2006-12-05 13:31:10 · 11 answers · asked by spal 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
My puppy is 8 months old, and he totally change when i put his harness or halter on. I call him to play, but he does not want to. He just lies down and fall asleep or whines.... how can help him to get used to it?
2006-12-05 13:33:17 · update #1
He has to get used to it, like he got used to his collar. When you walk him, use the collar, but stick on his harness before the leash and walk him like that. Soon he might realized harness and halter= walk and you won't need the collar and leash.
2006-12-05 13:33:38 · answer #1 · answered by Judgerz 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is the harness hurting him? Does it pinch anywhere? Is it too tight? Does he have a sore on his body that would interfere with the harness? When you walk him with it, does he pull or do you pull on it? Both of those things hurt even in harnesses, and would definately make him not want to wear it. I would suggest making sure it fits properly and it doesn't hurt him, teach him the word "harness" and give it a positive association. Put the harness on the pup (making sure it is soft, smooth, and not too tight) and as soon as you put it on, give him tons of praise, treats, and just act happy. After a minute, take it off and go about your buisness, no play, no treats, just be as boring as you possibly can. After about 10-20 minutes (depending on how the dog reacted to the harness on, if he acted worried, wait longer, if it was no big deal, the a shorter amount of time is appropriate), call him over, say "harness" and put it on him, "good harness" and play, and act like he just saved the world, treats, praise, jump around. Make the time he spends in the harness the best time hes ever had. Continue increasing the time he spends in the harness, do no more than perhaps 4 or 5 sessions a day. Soon he will equate the harness with a realllllly fun time and will be happy to put it on. I also suggest teaching him proper leash manners (with positive reinforcement, not negative) so all the time he spends in the harness is a good time for him.
2006-12-05 21:43:34 · answer #2 · answered by Kamikaze 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you take his harness off when he whines and complains, you're rewarding that "I don't wanna" behavior. You want to change his attitude about his harness - I agree that creating positive associations with the harness is important for you to do right now!
Don't be stingy with the rewards when he's wearing the harness - this would be the time for the chicken, cheese, liver bits, etc.
2006-12-05 21:59:02 · answer #3 · answered by Misa M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let him get used to the harness. Have him wear it for about 5 to 10 minuets a day untill he get so comfordable with it he won't even notice it is there.
Maybe something is bothering him or the halter isn't in the place he wants it to be in.
2006-12-05 21:36:19 · answer #4 · answered by whiz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have tohave patience. Let him keepwearing it call him and then reward him with treats. He'll get the idea. Just talk to him in a calm voice. Good Luck
2006-12-05 21:43:35 · answer #5 · answered by thmsnbrgll 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make it lose he feels trapped and only put it on him when he is being walked or on a chain(not recommended) dont make him play in it. wait untl he is 1 for full time use.
2006-12-05 21:35:50 · answer #6 · answered by penny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should have got him used to it way before 8 months old...
i started getting my cat used to it at 4 months!
2006-12-05 21:34:05 · answer #7 · answered by emily woods 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most dogs hate them. Put a regular buckle collar on him.
2006-12-05 22:15:28 · answer #8 · answered by whpptwmn 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Leave it on and be patiant he will get used to it and it will soon be as a second skin.
2006-12-05 21:36:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
uh mabey it is to big or to small if not that IDK I foster puppies but never had that prob
2006-12-05 21:36:45 · answer #10 · answered by girly girl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋