I love taking my 2yr old blm on rides in my Jeep with the top and doors off. But getting the harness on him is a challenge. Getting it on is a bit hard but taking it off is another story. He fights it all the way and I have been bloody a couple of times after getting it off of him. I have tried leaving the harness on him for awhile so he can get used to it being on him but that hasn’t helped much. Can anyone give me some tips on doing this so I can enjoy bringing my buddy along with me on rides?
Hi @Mag44 try using a special tug toy. He only gets the tug toy when you are taking the harness off. Otherwise it is put away. I suggest you put the harness on for 1 second. Then take it off. Yes plus tug toy. Next day try 2 seconds. Then take it off. Yes plus tug toy. Slowly work up to longer periods rather than just leaving it on for long periods. You might need another person to assist you. One to deal with the harness while you direct his mouth to the tug toy. But this step is for later on. First you have to change his attitude towards the harness or wearing it. You may have to initially just treat him for being calm when you hold it in your hand in his presence for one second. Next time two seconds. Next time 5 seconds. Watch his body language so that you are treating for calmness in the presence of the harness. You may have to use distance to calm him. Offer him treats while he is wearing it as long as he is not trying to destroy it or your hands. Please check that the harness is not changing his gait or pinching him. Does he act so, with all harnesses?
What sort of harness are you using? Is it a specific car harness or just a regular harness you are clipping into the seat belt thing with an adaptor? I would highly recommend you look at a harness like the Perfect Fit, which unclips around the neck as well as around the waist. That way, you can put it on like a collar around the dog's neck, and it doesn't need to go over the head - which is usually the bit the dogs hate. I highly recommend the 40mm width for the majority of labs, it is wide and really comfy soft fleece.... If you need additional help after that, look at these videos:
