Harness Mayhem

Discussion in 'Labrador Puppies' started by LoopyLuna, Aug 17, 2018.

  1. LoopyLuna

    LoopyLuna Registered Users

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    Does anyone have any advice for us please? Our 4 month old is terrible to get into or out of a harness. We can't work out whether it's over excitement or that she dislikes it. We've tried the over the head type and the step in type, but she will either bite us as we try to put it on (it's not like play biting but more jaws around arm snapping) or she'll get hold of the harness and chew and tug on it so it's impossible to do it up (almost like it's a game). If she gets hold of it completely then she'll run around the room with it in her mouth and never give it back.

    I've seen the Kikopup video but this just doesn't work for us as she'll treat it like a chew toy. We're a bit lost as to what to do as we can't transport her in the car or take her for walks (she's a puller) unless we can resolve this.
     
  2. Stew

    Stew Registered Users

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    Luna does sound a bit Loopy.. :)

    I'm not sure i'm thinking of the same video but Emily introduces the harness and uses a clicker to mark desirable behaviour, initially it's sniffing and not biting the harness, Have you tried that? Do you use a clicker?

    We had this problem when Ziggy was very small but we used this technique to work round it.

    If this is getting you nowhere, how about distracting her with an actual chew toy, clip the harness on and give her lots of praise/treats?
     
  3. SwampDonkey

    SwampDonkey Registered Users

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    Is there a treat she really likes that take a while to eat?, If there is give her one at the same time put the harness on. If she's quick give her 2 or stream the treats. Get her food bowl out for her meal out her food in let her see the bowl and while she's destracted put the harness on. Give her her food as soon as the harness is on. Just keep doing it until she ok. Shes young and it can take awhile just be patient it all gets better with time. Just keep distracting her. It's s problem which most of us have with young dogs. They want to put things in their mouths distracting with food works. You can also get the harness and teach her to not be too interested in it by distracting with food . If she looks at it or tries to get it distract her away with food. It takes time don't get stressed about it she'll get stress too. It's a maturity thing young dogs are silly.
     
    Saffy/isla and Cath like this.
  4. Keithmac

    Keithmac Registered Users

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    Our pup was the same but luckily she grew out of it within a month, nownas soon as harness is on she sits by the front door ready for walkies!.
     
  5. Saffy/isla

    Saffy/isla Registered Users

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    Hi my girl was the same and hated the harness,it took ages to get it on her,she did all the same things as your pup,but now a month on and it's a doddle,so hang on in there be patient with lots of rewards for Luna and it will pass
     
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