style. ( i tried the walking jacket and it was too constricting for her.) I'd put it on her on and off during the day. And as time went by less off and more on. Then made another template with a slightly heavier fabric then followed the same routine. On and off ... on and off. I can't remember the time frame but you'll know every furbaby will be different. When they begin to feel comfortable with it on, let it be for a period of time them go n to the next phase. I took my time and created this regiment on my own. I knew I'd need to be extremely patient. Buy knowing that once she got it, it would all pay off! The 3rd phase was the harness. Now in all these phases we did not venture outside.
Did the same routine with the actual harness. Once she felt comfortable with it on and was wearing it most of the day then we began going outside. Short walks at first then longer ones. Now she'll sit by the door and wait for me to get her harness and put it on her. Since I started training her right from the start, she doesn't know anything different. She does awesome.