Training Rant, don't know what else to do.
 

So Harley is petrified of his harness. I don't get it. I have no idea what I did to get him like that, but he has made such a negative association with his harness that today I started at 9 to get him ready for his 11:00 vet appointment (20 min drive) I figured I'd take him for a walk cause it was nice and maybe do some training on the sidewalk by the vets if we got there early (cause we're in agility foundation classes).

I started by playing tug, then I gave him the harness on the floor. I gave him a treat and said "good" every time he walked near it. Then I touched it and lured him towards it, said "good" and got one attempted then he ran and hid. I tried letting him in the full apartment and played a few tug games and then tried a recall (the harness was not anywhere near me) and he wouldn't come near me, he ran and hid. by 10 I got frustrated, I sat down and wrote an e-mail to my trainer. I walked away and ignored him. he jumped on my lap and cuddled, but the second I got up he hid again. I ended up scooping him out of his crate and putting the harness on, so that we could go to the vet at 10:30.

Trainer suggested I video tape it, so she can see it, and suggested I buy a completely new harness. I know he really hates the act of pushing his head through it. So I think I'll try and find one that clips in the back. What do you all think?

That was exactly my first thought, is it the kind of harness you have to put his head through? Try a step in harness instead. The Buddy belts are so easy to put on, I love them.

Does the buddy belt restrict their movement? We're doing agility and I'm nervous that he wouldn't be able to run a course in something like that.

I can't find any step ins that aren't just straps... *UGH* I really like the make of his current harness, I just don't like the fact that he has to put his head through, I don't understand why I can't buy a harness that is identical except with two clips instead of one.

(sorry just needed to get that grumble out, I just called 10 pet stores and none of them carry what I'm looking for. one carries the buddy belt).

I don't think the BB restricts their movement at all. Uni is pretty agile and it doesn't bother her at all. However, I will say, that we bought ours used, so it was already soft and worn in. There is an initial breaking in period with the BB since they are leather.

Is there something about the straps you don't like, I mean do you think they won't be supportive or do you mean just the type of harness that is not ideal?
The step ins are great, you just lay it down, "step" each foot into the holes where the arms go, then lift it up and clip and attach lead :)
Have you looked at Chattiesmoms' (she is a member here) harnesses? A lot of members here love em!!! We have them and the babies have never had any issues with them.

oops, forgot to link! http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...-foxypups.html

I have almost admitted defeat, in trying to look for one like my harness. I just really like his current harness and feel very comfortable with it, it's a real shame that he is so scared of it. I talked to my coach and she said that the strappy ones should be fine, I just wanted to try to find the most comfortable option for him so that he doesn't get scared or uncomfortable in the new one.

I've found two places that make custom ones, but I'm absolutely broke right now.

So I think I'll end up going with the cheap strap step in ones... I just really hope I can get him to at least tolerate this one.