Dog Community

Escalating fear of harness

Posted : 6/9/2006 11:54:21 AM

Our rescued dog (1-2 years old ?) has decided that she won't let us put on her harness for walks any longer.
She started out by wearing the harness pretty well.. She kind of 'froze' when I slipped it over her head. And she walks really well in it. Much much better than when we were walking attached to her collar.
But for the last month she has become more and more shy of it and finally today... she won't even come into the foyer area for me get the harness on her. She actually runs up the stairs to another level of the house.
I decided to tell her "Too bad". "You've blown your walk". I am not going to run after her and chase her down. I am sure that would not help the situation.
Now she is walking around the house whining, as she really wants to walk.
Any advice?
PS- she is a 50 lb Wheaten / Shepherd mix and is a stubborn girl.

cakana

Posted : 6/9/2006 12:55:08 PM

I feel for you cause I have a lab who's the exact same way. Once she decides she doesn't like something, it's impossible to coax her into it. I'd say try using treats, but with my lab, you'd have to feed them non-stop while you were putting the harness on or it would turn into a struggle. My only thought is to have someone help you so that while one is putting it on, the other can give the treats and you can both make a big deal about it (in a fun way). Eventually, she'd learn (hopefully) that it's a good/fun thing and this wouldn't be a problem.

As I said - I really do feel for you - good luck!

fuzzy_dogs_mom

Posted : 6/9/2006 1:19:37 PM

Is it possible that she's grown a little and the harness might need to be readjusted to fit a bit looser?

Joyce

Debra C.

Posted : 6/9/2006 3:32:08 PM

F-D-M;
You think like I do. My first thought was that it must be hurting or pinching or bothering her. It's not.
When my husband came home today, he coaxed her into it and we checked it out. I also asked if maybe he had had a problem getting it on her and had scared her with it, unbeknowst to me?
Nope.
She, like Cathy's lab, just has decided she doesn't like it.