HELP! First time use of harness! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

KathyK09 · 03-03-2008, 09:18 AM

Hello!
We bought a harness for 15 wk old Mariah. We were so excited because we really want to start taking her outside and for walks....but she HATES it! She completely freaks out.

Even though we bought the absolute smallest one, she can lay on her back and bite it. That's all she does - is lay on her back, roll, biting the harness.

We have tried putting it on her multiple times and distracting her with play, etc. but she just ignores us and lays on her back, rolling and biting the harness till we take it off.

Will she eventually get used to it? She can get her mouth around it and I'm afraid if we leave it on for any length of time she will hurt herself or get her mouth stuck on it.

I would appreciate any advice!

Yorkiedaze · 03-03-2008, 11:17 AM

Get a ferret harness from Petco. It's like a little mesh vest harness and so light she will hardly feel it. Let her get use to wearing that, about 5 minutes three times a day, then attach a leash and let "her" lead the way around the back yard till she's use to feeling a slight tug once in awhile.

yorkieusa · 03-03-2008, 11:23 AM

Yes, they should be comfortable, but...you just have to be patient. The first time I put a harness on Kacee (we were already outside). I set her on the grass and she went in ten directions at the same time!

It didn't take long for her to get used to it. Walking is her first and most important priority now. Just keep encouraging her. Don't let her make the decision on whether to walk or not. Take her out and set her down.

I get dirty looks now if I don't take Kacee when she expects her walk.

03-03-2008, 09:18 AM	#1
KathyK09 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Northeast WI Posts: 97	HELP! First time use of harness! Hello! We bought a harness for 15 wk old Mariah. We were so excited because we really want to start taking her outside and for walks....but she HATES it! She completely freaks out. Even though we bought the absolute smallest one, she can lay on her back and bite it. That's all she does - is lay on her back, roll, biting the harness. We have tried putting it on her multiple times and distracting her with play, etc. but she just ignores us and lays on her back, rolling and biting the harness till we take it off. Will she eventually get used to it? She can get her mouth around it and I'm afraid if we leave it on for any length of time she will hurt herself or get her mouth stuck on it. I would appreciate any advice!

03-03-2008, 11:23 AM	#3
yorkieusa Crazy about Kacee! Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 21,173	Yes, they should be comfortable, but...you just have to be patient. The first time I put a harness on Kacee (we were already outside). I set her on the grass and she went in ten directions at the same time! It didn't take long for her to get used to it. Walking is her first and most important priority now. Just keep encouraging her. Don't let her make the decision on whether to walk or not. Take her out and set her down. I get dirty looks now if I don't take Kacee when she expects her walk. __________________ Karen Kacee Muffin 1991-2005 Rest in Peace My Little Angel

03-03-2008, 11:17 AM	#2
Yorkiedaze My hairy-legged girls Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: lompoc, ca. Posts: 12,228	Get a ferret harness from Petco. It's like a little mesh vest harness and so light she will hardly feel it. Let her get use to wearing that, about 5 minutes three times a day, then attach a leash and let "her" lead the way around the back yard till she's use to feeling a slight tug once in awhile.